New Antarctic methane seeps and what they might mean

Our Changing World

New methane seeps are being discovered in Antarctica, some now appearing in areas that researchers have been monitoring for years. These are areas on the seafloor where methane gas escapes out from under the ground through fissures or cracks. What is the extent of the seeps? How large is the gas reservoir they are being fed from? How much methane is escaping from the sea into the air? Why now? And does this have implications for further warming the planet? A team of NIWA scientists are racing to find answers.

Guests:

• Dr Sarah Seabrook, NIWA
• Dr Leigh Tait, NIWA

Learn more:

• You can find all the papers referenced this episode in the write-up that accompanies it.
• Claire spoke to Sarah about her initial work on seeps and the microbes that are attracted to them in 2022
• There’s currently a massive project underway to investigate whether the West Antarctic Ice Sheet will melt under 2oC of warming. Veronika Meduna joined them on the ice last year.
• Listen to our recent episode about life on the seafloor under the ice, including mysterious giant glass sponges.

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Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details