Greenland ice melt may release vast methane stores

14 Mwezi wa tano, 2026

Imeripotiwa na AI

New research shows that melting glaciers in Greenland could free large quantities of methane trapped as hydrates beneath the ice. Scientists warn this process, observed after the last ice age, may repeat as the climate warms.

Researchers led by Mads Huuse at the University of Manchester examined seismic data from 2011 and 2013 along with sediment cores from Melville Bay in north-western Greenland. They identified 50 seafloor pockmarks up to 37 metres deep that formed when meltwater flushed methane hydrates from the sediment during the last glacial maximum between 29,000 and 19,000 years ago.

Makala yanayohusiana

Study finds hidden channels speed Antarctic ice melt

A new study shows that channels beneath Antarctic ice shelves can trap warm ocean water and accelerate melting from below. Researchers focused on the Fimbulisen Ice Shelf in East Antarctica and found that this process may make even cold regions more vulnerable. The findings suggest current climate models could underestimate future sea level rise.

Ancient Antarctic ice reveals modest greenhouse gas changes over 3 million years

25 Mwezi wa nne, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

Scientists analyzing ancient ice from Antarctica have found that ocean temperatures dropped by 2 to 2.5 degrees Celsius over the past 3 million years, while carbon dioxide and methane levels changed only modestly. The studies, led by researchers from Oregon State University and others, suggest factors beyond greenhouse gases drove much of Earth's long-term cooling. The findings come from ice cores at Allan Hills in East Antarctica.

Sayansi

Scientists uncover ocean methane source tied to phosphate scarcity

Mazingira

Antarctic meltwater provides less iron than previously thought

Sayansi

Warmer ocean drives Antarctic sea ice regime shift

Diving robots uncover cause of Antarctica's sudden sea ice decline

Scientists using deep-diving Argo floats have pinpointed the reason behind Antarctica's dramatic sea ice contraction starting in 2016. The decline stems from a violent release of pent-up heat from ocean depths, triggered by shifting winds and salinity changes. This discovery highlights the ocean's key role in sea ice variability.

Ice core shows low CO2 in Pliocene warm period

18 Mwezi wa tatu, 2026 Imeripotiwa na AI

Researchers have analysed a 3-million-year-old ice core from Allan Hills in Antarctica, measuring atmospheric CO2 at 250 parts per million and methane at 507 parts per billion during the late Pliocene. This epoch featured global temperatures about 1°C warmer than today and sea levels up to 25 metres higher. The levels are lower than previous indirect estimates.

Sayansi