DE-NT0005666

Goal
The overall goal of this project is gain a better understanding of methane degradation and methane-degrading microbes in order to improve predictive models of methane fluxes in the Arctic.

Performer
University of Delaware, College of Marine and Earth Studies, Lewes, DE 19968

Map of proposed study area. The area boxed in red is the main region to be sampled.

Background
The global net flux of methane from methane hydrates and other sources to the atmosphere depends on methane degradation as well as methane production and release from geological sources. Predictive models need a better understanding of methane degradation and the affects of environmental factors and climate change on degradation processes. Though a few direct estimates of methane degradation exists they are insufficient to assess overall methane fluxes and complicate efforts to understand changes in these fluxes due to climate change, especially in sensitive environments like the Arctic. In addition to better rate estimates, more information is needed about the microbes responsible for methane degradation. A better understanding of these methane-degrading microbes (methanotrophs) and the mechanisms controlling their activity is crucial for improving predictive models of methane fluxes to the atmosphere.

This project will estimate rates of methane degradation and examine methanotrophic microbes present in Arctic coastal sediments and the water column. Because of their large reservoirs of methane and methane hydrates and its sensitivity to climate change, Arctic coastal oceans are an important potential contributor to climate change. In addition to direct effects of temperature on methane hydrate stability, increasing temperatures has contributed to decreasing sea ice in the Arctic over the last decade which could lead to even higher methane fluxes to the atmosphere in the near future. This project will help to fill in critical gaps in our understanding of methane fluxes in a climate-sensitive environment, the Arctic.

Potential Impacts
The results of this work should help improve models for predicting methane fluxes in a globally changing environment. The proposed work will add substantially to the data set on methane degradation rate estimates and molecular characterization of methanotrophic microbes. Both types of data are not extensive in any environment, but the Arctic is especially under sampled even thought the presence of large methane reserves are well-known.

Accomplishments
This award began October 1, 2008 and on December 9, 2008 the principal investigator attended a project kick-off meeting at NETL in Morgantown, WV. Planning activities for the summer arctic excursion are underway and a sampling and analysis plan is being prepared.

Current Status
In the first year of this award work will focus on cruise logistics and planning including the development of a data collection and sampling plan in preparation for a planned August 2009 field expedition. The field work will take advantage of a research expedition organized by the Naval Research Laboratory in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other institutions.

Project Start: October 1, 2008
Project End: September 30, 2010

Project Cost Information:
Phase 1: DOE Contribution: $154,410, Performer Contribution: $41,828
Phase 2: DOE Contribution: $117,883, Performer Contribution: $43,556
Planned Total Funding (if project continues through all project phases):
DOE Contribution: $272,293, Performer Contribution: $85,384

Contact Information:
NETL - Robert Vagnetti (Robert.Vagnetti@netl.doe.gov or 304-285-1334)
University of Delaware – Dr. David L. Kirchman (kirchman@udel.edu or 302-645-4375)

Additional Information:

Kick-off Meeting Presentation [PDF - 1.58MB] - December, 2008