Clusters of microbes are seen on the bottom of the ocean floor in the Ross Sea, indicating a methane seep, as a crack in the ice above lets in light, in Antarctica, in this handout photo taken in 2016.Scientists have discovered an active methane seep from Antarctica’s sea bed that could shed light on the potent greenhouse gas trapped beneath frozen continent.
There is no evidence that climate change is behind the Antarctic methane seep -- good news to scientists concerned that global warming could cause permafrost to thaw and release methane long trapped within. That will not help mitigate human-caused emissions, which account for at least half the methane in the atmosphere. Ocean sources of methane contribute just 1% of the total global emissions.
Another concern, Thurber said, is that the microbes in cold, shallow water were slow to arrive at the Antarctic methane seep, a finding that could help scientists better understand microbial behavior and whether it could help stop methane seeping elsewhere from entering the atmosphere.
Global Warming, you're back! How we've missed you 😘