Collaborative Research: Sphagnum-dominated Wetlands as Sources of Atmospheric Dimethyl Sulfide

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Sulfur gases are important components of the global cycle of S. They contribute to the acidity of precipitation and they influence global radiation balance and climate. The role of terrestrial sources of biogenic S and their effect on atmospheric chemistry remain as major unanswered questions in our understanding of the natural S cycle. Preliminary studies by these investigators suggest that vegetated areas of northern peatlands dominated by Sphagnum mosses emit large quantities of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) relative to other wetlands, and that changes in these wetlands during climatic changes could affect the high latitude atmospheric S cycle. This study will measure the rates of emission of DMS from wetlands to determine the importance of these habitats as sources of gaseous S, will address seasonal effects, the role of hydrological changes in affecting DMS emissions, and the microbiological formation and consumption of DMS in wetlands.