Step 2 - Research Paper

Here is my thesis:

Although escaping methane gases in the Arctic Ocean does not raise an alarm for some people, it should because the pockets of methane gas under the ocean floor are vast, the gas can potentially be used as a source of alternative energy, and it may very well mark a climactic doomsday.


Here are my sources:

Archer, D. “Methane Hydrate Stability and Anthropogenic Climate Change.” European Geosciences Union 4 (2008): 522-44. ILLiad. Univ. of Alaska, Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 31 Oct. 2008 Available: http://www.oclc.org/illiad/.

---This is a lengthy article. It has 19 pages of technical reports about methane hydrates. It begins with how methane interacts with the carbon-cycle, and ends with the geological-timescale response to methane. This publication is a fairly complete exploration of known facts about methane hydrates. The author performed his research through the Department of the Geophysical Sciences at the University of Chicago.---


Connor, Steve. “Exclusive: The Methane Time Bomb.” The Independent (23 Sep. 2008). 31 Oct. 2008 http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/exclusive-the-methane-time-bomb-938932.html.

---This is a news article about findings on the Siberian Arctic Shelf. The article focuses on methane release, but forgets to mention natural history. It speculates about catastrophe. There are many quotes from researchers, which presents accurate information. The author seems to take a "doomsday" approach, rather than an "economically beneficial" approach.---


Decker, Paul L; Wartes, Marwan A. “Geochemistry of the Aupuk Gas Seep Along the Colville River — Evidence for a Thermogenic Origin.” Alaska Department of Natural Resources: Geological and Geophysical Surveys PIR 2008-1E 47-54 (2008): ILLiad. Univ. of Alaska, Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 31 Oct. 2008 http://www.oclc.org/illiad/.

---Published by the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys and Alaska Division of Oil and Gas to investigate a land-bound gas seep on Alaska's North Slope. It briefly discusses history of this particular gas seep. The article contains experiment data from the Aupuk gas seep along the Colville River. The experiments concluded that the gas seep was thermogenic in origin and not endogenic.---


Dyer, Gwynne. “Time for Action: Arctic Ocean Methane Signals Catastrophe.” Fast Forward Weekly (Oct. 2 2008). 31 Oct. 2008 http://www.ffwdweekly.com/article/news-views/international/time-for-action-2637/.

---This is a report on the clathrate gun hypothesis. The reporter briefly covers the Siberian expedition, but runs away with the data. Spends most of the article trying to scare the readers into believing the doomsday theories. Discusses methods of altering our environment to prevent global warming.---


Etiope, G; Milkov, A. V; Derbyshire, E. “Did Geologic Emissions of Methane Play Any Role in Quaternary Climate Change.” Global and Planetary Change 61 (2008): 79-88. ILLiad. Univ. of Alaska, Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 31 Oct. 2008 Available: http://www.oclc.org/illiad/.

---This is a scientific report on climate change within s specific period of pre-history. The paper defines geologic formations that emmit gases. They show evidence by comparing known chemical values to core samples. Through rock testing they show probable causes of extinction periods. Their testing is centered on changes during the Quaternary Period (roughly 750,000 years ago).---


Fulton-Bennett, Kim. "Methane Bubbling Through Seafloor Creates Undersea Hills." Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute 5 Feb. 2007. 31 Oct. 2008 http://www.mbari.org/news/news_releases/2007/paull-plfs.html

---Report conducted by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. They focus on research conducted by Charlie Paull. His is an in-depth analysis of pingo-like features found in the Beaufort Sea. MBRAI give a brief description of methane hydrates, and show that hydrates and pingo-like features found in the Beaufort Sea are connected.---


Jacquot, Jeremy. "If Life Gives You Methane, Make Methane Energy." Discover Magazine (31 Jan. 2008). 31 Oct. 2008 http://discovermagazine.com/2008/feb/if-life-gives-you-methane-make-methane-energy.

---This is a news report about methane hydrates. It summarizes the accepted academic ideas, and suggests using methane as an alternative energy source. Reports that car manufacturer BMW is interested in methane application. The paper stimulates an interest in methane technologies.---


Kennedy, Martin; David, Mrofka; von der Borch, Chris. "Snowball Earth Termination by Destabilization of Equitorial Permafrost Methane Clathrate." Nature 453 (2008): 642-45. 31 Oct. 2008 http://faculty.ucr.edu/~martink/pdfs/Kennedy_2008_Nature.pdf.

---This is the report given by a geologic expedition. The team arrived at a location labeled only by longitude and latitude coordinates. They propose that they have uncovered proof of a pre-historic "Snowball Earth." Their research tries to explain why Snowball Earth melted. Their conclusions point to the Clathrate Gun Hypothesis.---


Koh, Carolyn A; Sloan, E. Dendy. “Natural Gas Hydrates: Recent Advances and Challenges in Energy and Environmental Applications.” American Institute of Chemical Engineers 53.7 (2007): 1636-43 ILLiad. Univ. of Alaska, Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 31 Oct. 2008 http://www.oclc.org/illiad/.

---This publication contains scientific experiment documentation. The authors of this paper conducted their experiments through the Colorado School of Mines' Center for Hydrate Research. The article contains geometry, temperature and pressure ratios, location detection techniques, extraction problems, the clathrate gun hypothesis, and other issues learned about hydrates. The documentation is focused on real-time science to better understand issues affecting our planet right now.---


Paull, Charles K; Ussler, W; Dallimore, Scott R; Blasco, Steve M; Lorenson, Thomas D; Melling, Humfrey;Medioli, Barbara E; Nixon, F. Mark; McLaughlin, Fiona A. “Origin of Pingo-Like Features on the Beaufort Sea Shelf and Their Possible Relationship to Decomposing Methane Gas Hydrates.” Geophysical Research Letters 34 (2007): 1-5. ILLiad. Univ. of Alaska, Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 31 Oct. 2008 http://www.oclc.org/illiad/.

---This paper, written by the American Geophysical Union, shows concentrated research in the Beaufort Sea. The team studies formations caused by methane hydrates within the Beaufort Sea Shelf. They calculate the ages of the sediments, and decomposition rates of seeping gases. This is a scientific report, for academic purposes.---


Shakhova, N; “Methane Release on the Arctic East Siberian Shelf.” Geophysical Research Abstracts 9 (2007): 1-2 ILLiad. Univ. of Alaska, Fairbanks Lib., Fairbanks, AK. 31 Oct. 2008 http://www.oclc.org/illiad/.

---These are published results from a European Geosciences Union expedition to the Siberian Arctic coast. The article found a "carbon hyper pool" under the Arctic sea ice. They do not draw conclusions about these finding. The data reported on was collected during the expedition.---


Strickland, Eliza. "A Monstrous Methane Belch Once Warmed the Earth." Discover Magazine (29 May 2008). 31 Oct. 2008 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2008/05/29/a-monstrous-methane-belch/.

---This is a news blog that brings together other news media reports about methane gas. It does not show any conclusive findings, but does give correct information about methane hydrates. It is useful because the information is accurate. This author takes the "doomsday" approach to methane hydrates.---


Strickland, Eliza. "Methane Bubbles in the Arctic Ocean Give Climate Scientists the Willies." Discover Magazine (24 Sept. 2008). 31 Oct. 2008 http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/80beats/2008/09/24/methane-bubbles-in-the-arctic-ocean-give-climate-scientists-the-willies/.

---This piece is very similar to her other one. This time she focuses on the pre-history of methane. She shows the relationship between global warming and an extinction period. She points out that Paleoclimatology is a field of high interest. She believes the pre-history of methane describes our current issues of global warming. She also uses the documentation as indicators of future events.---


“Scientists Tapping Arctic Ocean Methane as Potential Cleaner Energy Source.” CBC News 27 Feb. 2007. 31 Oct. 2008 http://www.cbc.ca/technology/story/2008/02/27/nwt-methane.html.

---Canadian news report about economic impact of methane. Tells us that many countries are investing large amounts of money into methane hydrate production and research. Reporters were on-site during methane hydrate extraction and testing. Determines that conventional oil-field wisdom is helpful in testing phases.---


“The Big Debate: Global Warming or National Security?” CNN Technology News 10 May 2007. 31 Oct. 2008 http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/science/08/30/energy.debate/index.html?iref=newssearch.

---CNN News reports about paleoclimatology research around the world. Describes fossil fuel dependence around the world. This article asks readers to decide if development of fossil fuel energy is necessary. It does not reach any conclusions, but gives accurate reports on current research.---