Light δ13C events during deglaciation of the East Greenland continental shelf attributed to methane release from gas hydrates

We have documented high-resolution stable isotope records from three marine cores on the East Greenland shelf. These records exhibit three rapid light delta C-13 events (-3 to -7 parts per thousand) in benthic and planktic foraminifera during deglaciation that are spatially and temporally transgressive. The light delta C-13 events are associated with light planktic delta O-18, indicative of meltwater. In Kangerlussuaq Trough, the first delta C-13 event occurs at initial deglaciation, 13.94-14.0 cal ka and the second occurs at 12.85-12.9 cal ka. A younger event at 10.3-9.3 ed ka is recorded near the mouth of Nansen Fjord during final deglaciation. The hypothesized mechanism for the light delta C-13 is expulsion of methane from gas hydrates in the seafloor from pressure release during ice sheet retreat.