What are the Methods Used to Detect Methane in the Arctic’s Permafrost?
Introduction
The Arctic permafrost contains a significant amount of carbon that has been frozen in the ground for thousands of years. As temperatures continue to rise, scientists are increasingly concerned about the potential release of this carbon into the atmosphere, which could worsen climate change.
The Methane Detectives
A team of scientists, known as the “methane detectives,” is working to understand the risks associated with permafrost thaw and the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Led by Katey Walter Anthony, a professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the team has been studying this issue for over a decade.
The team is focused on three main questions: how much methane is being released, where is it coming from, and how will it affect the climate?
The Problem
Permafrost thaw and the subsequent release of methane create a vicious cycle. As temperatures rise, permafrost thaws, releasing methane into the atmosphere. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to global warming. As temperatures continue to rise, more permafrost thaws, releasing more methane, and so on.
The Solutions
The methane detectives are using various methods to study the issue. They use airplanes equipped with sensors to fly over the Arctic and measure methane emissions from the air. They also drill into the permafrost to measure the amount of methane being released and how it changes over time.
The team is also working to develop new methods for reducing methane emissions from permafrost, such as using biochar, a type of charcoal made from organic waste, to trap methane in the ground.
Conclusion
The methane detectives are working to understand the risks associated with permafrost thaw and methane release. Their work is crucial to our understanding of how climate change will affect the Arctic and the rest of the planet. As we continue to grapple with the effects of global warming, it is essential that we support their efforts to find solutions and mitigate the impact of climate change.