Petroleum exploration increases methane emissions from northern peatlands

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Geoscience
• Climate Science

Background:

• Peatlands are critical global sources of atmospheric methane (CH4).
• Geologic exploration for petroleum is widespread in northern hemisphere peatlands.
• Exploration activities can alter peatland hydrology and soil conditions, potentially increasing methane emissions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the impact of petroleum exploration disturbances on peatland methane emissions in Alberta, Canada.
• To estimate the magnitude of induced methane (CH4) emissions from affected peatlands.
• To assess the significance of these emissions for national greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting.

Main Methods:

• Mapping of petroleum exploration disturbances across Alberta's peatlands using remote sensing and geographic information systems.
• Estimation of methane (CH4) emissions based on the area of disturbed peatland and established emission factors.
• Comparison of estimated emissions with Canada's national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory.

Main Results:

• Approximately 1900 km2 of peatland in Alberta have been impacted by petroleum exploration.
• These disturbances have led to an estimated increase in methane (CH4) emissions of 4.4-5.1 kilotons per year.
• These emissions are not currently included in Canada's national GHG reporting, but their inclusion would represent a 7-8% increase in land use, land use change, and forestry emissions.

Conclusions:

• Petroleum exploration significantly enhances methane (CH4) emissions from peatlands in Alberta.
• Current national GHG reporting likely underestimates total emissions due to unquantified impacts on peatlands.
• Further research is needed to refine estimates and inform peatland management strategies regarding GHG fluxes.