A new study released Monday has made international headlines with its revelation that thawing Arctic permafrost might produce more methane gas than previously thought.

Prof. Merritt Turetsky, Department of Integrative Biology, was interviewed by several publications, including The Washington Post, about the study findings.

Although Turetsky did not work on the study, she said she was impressed with the length of time researchers spent trying to uncover the behaviour of tiny methane-producing organisms in watery soil. She said this new research might bridge a gap between field and laboratory studies, and she discussed where she thought the research could go next.

Turetsky holds the Canada Research Chair in Integrative Ecology. She studies how interactions between biological communities and nutrient cycling affect soil and water quality and atmospheric emissions that in turn affect Earth’s climate system.

Contact:
Prof. Merritt Turetsky
mrt@uoguelph.ca