File:GMCdiagram.jpg

English: This diagram depicts the flow of methane from sources into the atmosphere as well as the sinks that consume methane.

A. Permafrost, Glaciers, and Ice Cores – A source that slowly releases methane trapped in frozen environments as global temperatures rise

B. Wetlands – Warm temperatures and moist environments are ideal for methane production. Most of the methane makes it past methane-consuming microorganisms.

C. Forest Fires – Mass burning of organic matter releases huge amounts of methane into the atmosphere.

D. Rice Paddies – The warmer and moister the rice field, the more methane is produced.

E. Animals – Microorganisms breaking down difficult to digest material in the guts of ruminant livestock and termites produce methane that is then released during defecation.

F. Plants – While methane can be consumed in soil before being released into the atmosphere, plants allow for direct travel of methane up through the roots and leaves and into the atmosphere. Plants may also be direct producers of methane.

G. Landfills – Decaying organic matter and anaerobic conditions cause landfills to be a significant source of methane.

H. Waste Water Treatment Facilities – Anaerobic treatment of organic compounds in the water results in the production of methane.

I. Hydroxyl Radical – OH in the atmosphere is the largest sink for atmospheric methane as well as one of the most significant sources of water vapor in the upper atmosphere.

J. Chlorine Radical – Free chlorine in the atmosphere also reacts with methane.