Thermogenic methane beneath the North Greenland Ice Sheet revealed by isotopic and geological evidence
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Glacial meltwater has been increasingly recognised as a potential source of atmospheric methane, yet its origin and variability in the High Arctic remain poorly constrained. In this study, we present measurements of methane concentration and carbon‑isotope composition in meltwater draining the northern Greenland Ice Sheet. Here we show that methane concentrations (12-20 nM) are significantly lower than those reported from other Greenland catchments, despite clear evidence of subglacial input. Isotopic signatures and regional geological context indicate that this methane is predominantly thermogenic, reflecting a geological source that is largely independent of subglacial microbial activity. These findings advance current understanding of methane sources beneath the Greenland Ice Sheet, revealing a thermogenic contribution alongside microbial methane in Arctic methane cycling. In this work we highlight the need to account for geological methane reservoirs when assessing present and future cryosphere-carbon feedbacks.
Source: Nature Communications
Language: English
Subfield: Atmospheric Science
Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,990
Awards: G2296057542, North Greenland Glacier-Ocean Interactions: advancing knowledge of marine ice margins to better constrain future sea-level rise, Deep Life in Deep Time, The fate of climate change-induced methane formation in the sediment-ocean-atmosphere system, Transport of iron, manganese, and phosphorus in northern Greenland’s glacial fjords during a melting season: phases, drivers, pathways, and ecological impacts, G6544476523, The Deep Biosphere - Earth´s last frontier for paleobiology and evolution, Ice retreat dynamics across northern Greenland: Extreme or business as usual?, The Arctic Ocean carbon cycle and its response to ocean dynamics and freshwater forcing in a warming climate, Sea-level rise contribution from the North Greenland Ice Sheet in a warming climate
OpenAlex ID: W7170727194