Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Using Hydrologic Measurements To Investigate Free Phase Gas In A Maine Peatland, Usa, Christiaan Bon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Northern Peatlands cover more than 350 million ha (~3 percent of Earth’s surface) and are an important source of methane (CH4) and other biogenic gases contributing to climate change. Free phase gas (FPG) accumulation and episodic release has recently been recognized as an important mechanism for biogenic gas flux from peatlands. It is likely that gas production and groundwater flow are interconnected in peatlands: groundwater flow influences gas production by regulating geochemical conditions and nutrient supply available for methanogenesis while FPG influences groundwater flow through a reduction in peat permeability and by creating excess pore fluid pressures. Water samples collected …