What did your research focus on?
“I examined the exchange of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide and methane) between northern peatlands and the atmosphere. I examined how factors such as permafrost status, peat and air temperature, sunlight and the length of the growing season influence these gas emissions. I also analysed how data analysis methods can influence our estimates of the amount of carbon that peatlands take up or release. “
What were the main findings of your study?
“My research shows that permafrost thawing can alter the way in which peatlands process carbon. As peatlands thaw, methane emissions increase. Carbon dioxide exchange only occurs when the permafrost has completely melted. Fully thawed areas can absorb more carbon dioxide during the growing season, but they can also release more through respiration. Methane emissions were influenced by peat temperature. Meanwhile, carbon dioxide exchange was more closely related to the growing season and the availability of light. I also found that the 'fingerprint' of methane's isotopes varies between locations and over time, meaning that a single value cannot fully describe the cycling of methane in peatlands. “
So, why do these findings matter, and how could they be applied in practice?
“Northern peatlands contain vast quantities of stored carbon, meaning changes to these ecosystems can impact the wider climate system. Understanding the conditions under which peatlands release methane and carbon dioxide could enable scientists to make more reliable predictions about future greenhouse gas emissions as the climate warms and permafrost continues to thaw. The findings can also improve climate and ecosystem models by demonstrating the variability of peatlands and the importance of long-term, careful measurements and appropriate data analysis methods when estimating their contribution to global greenhouse gas budgets. “
Link to Patryk Łakomiec’s thesis in the Lund University Research Portal: