Nord Stream Explosion – Where Did the Methane Go?

Methane (CH4) is a strong greenhouse gas responsible for about 20% of the anthropogenic greenhouse effect. The sources of the atmospheric methane are anthropogenic as well as natural.

The ocean floor is a natural source of methane, but estimates of methane emissions from the oceans are still associated with large uncertainties.

Anthropogenic sources for methane in sea water is attributed to pipeline and well leakages, which can be exceed the natural emissions.

In order to understand the gas plume extent, dispersion, and immediate impact on the marine ecosystem, action when large leaks occur is required. Eutrophication, rising temperatures and hazardous substances are already affecting the Baltic Sea.

If we are able to assess the extent and estimate the potential impact of the underwater gas spill on the environment, we will contribute to create guidelines, regulations and action to reduce the risk of gas spills and to mitigate any harmful consequences.Scientists from the Department of Marine Sciences at Gothenburg University, and the Alfred Wegener Institute in Potsdam, Germany, were the first scientific responders to this industrial disaster.

The data and information from the immediate measurements now need to be followed up in order to be able to determine extent and spread of methane after some time and over a larger area.