Gindorf, Sven (2020) The methane distribution around the Macaronesian Islands in the North East Atlantic Ocean. (Bachelor thesis), Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany, 43 pp.

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Abstract

The ocean is known to be a small source of atmospheric methane (CH4) but the oceanic cycling of the powerful greenhouse gas is still not fully understood. For sound emission estimates, the CH4 source from the open ocean needs to be constrained very carefully due to its large area. With this study I investigated in the distribution of CH4 in the North East Atlantic Ocean around the Macaronesian Archipelagos (Cape Verdes, Canaries and Madeira). Generally, very small CH4 concentrations were measured. These are a considerable contribution for the background values of the open oligotrophic ocean. The values suggest that the open ocean may be a smaller source of atmospheric CH4 than previously thought. The Island Mass Effect (IME) of the oceanic islands shows an identifiable effect on CH4 distribution and seems to be dependent on the degree of water mass stratification. At the time of sampling though, the IME seems to be of minor importance for ocean-atmosphere interaction as undersaturation of the surface waters has predominantly been observed. However, hints for a pronounced seasonal cycle have been found and to make assertions if the region is a net sink or source for atmospheric CH4, future studies should put emphasis on the seasonal variability.

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