Shocking Discovery: Alarming Seepage from Antarctica’s Ocean Revealed by Scientists | CNN

New discoveries are revealing that methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is seeping from cracks in the Antarctic seabed as the region warms. Scientists have reported finding these seeps at a surprising rate, raising concerns that predictions about future global warming might have been too conservative.

Large amounts of methane are trapped beneath the ocean floor, created over thousands of years. This invisible gas escapes through fissures, often seen as bubbles rising to the surface. Understanding how these seeps function is critical because methane traps around 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide over its first two decades in the atmosphere.

Recently, a team of international scientists set out to explore the Ross Sea in Antarctica, using acoustic surveys and remotely operated vehicles. They were shocked to find over 40 methane seeps in shallow waters, according to a recent study in *Nature Communications*. Many of these seeps were located in areas previously examined, hinting at new activity in the region.

Sarah Seabrook, a marine scientist involved in the research, noted that what was once considered rare is now seemingly widespread. Each discovery brought with it a mix of excitement and concern. These seeps could significantly increase methane emissions into the atmosphere, potentially affecting climate change predictions.

In addition to climate implications, researchers worry about the potential impacts on marine ecosystems. Methane seeps are not just a small issue; they could have widespread effects on ocean life.

While the exact reasons for the new seep activity remain unclear, researchers are investigating the potential influence of climate change. A similar situation is unfolding in the Arctic, where warming temperatures and rising sea levels have led to increased methane release. This feedback loop could accelerate climate change further.

Experts like Andrew Thurber from the University of California, Santa Barbara, caution that the situation in Antarctica is particularly alarming. If global warming continues, these seeps could transition from a “natural laboratory” to a significant source of danger. Just like a wild animal, they are fascinating to study but could pose serious threats if underestimated.

As scientists prepare for another trip to Antarctica to investigate further, the urgency to understand these methane seeps grows. Their role in climate dynamics could be more critical than previously thought, and understanding them may help in shaping future climate strategies.

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