Land in Russia’s Arctic Blows ‘Like a Bottle of Champagne’ – The New York Times
Credit: Vladimir Pushkarev/Russian Centre of Arctic Exploration, via Reuters.
Article Synopsis – Gas from decaying organic matter is exploding out of thawing permafrost, causing craters across the Yamal Peninsula in northern Siberia. Scientists are still unsure if the explosions are caused by gas that “built up to its current pressure tens or hundreds of thousands of years ago” or if “methane hydrates are reverting to their gaseous state”. Since they were first discovered in 2014, there have been 17 explosions that have created craters up to 100 ft (30 m) deep. To read the actual article click here.