“INVISIBLE” METHANE

Methane hydrates are ice-like compounds formed by interactions between methane and water under very specific conditions. They are stored in the frozen Arctic soil (permafrost) and in marine sediments on continental shelves.  

Current warming is accelerating the thawing of permafrost, which is starting to release significant amounts of methane into the atmosphere. 

“Frozen” methane is a ticking climate bomb, as it has a far greater greenhouse effect than CO₂. A massive release of methane could be a game changer.  

The main cause of warming in the PETM was the release of large quantities of methane hydrates from the seabed.

Methane bubbles

Methane bubbles released from the sediments at the bottom of some Arctic lakes are frozen as they rise to the surface.