Natural Phenomenon : Frozen Methane Bubbles
Hi ! Today I'll tell you about one of the most incredible natural phenomena called Frozen Methane Bubbles.
Basically natural phenomena is not an engineered event manufactured by human, although it may affect them.
There are some types of natural phenomena such as weather, fog, thunder, tornadoes; biological processes, decomposition, germination; physical processes, wave propagation, erosion; tidal flow, and natural disasters such as electromagnetic pulses, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes. Based on wikipedia, natural phenomena divided into 6 categories :
1. Physical Phenomena
2. Chemical Phenomena
3. Biological Phenomena
4. Astronomical Phenomena
5. Geological Phenomena
6. Meteorological Phenomena
Those are only few examples of natural phenomena. Back to the topic I'll give you the information about Frozen Methane Bubble
The photos above may look like a sea of bizarrely
shaped jellyfish but these strange shapes below the frozen waters of Abraham
lake are in fact methane bubbles. The methane gas bubbles are emitted from
bacteria after it has consumed dead organic matter (animals and
leaves) found at the bottom of the lake.
Where it is happened?
This unusual sight also occurs at Vermilion Lake and Lake Minnewanka, but the most popular destination would be Abraham Lake. All of the lakes mentioned are located in Canada, either in or not far from Banff National Park.
How it is happened?
In the winter months, the temperature around Lake Abraham can drop dangerously low and wind speeds can reach 48km/h. The constant movement of these frigid blasts ensures that the ice that forms on the lake’s surface is crystal clear, creating a window to the surreal beauty hidden below: frozen methane bubbles.
The methane bubbles are created when organic matter, such as dead plants or animals, sink to the bottom of the lake. As the organic matter decomposes, it releases methane gas, which rises to the top. As the winter sets in, the bubbles freeze and stack on top of each other, creating the unique formations of bluish-white crystals and frozen columns.
Visit Frozen Methane Bubbles
The best time to visit this amazing phenomena would be late December to late January. Here you can take a picture, enjoy the scenery, even do a research about frozen methane bubbles. If you want to stay here for a while, don't worry because there are some cottage you can book to the local society.
Safety precautions when visiting Lake Abraham during winter
1. Methane is a flammable odourless gas. If there is a crack in the ice the methane gas will be release so we advise not to hold a match or a lighter on the lake.
2. The lake is in the middle of nowhere, so you won't be able to find a close convenience store, make sure you have all the necessary equipment with you.
3. It shouldn't be warmer than -10 degrees. (-10 until -25 ͦͦC)
4. Take an old fashioned map with you just in case
5. Wear warm clothes with base layer thermals because it can get really windy. - 6. Get boots crampons not to slip on the ice
Lake Abraham In The Future
As the global temperatures rise, scientists fear that the permafrost will begin to thaw, and this methane will begin to be released in addition to the methane gas emissions that already occur from the naturally decomposing organic matter at the bottom of the lake bed.
As a result, the amount of methane gases being released into the atmosphere will greatly increase, which will in turn cause an increase in global warming and further harm the environment, creating a dangerous cycle with no clear solution.
That's all for today. Thank you^^
Sources :
| ||||||
| https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwit-e_Y-JTiAhVE5awKHR6hCYYQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2F2016%2F03%2F08%2Fscience%2Fmethane-has-never-looked-so-beautiful.html&psig=AOvVaw04pJXwUPFH4xIcNRO4hwrM&ust=1557714421517006https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_natural_phenomena https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwip0bLhhpXiAhVG63MBHR_vDHkQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.jennexplores.com%2Fcanada%2Falberta%2Fabraham-lake-alberta%2Ffrozen-ice-bubbles-abraham-lake-alberta%2F&psig=AOvVaw00wawdxGViYGQqIV3K0kx3&ust=1557718229266783 | http://www.bbc.com/travel/gallery/20180218-lake-abraham-an-ethereal-landscape-of-frozen-bubbles | allthatsinteresting.com/lake-abraham | earthtripper.com/frozen-methane-bubbles-transform-abraham-lake | https://www.canadiangeographic.ca/sites/cgcorp/files/images/web_articles/blog/methane3.jpg | https://i.cbc.ca/1.4007408.1488489896!/fileImage/httpImage/image.JPG_gen/derivatives/original_780/abraham-lake-methane-ice-bubbles.JPG | https://www.jennexplores.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Abraham-Lake-Alberta-Ice-Bubbles-13.png |
Komentar
Posting Komentar