Slowing down of the global accumulation of atmospheric methane during the 1980s

摘要: MEASUREMENTS of methane in modern air1–8 and air trapped ice cores9–12 have shown convincingly that the abundance atmospheric has been rising since Industrial Revolution. This is a matter concern because important role determining radiative balance chemical composition atmosphere13. The causes this increase not identified unambiguously uncertainties our understanding global budget methane14 how it changing with time. Here we report on measurements from an extensive network flask sampling sites, which reveal that, although continues to accumulate atmosphere, there substantial slowing accumulation rate between 1983 1990. If deceleration steadily, concentrations will reach maximum around year 2006. Our results hint changes emissions latitude band 30–90° N may be particular significance trend.