研究：南极海域甲烷逸出点激增

Core Insights - An international study led by New Zealand's Earth Science Organization has found a significant increase in methane seep points in the Antarctic region, raising concerns about the relationship between this phenomenon and climate change [1] - The study indicates that these seep points are mostly newly formed, suggesting a major change in methane emission patterns around New Zealand's continental shelf [1] - Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and scientists are investigating its sources and the connection to escalating global warming [1] Summary by Sections Methane Seep Points - Methane seepage refers to the release of methane and other chemicals from beneath the seabed into the water, with some forming bubbles that reach the surface [1] - The first seep point was discovered in Antarctica in 2012, and the number has been continuously increasing, with similar phenomena observed in the Arctic [1] - The research team recorded dozens of new methane seep points in the shallow waters of the Ross Sea, Antarctica [1] Research Methodology - The research utilized remotely operated vehicles and deployed underwater divers to explore methane seep points at various depths in the Ross Sea [1] - Last year, the team unexpectedly found dozens of new seep points at Cape Evans on Ross Island [1] Future Implications - The lead researcher, Sara Seabrook, expressed excitement with each new discovery, but also anxiety over the potential rapid release of more methane into the atmosphere, which many climate change prediction studies have not yet accounted for [1] - The implications of this trend for the nearshore Antarctic environment in the next 5 to 10 years are concerning [2]