Natural Gas Vent

Observation:

On a rising tide, a line of bubbles from the mud under the water of Ugashik Bay can be observed rising forcefully to the surface. The gas has no odor and quickly filled an overturned container, forcing the water out. Residents are curious what the gas is and whether it has important implications for the community or the environment. Methane is one of the possible gases, along with Nitrogen. Methane is an important greenhouse gas but also presents a possible opportunity as a fuel source. Pilot Point is developing utility scale wind turbines to help manage the high cost of energy, and they are interested in exploring other energy sources. The video was sent to Katey Walter Anthony at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and she is corresponding with the tribal council to collect samples for analysis.

Video:

LEO Network Channel – Pilot Point Gas Seep - October 2012, Pilot Point Alaska, October 11, 2012. Mike Brubaker LEO, Jennifer Skarada LEO, Nikki Shanigan LEO (About the LEO Network)

Media:

Fairbanks Daily News Miner (2012-10-29) Study refince caluations of thawing permafrost, "A new study led by the U.S. Geological Survey refines estimates of how frozen Arctic soils could thaw and release gases into the atmosphere, including nitrogen, which could have an effect on plants and water. Lead author Jennifer Harden, a USGS research soil scientist, said it's too soon to make grand statements about nitrogen's effect. The study looked at three kinds of permafrost, or permanently frozen ground, and how they will thaw as climate warms. The frozen soils vary by their organic matter. The study's authors plugged soil numbers into a model that will be used in the next Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The exercise confirmed previous estimates for carbon release in the next century - 850 billion tons, which would double the amount stored in the atmosphere now." Story by Dan Joling, Associated Press.