The Methane Time Bomb: Global Warming On A Scale Never Anticipated Before.
According to an article published by the “National Geographic News” on the 31st of August 2012; A Research team from the University of Bristol, England headed by Jemma Wadham had realized that the microbes which were isolated from the world before 35 million years when the ice closed over them, have been busy digesting organic matter and making “Methane”.
For those who don’t know what “Methane” is?
It is the main component of natural gas and the probably the most abundant organic compound on earth.
Why is it so serious to be concerned about a component of a natural gas?
The matter is crucial and serious because researchers have found out that approximately 400 billion metric tons of carbon is hidden under the ice sheets. There is a very high potential and possibility for this massive amount of carbon to seep out as Methane
How bad is the situation?
Antarctic researchers fear that the exposure of Methane, which is a greenhouse gas 25 times more dangerous than the carbon dioxide would accelerate global warming to another unexpected level resulting in higher global temperatures and melting of ice. This outbreak would result in a vicious cycle of global warming, with more negative impact and danger.
This bad news has only caused more worry and pressure for climate changers, activists and officials because this outcome wasn’t much anticipated. The warming climate has been melting the world’s glaciers, polar ice faster than expected and together with the “Methane time bomb” ticking. The question is what would the people do to overcome this situation? What are the climate changers, activists and official going to do?
Sources:
National Geographic News – Antarctic Methane Could Escape, Worsen Warming
National Geographic News – The Big Thaw
The Sydney Morning Herald – Antarctica’s hidden carbon stores pose warming risk: study
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