Swedish researchers say methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has started to leak from the permafrost under the Siberian seabed, Dagens Nyheter reports.
"The permafrost now has small holes. We have found elevated levels of methane above the water surface and even more in the water just below. It is obvious that the source is the seabed," Örjan Gustafsson, the Swedish leader of the International Siberian Shelf Study, told the newspaper.
The tests were carried out in the Laptev and east Siberian seas and used much more precise measuring equipment than previous studies, he said.
Methane is more than 20 times more efficient than carbon dioxide in trapping solar heat.
Scientists fear that global warming may cause Siberia's permafrost to thaw and thereby release vast amounts of methane into the atmosphere.
The Russia-Swedish expedition appeared to confirm a longer term trend based on readings by Russian researcher Igor Semiletov who first detected higher methane readings at several locations in the region in 2003.
Methane bubbling spells trouble ahead
Swedish researchers say methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has started to leak from the permafrost under the Siberian seabed.
Published: 30.08.2008 13:18
Climate change
17.12.2010 13:31
Siku's pause has extended as considered whether to continue this daily circumpolar news round-up In the meantime, we encourage you to consult our archived material, much of which is not accessible elsewhere on the internet.
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The park lies in the Novaya Zemlya archipelago, an area known for its rich bird cliffs and large populations of walrus and polar bears.
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Unlike Axel Heiberg's fossil forest, this one lies with the national park on Ellesmere.
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“If [the federal government] is serious about sovereignty and Canada’s North, we really need viable communities to be living in"
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"I am delighted that the negotiations ended with progress at key points such as adaptation to climate change, shaping and formal approval of a Green Fund, and transferring knowledge and technology"
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A single household will dispose of 60-65 kilos of still edible food per year, a new study found.
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Alaska filed a lawsuit Dec. 14 in an effort to stop the National Marine Fisheries Service's plan to protect endangered sea lions.
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The work of Inuk artist and writer Alootook Ipellie continues to be appreciated— mainly in Europe.
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The Yellowknife woman was caught swallowing crack that she had been selling while pregnant.
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