Energy security
New analysis by satellite and helicopter shows gas pipelines run right over swelling tundra which is deeply unstable due to the release of underground methane that had been frozen in permafrost - now thawing - for thousands of years, revealed Russia's leading expert on the new phenomenon, Professor Vasily Bogoyavlensky.
In one recent explosion, permafrost soil was thrown around 1 kilometre from the epicentre of the blast, highlighting the huge force, scientists discovered.
Flames shot into the sky, and a 50 metre-deep crater was formed from the eruption.
The process is seen as caused by the warming Arctic climate and has vast implications for the energy industry in polar regions.
No comments:
Post a Comment