Posted on 12/31/2014 2:47:37 PM PST by smokingfrog
Scientists are beginning to question the ramifications of a giant Delaware-sized methane hot spot high up in the air. The “giant plume” is the largest collection of greenhouse gas in the air above the U.S. and is likely the result of natural gas leaks.
It’s located over a stretch of desert in Southeast New Mexico, and NASA scientists have studied the methane cloud as a potent climate changer for the past three years.
When it first appeared, scientists questioned its existence.
“We couldn’t be sure that the signal was real,” NASA researcher Christian Frankenberg told the Washington Post.
But NASA teams and University of Michigan scientists verified the methane “hot spot” in October. The study’s lead author Eric Kort says it’s unlikely that the methane emissions were caused by fracking alone, as the period in which scientists have studied the cloud predates “the widespread use of hydraulic fracturing.” Kort says the methane emissions are likely due instead to leaks in natural gas extraction and processing equipment in New Mexico's San Juan Basin.
"The results are indicative that emissions from established fossil fuel harvesting techniques are greater than inventoried," Kort said. "There's been so much attention on high-volume hydraulic fracturing, but we need to consider the industry as a whole."
Although not detectable by the naked eye, the cloud is visible from outer space. NASA scientists estimate the plume has reached over 2,500 square miles in the past decade.
It’s only the latest episode of documented massive gas leaks, and infrared cameras are currently being used to detect the natural gas surfacing from wells and compressors across the country.
Methane is considered to be twenty times more harmful a greenhouse gas than carbon-dioxide.
(Excerpt) Read more at us.sputniknews.com ...
Why doesn’t the EPA monitor the UFO emissions?
Don’t discount a giant stampede of cattle as the culprit.
Solidifying their climate “change” theory to keep the money train rollin’ global warming didn’t work out so well
> Don’t discount a giant stampede of cattle as the culprit.
Or the whining of liberal...
Sandy blew the Universal Fart further inland than we knew when she made landfall.
Oh noes, we’re all gonna die!!!
Next up: liberal wackos trying to charge you per flatulence and doing number 2 episode...
OH no we’re DOOMED. Anyone have a match???
Michelle Obama was out west recently...
Michael Moore still lives in Hollywood?
I see they conveniently cropped off north Jersey.
Mistake? I think not.
Where’s Harry Reid these days?
I always make it a point to sort of grimace if someone cuts one in an elevator.
You know, that ‘wry’ kind of smile.
When ‘accused’ I claim - “Weren’t me, had I laid that gem, I would be taking full credit.
Of course, while exiting sort of throw over your shoulder...”Someone better check their skivvies”......
Wasn’t me...
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