As global warming increased, it led to the melting of the icecaps and now it is having effects on the arctic lakes in the state of Alaska. The melting ice is allowing methane gas to escape from loose lands and lakes. This escaping methane gas is traced back to microbes that fed on biological matters laid down before the last ice age. Damage to crops, pipelines, and roads are a concern to many; however, scientists are worried about greater damages. That great damage would be adding a strong greenhouse gas(methane) to the atmosphere in large sums. Basically, global warming could lead to more global warming.
I think this event can lead a major a problem to go out of control. Methane gas is known to hold 25 times more heat than carbon dioxide. Besides the contribution to global warming, the escaping gas can have devastating impact on many of the life forms in Alaska such as the crops, tree, and of course some of the wildlife. There is not much that we can do to contain this methane outbreak, but scientist and researchers can surely keep a keen eye on this matter. Predicting solutions or even the amount of damage than can be caused based on studies is great first step.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/08/bubbling-lakes-methane-seeps-alaska/
I think this event can lead a major a problem to go out of control. Methane gas is known to hold 25 times more heat than carbon dioxide. Besides the contribution to global warming, the escaping gas can have devastating impact on many of the life forms in Alaska such as the crops, tree, and of course some of the wildlife. There is not much that we can do to contain this methane outbreak, but scientist and researchers can surely keep a keen eye on this matter. Predicting solutions or even the amount of damage than can be caused based on studies is great first step.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/08/bubbling-lakes-methane-seeps-alaska/