Articles tagged with Methane
The ancient Maya created massive agricultural features in wetlands to respond to population and environmental pressures. This study reveals that the Maya had earlier, more intensive and more wide-ranging anthropogenic impacts on globally important tropical forests than previously known.
Researchers found that methane from natural gas wells and offshore oil rigs is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Controlling these emissions can have a rapid impact on climate change, with the half-life of methane in the atmosphere being just over a decade.
Researchers found low-velocity pockets along the rifting axis indicating areas filled with gas, raising concerns about environmental implications. The trapped gas could be a potential untapped natural resource or contribute to greenhouse gases if released.
Researchers in Estonia have discovered a significant connection between deep-sea methane emissions and the onset of ice ages. The study reveals that methane release episodes in the Arctic Sea occurred three times over the past 160,000 years, with each episode lasting around 10,000 to 20,000 years.
New research reveals that microorganisms in the Pacific Ocean's oxygen-free zone remove up to 80% of the methane produced, reducing its release into the atmosphere. The discovery has significant implications for understanding the ocean's role in regulating greenhouse gas emissions.
On Saturn's moon Titan, nitrogen explosions create craters that fill with liquid methane, forming distinctive lakes. The research suggests a pressurized explosion model as the best explanation for these geological features.
A study by the University of Basel found that global warming can cause lakes to cool at the bottom despite warming at the surface, leading to increased carbon burial and reduced greenhouse gas production. The research suggests that this effect is most pronounced in small and shallow lakes worldwide.
A new study by Penn State researchers proposes an updated biochemical pathway explaining how Methanosarcina acetivorans uses iron to produce methane and carbon dioxide. The microorganism can now be manipulated to alter greenhouse gas production, offering potential for climate change mitigation.
Researchers link changing ice volumes to deep-sea methane release, revealing three episodes of methane emission over the past 160,000 years. The findings suggest that ice sheet movements activated faults, releasing methane from the seabed.
Researchers have found biofilms, visible to the naked eye, in cracks of methane-rich sediment in Arctic waters. These findings shed new light on anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) and its impact on climate change.
Penn State researchers developed a testing protocol using existing water chemistry tests to detect new methane gas leaks from oil and gas drilling. The study found 17 out of 20,751 samples showing possible signs of methane contamination, highlighting the potential for widespread methane migration.
Researchers have discovered a vast reserve of methane in the Earth's oceanic crust, formed through chemical reactions involving seawater and olivine. This finding opens up new possibilities for understanding the origins of life beyond our planet.
A new microbe called Methanoliparia has been found to degrade long-chain hydrocarbons into methane and carbon dioxide. This discovery provides an alternative to the previously thought complex partnership between archaea and bacteria.
Researchers discovered abiotic methane in fluid inclusions worldwide, potentially as a major source of methane on Earth. The finding suggests that micro-inclusions may also provide hydrogen and methane elsewhere in the Solar System.
A new Cornell University study suggests that shale oil and gas production, particularly fracking, is contributing to the increase in atmospheric methane levels. The research found that methane from fracking has a distinct carbon-13 signature, indicating its origin, which was previously misattributed to biological sources.
Researchers at USF have developed a biologically-based technique to transform greenhouse gases into usable chemical compounds, reducing dependence on petroleum and lowering carbon footprint. The method utilizes human enzymes to convert specific one-carbon materials into complex compounds used in various products.
New research by Caltech scientists reveals that natural gas leaks from heating homes and businesses in the Los Angeles Basin contribute significantly to methane emissions. Methane concentrations peak in winter when natural gas usage is highest, with levels dropping during summer months.
Researchers at Newcastle University have found that wind erosion is unlikely to be the primary cause of methane gas release on Mars. The team used high-resolution imagery and data to rule out wind erosion as a viable mechanism for producing detectable levels of methane in the Martian atmosphere.
Researchers found that wet basins are more effective at removing nitrate from the water by converting it to gaseous nitrogen. Designing basins to hold water from the beginning could decrease production of nitrous oxides and mitigate eutrophication in bodies of water.
Researchers have designed plastic-based materials that can store natural gas more effectively, achieving a high deliverable gravimetric methane working capacity. The developed material, COP-150, has a total cost of only $1 USD per kilogram and can be produced using freely available plastic materials.
Researchers developed a synthetic catalyst that produces chemicals like methanol using less energy, a cheaper alternative to gasoline. The catalyst mimics the function of natural enzymes in the laboratory, showing promise for industrial applications.
A novel catalysis system reduces carbon dioxide to methane in a single step, eliminating intermediate steps. The system uses copper and nanostructured silver surfaces, yielding higher methane concentrations than copper-only systems.
Researchers report the discovery of a methane hydrate phase in which water molecules surround and trap methane, remaining stable at pressures up to 150 gigapascals. This phase is similar to those found in the mantles of Uranus and Neptune.
Researchers find that introducing a controlled amount of fluorine enhances the growth rate of 2D materials like graphene, h-BN, and WS2. This allows for faster production of high-quality films, reducing synthesis time by up to 70%. The study demonstrates a promising approach to controlling the growth of 2D materials.
Researchers have developed a novel castor oil-based inhibitor to slow down gas hydrate plug growth, reducing the risk of accidents and financial burdens. The new compound has shown high efficiency as a kinetic hydrate inhibitor, offering improved biodegradability and environmental safety.
A study by the University of Adelaide and international researchers has shown that it is possible to breed cattle with reduced methane emissions. The genetics of an individual cow strongly influence the make-up of microorganisms in its rumen, allowing for selection of cows with lower levels of methane-producing bacteria.
Researchers identified a core microbiome in common dairy cows, which dictates productivity and methane emissions. By manipulating this microbiome, scientists may develop more eco-friendly agriculture practices.
Aarhus University researchers suggest a previously overlooked process explains methane's consumption on Mars, leading to doubts about its presence and potential biosignature. The new mechanism involves erosion and chemistry, affecting the possibility of life on or near Martian surface.
Researchers at UT Austin have discovered a method to extract natural gas from methane hydrate deposits while capturing CO2, a greenhouse gas. This process involves injecting air and CO2 into the deposits, which helps to stabilize the environment and increase energy efficiency.
A new study found that supplementing cattle feed with seaweed reduces methane emissions by 80%, but its large-scale production and potential impact on animal health are unclear. The researchers suggest cultivating seaweed in aquaculture operations to meet the demand, but more research is needed to determine its long-term effectiveness.
Researchers at Cornell University and Environmental Defense Fund found that fertilizer plant emissions are 100 times higher than industry reports, exceeding EPA estimates. The study used a mobile sensing approach to measure methane emissions from six plants, finding an average emission rate of 0.34 percent.
Researchers at Kazan Federal University developed a novel method for storing methane by accelerating hydrate formation under high pressure and low temperature. This process is more environmentally friendly, safer, and cheaper than traditional liquefied gas technology, making it an attractive solution for the petroleum industry.
Researchers at University of Maryland Baltimore County develop new method to measure atmospheric hydroxyl radicals, a key molecule involved in methane breakdown. This improvement can enhance the accuracy of climate models and inform policy decisions on reducing methane emissions.
Researchers summarize the latest progress in low-temperature methane conversion using thermocatalytic, electrocatalytic, and photocatalytic systems. The study highlights the importance of coupling multiple driving forces to activate methane and introduces catalyst design viewpoints for future technology development.
A team of researchers found that methane emissions from natural gas in Pennsylvania are significantly lower than those from coal, but not negligible. The study used a ratio of methane to ethane to determine the sources of emissions and estimated that natural gas production has about half the carbon footprint of coal mining.
Researchers introduce an electrically-driven steam methane reforming (SMR) process that maximizes methane conversion while limiting carbon byproducts. The approach could eliminate nearly 1% of global CO2 emissions if implemented globally.
Researchers found that salt migration into thawing permafrost accelerates gas hydrate dissociation and releases methane. This discovery explains the massive methane emissions from the East Siberian Arctic Shelf.
The Berkeley Lab project, SUMMATION, aims to quantify and mitigate methane emissions in California by identifying super emitters. Researchers will use a tiered observation system, combining fixed towers, aircraft, and field campaigns to detect and monitor methane emissions.
A Stanford-led paper proposes converting methane into carbon dioxide as a climate change solution. The process could eliminate one-sixth of all causes of global warming and generate significant profits with a price on carbon emissions. Zeolite, a crystalline material, can act as a sponge to capture methane.
Researchers at Northwestern University have identified the enzyme responsible for methane-methanol conversion, which catalyzes the reaction at a single copper ion site. This discovery could lead to the development of new, human-made catalysts that convert methane to methanol with high efficiency.
Researchers at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) are developing a system to automate methane leak detection using drones equipped with infrared cameras and machine learning algorithms. The system can identify small methane leaks and substantially reduces false positives, making it more effective than conventional detection systems.
A team of researchers led by Caitlin Griffith discovered a mysterious linear ice corridor on Titan's surface, which suggests the presence of past volcanic activity. The find sheds new light on Titan's unique atmospheric chemistry and potential for life
A recent study by the National Institute for Environmental Studies suggests that transitioning from coal to natural gas can help stabilize climate change. The study found that natural gas power plants have smaller short- and long-term impacts than coal power plants, even when considering high methane leakage rates or uncertainty issues.
Researchers found vibrant colors and diverse life in hydrothermal vent towers, showcasing the importance of studying extreme environments. The discovery also highlights the devastating impact of human activity on these ecosystems, with numerous pieces of trash found amidst the beauty.
Researchers have discovered over 1,700 bubble plumes emitting methane along Washington's coast, linked to faults generated by tectonic plate motion. These gas emissions provide clues about major offshore earthquakes and contribute to the region's productive fishing grounds.
A new optical measurement method for radioactive methane has been developed by Juho Karhu, offering a cheaper and more agile alternative to accelerator mass spectrometry. The method uses spectroscopy to measure the absorption of materials at different wavelengths, enabling the detection of low levels of radioactive methane in various a...
Researchers have identified new key players in the methane cycle, discovering widespread metabolic pathways in archaea. The study found that different variants of methane metabolism are common in these microorganisms, suggesting a greater importance in global carbon balancing than previously thought.
A group of tanner crabs have been found to feed on methane-eating bacteria and archaea at a methane seep off the coast of British Columbia. This discovery has significant implications for climate change, as methane seeps may provide an important energy source for seafloor-dwelling species.
A new IIASA study suggests that it is possible to neutralize the natural gas threat from thawing permafrost in the Arctic by controlling human emissions. The researchers found that reducing man-made methane emissions can outweigh a large Arctic natural emission increase, making it manageable.
A recent study found that early spring rainfall warms up thawing permafrost bogs in Alaska, promoting plant growth and increasing methane emissions. The team discovered a 30% increase in methane production compared to previous years, highlighting the sensitivity of these regions to thermal effects.
New research reveals China's coal mining regulations have not reduced methane emissions, despite a goal to remove or convert 5.6 million metric tons of methane from mines by 2015. Methane emissions instead rose by about 1.1 million metric tons per year between 2010 and 2015.
A Johns Hopkins study shows China's regulations on gas releases from its coal mines have been ineffective in reducing methane emissions. Methane emissions rose by approximately 1.1 teragrams each year from 2010 to 2015, accounting for 11-24% of the world's total increase.
Researchers have developed a high-performance catalyst for converting methane to formaldehyde using nanomaterials and a core-shell structure. The catalyst has a stable structure and high reactivity at high temperatures, increasing efficiency by more than twice as much as before.
Researchers found that subglacial biological activity impacts atmosphere far more than previously thought. Methane was continuously exported from beneath the ice, with at least six tons transported to a measuring site from the Greenland Ice Sheet alone.
A new study published in Environmental Geosciences is the first to predict which oil and gas wells are likely to leak methane. The research used machine learning algorithms to identify characteristics of wells that deviate from vertical drill lines, age, and larger casings as indicators of potential leaks.
A NASA study reveals that the hydroxyl radical, a molecule that breaks down methane and other greenhouse gases, recycles itself in the atmosphere through reactions with nitrogen oxides and water vapor. This recycling process maintains a steady global presence of OH radicals, potentially extending methane's lifetime.
Scientists at the W.M. Keck Observatory have made robust data on a young giant gas planet, confirming its water composition and lack of methane. The team is perfecting their technique using advanced instrumentation to study giant planets and prepare for future searches for life on Earth-like exoplanets.
Researchers at Lancaster University found that Sólheimajökull glacier releases up to 41 tonnes of methane daily during summer months, exceeding average methane loss from non-glacial rivers. This discovery highlights the potential for glaciers to be significant sources of methane in the atmosphere.
Scientists analyzed pre- and post-drilling water samples to identify methane contamination sources near Marcellus Shale gas wells. The study found that drilling-related methane leaks can change water chemistry, mobilizing metals and releasing unwanted compounds.
A study in central Pennsylvania found chemical and isotopic evidence of upward methane migration from the Marcellus shale, suggesting geochemical indicators for distinguishing recent methane contamination. The research also identified geological features facilitating methane migration near hydraulically fractured shale gas wells.