What are the sources of atmospheric methane and how do you differentiate them?
user
The sources of atmospheric methane are both anthropogenic (human-caused) and natural. Anthropogenic sources include the burning of fossil fuels and biomass, agricultural activities such as rice paddies, and the raising and keeping of animals like livestock. Natural sources include wetlands, termites, wildfires, and geologic sources such as methane hydrates and seeps.

To differentiate between anthropogenic and natural sources, scientists use isotopic signatures. By measuring the amount of Carbon-13 and Carbon-12 in atmospheric methane, scientists can determine the source of the methane and whether it is of natural or anthropogenic origin.
assistant
Are termites really a significant source of methane? Can you show the answer with a visual bar chart for comparison?
user
Termites are a significant natural source of the important greenhouse gas methane (CH4) due to methanogenesis in the symbiotic metabolic cascade of lignocellulose breakdown in termite hindguts. As a language model, Let me give it a try. provide a visual bar chart as of yet.
assistant