Methane

Another greenhouse gas, CH4, methane is produced primarily through anaerobic processes such as rice fields or animal digestion. It was destroyed in the lower atmosphere by reaction with hydroxyl free radicals (-OH). As CO2 concentrations have increased by direct and indirect anthropogenic action.

Sources: naturally through the decomposition of organic matter under anaerobic conditions, also in the digestive systems of ruminants and termites. Anthropogenically, through rice paddies, biomass burning, burning of fossil fuels, and increased scavenging of ruminants as a source of meat.

Sink reaction with hydroxyl radicals in the troposphere and the carbon monoxide (CO) emitted by anthropogenic action.

Increase in atmospheric methane (Miller, 1991)

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