Arctic Peatlands Help Fight Climate Change by Absorbing Greenhouse Gas

Scientists studying frozen wetlands in northern Sweden have made an exciting discovery. These special areas called permafrost peatlands actually help fight climate change by soaking up nitrous oxide from the air. Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. The research team spent three years measuring gas levels in different parts of the wetlands.

The research took place in a remote area where the ground stays frozen all year. Scientists call these places permafrost peatlands because they have thick layers of partially decayed plant material called peat. The team studied different parts of the wetland including dry areas with mosses, wet boggy areas, and even wetter fen areas. Each type of habitat had different plants and water levels.

What makes this study special is how the scientists measured the gases. They used clear plastic chambers that let sunlight through and also dark covers that blocked all light. This allowed them to see how sunlight affected the gas levels. The team made over 1,400 measurements during the warmest months from May to September.

During sunny conditions, the wetlands released small amounts of nitrous oxide into the air. But when it was dark, they actually absorbed much more of this greenhouse gas. The difference was huge - about 60 percent more gas was absorbed in darkness. This means these wetlands change their behavior throughout each day and night cycle.

The scientists think this happens because of tiny organisms that live with the plants. These bacteria can capture nitrogen from the air and turn it into food for plants, but only when there is sunlight. When it gets dark, different processes take over that actually consume nitrous oxide instead of making it. The wet areas showed the biggest differences between day and night.