ИСТИНА

This study proves that permafrost degradation of coastal and marine sediments of the Arctic Seas can result in large amount of methane emitted to the atmosphere. The quantitative assessment of such emissions requires data on methane content in permafrost sediments and ground ice. The samples were analyzed to determine composition, salinity, and organic carbon content. Gas was present in pores of sediments and in bubbles within the ice. The methane content is characterized by high variability. The value of methane emissions in the destruction of frozen sea shore with underground ice is high enough and comparable to the emission of methane from wetland ecosystems. http://www.airqualityconference.org