April 24, 2009 -- Catastrophic climate change due to a massive release of underwater and underground stores of methane is less likely than previously thought, suggests new research. CSIRO atmospheric scientist David Etheridge and colleagues report their findings in today's issue of the journal Science. "It think [the study] helps us have some confidence to narrow down the range of possible future methane levels," said Etheridge. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with current atmospheric levels close to 1800 parts per billion and increasing, says Etheridge. He says the most common natural source of atmospheric methane is anaerobic decomposition of organic material in wetlands. Related Content:
But a much greater potential source is trapped in methane hydrates, or clathrates, deep on the ocean floor or under permafrost. Clathrates are ice-like lattices that can release methane gas as the temperature warms, pressure decreases, or land slips. Some scientists have worried that catastrophic global warming could occur if warming triggers vast releases of methane from clathrates. "If they were unstable, clathrates have the potential to overwhelm the atmospheric carbon cycle," said Etheridge. Get More NewsSpiders, Scorpions Among World's Oldest CreaturesMany creepy crawlies have been on Earth much longer than previously believed.Blood-Sucking Vampire Bats Sing DuetsWhite-winged vampire bats "harmonize" with separated roost mates.Oldest Hebrew Writing Possibly FoundAncient inscriptions on a 3,000-year-old pottery shard could make history.Rare, Prehistoric-Age Reptile Found in N.Z.A tuatara has been spotted on the New Zealand mainland for the first time in 200 years.Iceman Has No Living RelativesOetzi, the 5,300 year-old frozen mummy, left no living genetic legacy.SLIDE SHOW: Landscapes of TerrorWhat makes a place feel scary? There are scientific explanations.It's Official: People Are Warming the PolesHumans are conclusively to blame for polar warming, say scientists.Eight-Armed Animal Preceded DinosaursWhat may be one of Earth's first animals was no bigger than a coaster and had eight arms.Phoenicians Live on in People's GenesOne in 17 Mediterranean men may be descended from ancient Phoenicians.Pesticides, Fertilizers Linked to Frog DeclineA pesticide is found to promote parasites among amphibians.Hubble Telescope Taking Photos AgainThe Hubble Space Telescope is once again snapping stunning photos of the universe.Andean Mummy Hairs Show Hallucinogen UseScientists find direct evidence of hallucinogenic drug use among ancient Andeans.Opals on Mars Reveal Planet's Long Wet PastOpals found on Mars suggest the planet has been wet for much longer. |
advertisement
|
-
our sites
-
video
mobile
-
shop
-
stay connected
-
corporate
