- Massive methane emissions detected from the Antarctic seabed.
- Methane hydrates destabilizing due to post-glacial rebound and ocean warming.
- Large carbon reserves in methane hydrates, with potential climate consequences.
- Risk of submarine landslides, potentially triggering tsunamis similar to past geological events.
- Preliminary findings, with further analysis needed to determine methane’s impact on the atmosphere.
A Spanish scientific expedition aboard the Sarmiento de Gamboa has discovered large-scale methane emissions from the Antarctic seabed. These emissions, observed as towering methane columns, could have serious climate implications, according to EL PAÍS.
The methane leaks formed thousands of years ago through the decomposition of organic matter and remained trapped as methane hydrates, a crystalline solid. Roger Urgeles, from the Institute of Marine Sciences, explains:
“It is like ice that you could set on fire and it would burn.”
Scientists set sail to investigate whether post-glacial rebound and ocean warming were destabilizing these hydrates, leading to gas releases from the subsoil.
Climate Risks
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, far more effective at trapping heat than CO₂. Scientists estimate that a vast amount of carbon is stored in methane hydrates in this region—equivalent to what humanity emits over multiple years.
The warming of Antarctic waters and landmass uplift due to post-glacial rebound are likely triggering methane dissociation, which could accelerate global climate change.
Geological Risks
As methane hydrates turn into gas, they expand significantly in volume, which could destabilize marine sediments and trigger submarine landslides. Ricardo León, from the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain, warns:
“The Storegga landslide was of similar dimensions to the whole of Andalusia (in southern Spain) and coincided with periods of major climate change on Earth. Given the time of the landslide, one of the reasons could be that these changes caused a dissociation of methane hydrates and triggered the huge landslide.”
The Storegga landslide, which occurred thousands of years ago, caused a tsunami with massive waves, devastating northern European coastlines. Similar landslides in Antarctica’s continental slope could have significant global consequences.
Scientific Methods and Preliminary Findings
The Sarmiento de Gamboa research vessel spent weeks in Antarctic waters, using:
- Water and sediment sampling to analyze methane concentrations.
- Seabed X-ray imaging to detect fault lines and potential gas escape points.
- Monitoring of ocean temperature and pressure to assess hydrate stability.
Initial observations suggest that methane bubbles dissolve before reaching the surface, but more analysis is required to determine how much enters the atmosphere.
Future Research and Global Implications
Scientists plan to:
- Examine sediment samples for historical methane emissions.
- Monitor Antarctic methane leaks over time to assess potential climate impact.
- Evaluate tsunami risks from potential submarine landslides.
With Antarctica warming rapidly, continued research is essential in understanding how these methane emissions may influence global warming and geological hazards.
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Source: EL PAÍS English
