methane leak gas pipelines Nord Stream, in Denmark, has caused quite a stir due to both its environmental and economic implications. And, above all, out of fear that, on suspicion, it was not an accident. With regard to the environment, it is still impossible to accurately determine the extent of the damage. However, it is clear that the consequences will be catastrophic, both for atmosphere For marine ecosystems.
We must not forget that methane is one of the gases most contributing to the greenhouse effect. Therefore, the sudden release of large quantities into the atmosphere can derail many plans aimed at minimizing global warming. In addition, although the German environmental authorities assure that there is no danger to marine life, other similar incidents have shown that it can pose a danger.
At the moment there is a formation of geysers, showing the release of these gas columns, which could catch fish and affect your breathing. It’s too early to tell what else will happen; but of course it doesn’t seem like a good thing.
Nord Stream, scene of the incident
Nord Stream, also known as Baltic Offshore Gas Pipelinegas pipeline responsible for the transportation of natural gas from Russia, originating in the port city Vyborgto a part of Europe, with its last stretch in GreifswaldGermany.
First war in ukraine, this supply was almost completely cut off. But logically, there was still gas in the pipes, and their workers were still working to keep it under control.
Therefore, when seismographs in the area recorded an anomalous tremor magnitude 2.3knew something was wrong. It immediately became clear that the cause of the earthquake was an explosion in the Danish section of the gas pipeline. And the worst thing is that several holes were formed through which the gas went out to the sea. This can have very dangerous consequences for both the atmosphere and marine ecosystems.
Methane and global warming
The greenhouse effect is necessary for our planet to be both a habitable and comfortable place. And it lies in the fact that without it, solar radiation that reached the earth’s surface would be reflected, lost in space. As a result, the average temperature of the Earth will be -18ºС.
Fortunately, some gases that accumulate in the atmosphere produce this Greenhouse effectblocking some of the solar radiation and prevent their loss. But these gases must be found in the proper measure. If they weren’t it would be very coldyes, but if they accumulate the planet is getting hotter and hotterwith all the consequences.
That’s why we’re talking about greenhouse effect damage. Much attention is paid carbon dioxide, as it is one of the greenhouse gases whose emissions have increased the most since industrialization. However, others, such as methane, trap even more radiation and contribute to more heat, making it 34 times more powerful than carbon dioxide.
Environmental hazard of the Nord Stream gas pipeline accident
It is not yet possible to quantify the amount of methane released into the environment. However, according to statements collected euronews from Jean-François Gauthier, vice president of measurements for the commercial methane measurement satellite company GHGSat, “during the first decay they could release 500 metric tons of methane per hour“.
This is a conservative estimate given that the system contained 300 million cubic meters of natural gas, which is about 200,000 tons of methaneaccording to chemical engineer Paul Balcombfrom Queen Mary University of London. The consequences of this gas release would be catastrophic for the atmosphere and therefore for the planet. In short, they would mean many steps back in the fight against climate change. But that won’t be the only problem.
And to understand this, it is enough to go back to 2010, when Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico. The incident caused the release of large amounts of oil as well as methane. Therefore, this situation can serve as a comparison.
Experts began to warn that this gas could change the proportions of oxygen in the water, seriously affecting marine life. And the fact is that the species living in ecosystems of this type are adapted only to amounts of methane that can be emitted by marine microorganisms. If they are much higher, their survival becomes more difficult.
Luckily, microorganisms they could have played a decisive role even after the Nord Stream explosion. This is due to the fact that part of the emitted methane is processed, preventing it from dissolving into the sea or coming to the surface. And also the fact that, once there, it goes into the atmosphere. At this point, we won’t be able to know to what extent they helped, but they will certainly make some difference. I want it to be enough. However, it seems clear that after what happened with this gas pipeline, we should be concerned not only with the economic consequences.
Source: Hiper Textual
