Spatial distribution of methane over Lake Baikal surface

Abstract The results of application of a high sensitivity methane laser detector to investigations of the methane concentration in the atmosphere over Baikal lake are presented as well as methane flows from the water into the atmosphere. The measurements were conducted at a stationary station and aboard the research vessel “Vereschagin” during two summer expeditions in 2003 and 2004. Mean background concentration was equal to (2.00 ± 0.16) ppm in August 2003 and (1.90 ± 0.07) ppm in June 2004. The areas of methane emission through the water's surface are found to be distinctly localized and to have a characteristic size of about 150–300 m in diameter. The methane concentration in the centers of these areas can reach approximately 27 ppm. Methane flows into the atmosphere in some Baikal regions were measured as well.