Atmospheric methane since the last glacial maximum was driven by wetland sources

Abstract. Atmospheric methane (CH4) has changed considerably in the time between last glacial maximum (LGM) and preindustrial (PI) periods. We investigate these changes transient experiments with an Earth system model capable of simulating global cycle interactively, focusing on rapid during deglaciation, especially pronounced Bølling–Allerød (BA) Younger Dryas (YD) consider all relevant natural sources sinks examine drivers emissions as well atmospheric lifetime methane. find that evolution is largely driven by from tropical wetlands, while variations are small but not negligible. Our reproduces most very well, exception mid-Holocene decrease methane, although timing ice-sheet meltwater fluxes needs to be adjusted slightly order exactly reproduce BA YD.