Russian researchers from the Oil and Gas Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences have identified over 6,000 zones of explosive methane blowouts across the Kara Sea and surrounding areas. This includes 4992 craters at the bottom of lakes and rivers in the Yamal Peninsula, along with another 669 zones of explosive degassing in coastal regions. The study highlights the growing problem of methane emissions as the Arctic's permafrost melts due to climate change.
The methane, which forms when pressure causes the ground to rise and explode, contributes significantly to global warming. As the frozen ground thaws, trapped methane gas is released into the atmosphere, amplifying the greenhouse effect and accelerating climate change. With the methane accumulating above the Arctic's thawing soil, the craters are now becoming more widespread and visible, posing a threat to both the environment and oil and gas infrastructure.
One of the main concerns raised by the researchers is the potential risk to underwater pipelines in the Kara Sea, where a gas pipeline already runs in the southernmost part. Although the methane releases are not yet catastrophic, the craters pose a significant danger to both onshore and offshore infrastructure. The study warns that continuous gas blowouts could lead to disasters at oil and gas facilities, potentially causing fires in the tundra and disrupting energy operations.
While some of the craters may be the result of normal marine life activities or icebergs, the overwhelming majority are linked to the effects of climate change. As the permafrost continues to thaw, experts fear that the problem will only worsen, leading to further environmental challenges and infrastructure threats in the Arctic.
Source: The Barents Observer