Work

Osmosis Drives Explosions and Methane Release in Siberian Permafrost

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Mysterious craters, with anomalously high concentrations of methane, have formed in the Yamal and Taymyr peninsulas of Siberia since 2014. While thawing permafrost owing to climate warming promotes methane releases, it is unknown how such release might be associated with explosion and crater formation. A significant volume of surface ice‐melt water can migrate downward driven by osmotic pressure associated with a cryopeg, a lens of salty water below. Overpressure reached at depth may lead to the cracking of the soil and subsequent decomposition of methane hydrates, with implications for the climate.

Source: Geophysical Research Letters

DOI: 10.1029/2024gl108987

Authors: Ana M. O. Morgado, Luis A. M. Rocha, Julyan H. E. Cartwright, Silvana S. S. Cardoso

Institutions: University of Cambridge, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Granada, Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra

Language: English

Topic: Climate change and permafrost

Subfield: Atmospheric Science

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,900