Biomarker Data Demonstrate that Perturbation of the Terrestrial Methane Cycle is a Common Feature of Hyperthermals

Summary Novel biomarker data provide new insights into the impact of hyper thermals on key biogeochemical cycles. We show that the Dan-C2 hyper thermal led to a major perturbation in a terrestrial lake system, including an intensified terrestrial methane cycle. Our data for the first time confirm the hypothesis that the perturbation of the terrestrial methane cycle was a common positive feedback mechanism for hyperthermals during the Paleogene.