Do you believe that excess methane in the worlds oceans could cause a global catastrophe?

Question

What is the most probable consequence of the warming ocean temps releasing massive amounts of gas from melting frozen methane hydrate (at the bottom of deep oceans)?

1. the gas in the atmosphere would build up and cause worldwide atmospheric explosions.

2. increase global warming and exaserbate glacier and ice shelf melting.

Lastly, how can we stop the methane hydrate from melting, and returning to a gas, if the ocean temps keep rising?

Answer 1

It won't happen. There is no warming of the deep oceans.

Answer 2

This isn't going to happen.  

While the probably exist that this could occur, it won't as this has never occurred in the past.

Answer 3

I have been wondering the same thing.  The methane hydrate trapped in the polar regions is what I wondered about.  The quantities are less than what occurs in the subduction zones, but it is closer to the surface and if the ice encapsulating it was to melt it would subside right into the atmosphere.  Structurally they are quite different too.  The polar region methane would not cause tidal waves like the methane deposited on the continental shelves would.  So it could be happening right now who knows.  The thing I thought was crazy when I researched this was that Methane is 10x more effective than CO2 as a greenhouse gas.

Answer 4

I just recently saw a documentary on the history channel about a scientist who did research on this. One of his theories was that a huge methane explosion could occur in the middle of the ocean the size of the state of California. This in turn would create tsunamis all over the world that could wipe out coastal areas, including parts of the entire west coast of the US. Methane explosions over land could also cause devistating fires. This is highly unlikely, especially on such a grand level.

One theory also suggests that methane explosions originating from below the ocean floor are responsible for planes and ships disappearing from the Bermuda Triangle. Interesting stuff...

This was the show I watched:

http://www.history.com/shows.do?action=d...

Answer 5

Not likely.  In fact, recent data indicates that the oceans have not warmed at all.

Answer 6

#2.  Google "Clathrate" and Permian Extinction"

Answer 7

No.

Answer 8

As much as I disagree with Dr. Jello's opinion, look at his grammar!!!

Wow...

Answer 9

This is actually one of the more plausible AGW triggers that might cause the end of the world as we know it.

Methane clathrates do exist, methane is a potent global warming gas, and maybe they all release gas at once.

Odds this might  happen?  No one knows.

Significance if it happens?  No one knows.