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Siberian Arctic Craters: A Climate Change Mystery
Mysterious craters appearing in the Siberian Arctic are explained by a new study as a result of climate change and unique geological factors, causing methane explosions.
English
United States
Climate ChangeScienceEnergy SecurityArcticGeologySiberia
University Of CambridgeSkolkovo Institute Of Science And TechnologyOil And Gas Research Institute Of The Russian Academy Of SciencesUniversity Of HawaiiCnn
Ana MorgadoEvgeny ChuvilinLauren SchurmeierVasily Bogoyavlensky
- What are some criticisms of the new study?
- Evgeny Chuvilin, a research scientist, argues that the study's theory doesn't fully account for the complexities of the region's high ice and methane content in the permafrost, proposing that methane buildup in upper permafrost cavities is more likely.
- Were chemical reactions considered as a possible cause?
- The study authors considered chemical reactions but ruled them out due to lack of evidence of combustion. They concluded it was a physical process, similar to inflating a tire, where pressure builds and causes an explosion.
- What causes the mysterious craters in the Russian Arctic?
- The craters are formed when gases trapped beneath the tundra, including methane, build up underground, causing a mound to appear on the surface. When the pressure below exceeds the strength of the ground above, the mound explodes, releasing the gases.
- What is the role of climate change in the formation of these craters?
- While the exact mechanisms are still debated, most scientists agree that climate change plays a significant role, accelerating permafrost degradation and potentially increasing the frequency of these explosive craters, contributing to further global warming.
- What is the new explanation proposed by the researchers for the crater formations?
- The new research suggests that the explosions are caused by a combination of human-caused climate change and the region's unusual geology. Warmer temperatures cause water to trickle down, swelling the cryopeg, building pressure, and causing the methane hydrate to explosively release gas.