Methane
Methane is a highly combustible greenhouse gas. The naturally occurring chemical compound can be found in the earth's atmosphere, crust, and ocean floors. In addition, methane is a byproduct of digestion, expelled both by living and decaying organic matter. It is odorless and tasteless, and thereby difficult for humans to naturally detect.
One of the main uses of methane is as a fuel. Since it is abundant on earth and highly combustible, it is an effective source of energy. It is transported in pipelines, often underneath the ocean's surface.
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Known as a greenhouse gas, methane traps heat in the earth's atmosphere. This can cause problems such as global warming. The greenhouse gas levels for methane is 25 compared to carbon-dioxide for a 100-year time period. This means that methane raises temperatures 25 times more than an equal amount of carbon-dioxide in a 100-year time period.
Methane leaks in the oceans and the atmosphere are problematic. Although it is necessary as part of the natural landscape, methane is an asphyxiant and depletes oxygen in enclosed areas. High concentrations found in sea water consume the oxygen needed for ocean life.
Due to its oxygen consumption, high combustibility and low detectability, methane can be extremely dangerous. During the gulf oil spill, excessive amounts of methane have leaked into the ocean water and the earth's atmosphere.
Almost one million times the normal levels of methane have been found in the Gulf of Mexico. Scientists believe it could create a dead zone in the area, meaning that no living organisms can survive there. The US Geological Survey estimates that with every barrel of oil spilled by the Deepwater Horizon disaster, 2,900 cubit feet of methane gas is released into the gulf.
Text by Jessica Leader
(Photo from Wikipedia)
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Articles about Methane
Wed, Dec 07 2011 at 10:45 PM EST
Cancer-fighting fatty acids were six times high in milk produced by cows fed wine leftovers.Mon, Sep 26 2011 at 10:58 AM EST
The NRDC unveils a new online tool for Americans who face pollution from hydraulic fracturing, aka 'fracking.'Fri, Aug 12 2011 at 1:10 PM EST
All that trash has to go somewhere, but who's the unlucky neighbor? These landfills are near residential areas, colleges and even wetlands.Thu, Aug 11 2011 at 7:25 AM EST
Researchers are asking why atmospheric methane levels, after rising steadily for years, tapered off in the mid-1980s in a dip that lasted 2 decades.Sun, Jul 24 2011 at 2:10 AM EST
Lamb and beef emit the most carbon — between 60 and 86 pounds — including the food production process.Thu, Jul 21 2011 at 4:26 PM EST
Rapid warming from the sea floor, coupled with the release of methane gas, may have cleared the way for dinosaurs to roam the Earth.Mon, Jul 04 2011 at 8:21 AM EST
Each camel emits 99 pounds of methane gas.Tue, May 31 2011 at 3:59 PM EST
New study highlights a landfill problem caused by biodegradable materials that release powerful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Fri, May 27 2011 at 8:33 AM EST
The country's huge cattle herd in the north might be burping less planet-warming methane emissions than originally thought.Thu, May 26 2011 at 2:54 PM EST
Scientists call for earlier study to be re-done as it left out several 'important factors' in determining methane levels in the Gulf.- 1. Recipes
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