Methane in sea warming up the planet

MICROBES are generating a vast pool of marine methane that is contributing to global warming, a British team of scientists has confirmed.

Scientists from Queen Mary, University of London, traced the source of methane in the tropical Pacific Ocean.

Sediment collected from the ocean floor, where there is very little oxygen, revealed how bugs are creating the largest region of marine methane on Earth.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas with 30 times more heat-trapping power than carbon dioxide.

Atmospheric levels of methane have increased in the last few decades, partly because of human activity. Scientists are keen to understand natural processes of methane production and consumption in order to assess the role played by humans.