Isotopic constraints on marine and terrestrial N2O emissions during the last deglaciation
10 December 2014
NIWA scientists examine changes in nitrous oxide concentrations on glacial-interglacial and millennial timescales; as it is an important greenhouse gas and ozone-depleting substance that has anthropogenic as well as natural marine and terrestrial sources.
By measuring N2O concentrations in 16,000 to 10,000 year old Antarctic ice bubbles, and using a dynamic global vegetation and land surface process model, the 12 scientists conclude nitrous oxide emissions will probably increase in response to anthropogenic warming.