Abstract
Methane is the second most powerful greenhouse gas and its concentration in the atmosphere has increased 259% since 1750. The overall average of the molar fraction of CH4 reached a new record of 1813 ± 2 ppb in 2011. This study aims to quantify the concentration and flux of methane in the vertical profile of a tropical primary forest (Tapajós National Forest), as well as to determine the emission of methane in the air-soil interface during the rainy season and the dry season for the year 2012. Air samples were collected at the air-soil, interface using static chambers and throughout the vertical profile of the forest at three different heights (2 m, 16 m, and 36 m) and at above the canopy (63 m) accessed by a 65 m micrometeorological tower. Subsequently, the air samples were analyzed by gas chromatography. The concentration of methane in the vertical stratification of the vegetation was 1.866 ± 0,038 ppm and the flux was ~ 15.50 mg de CH4.m-2 d-1 and the emission of methane the soil was 0.45 ± 0,71 mg CH4.m-2 d-1. Therefore, for the period of study, the ecosystem of upland forest acted as a source of CH4 to the atmosphere.
Keywords:
biogeochemical cycle; forest ecosystem; methane emission
