Beyond surface darkening lies a second threat: methane. In many parts of the Arctic, glaciers and permafrost cap vast underground stores of this potent greenhouse gas, preventing its release. Recent studies have also revealed that microbes thriving in the cold, dark, high-pressure world underneath glaciers can produce large volumes of fresh methane. Thawing permafrost and receding glaciers can trigger previously unanticipated methane emissions from deep underground.
Worrying for many reasons. Quote:
Beyond surface darkening lies a second threat: methane. In many parts of the Arctic, glaciers and permafrost cap vast underground stores of this potent greenhouse gas, preventing its release. Recent studies have also revealed that microbes thriving in the cold, dark, high-pressure world underneath glaciers can produce large volumes of fresh methane. Thawing permafrost and receding glaciers can trigger previously unanticipated methane emissions from deep underground.