WASP-121b, an already unusual planet, might have a remote origin that explains some of its peculiar properties—from iron rain to the unexpected presence of methane.
methane
Posted inNews
Nonproducing Oil Wells May Be Emitting 7 Times More Methane Than We Thought
A study measured methane flow from more than 450 nonproducing wells across Canada, but thousands more remain unevaluated.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Proposed Experiment Could Clarify Origin of Martian Methane
Curiosity’s detection of the gas, if atmospheric, could be an indicator of life on the Red Planet. But skeptics say further work is needed to rule out the rover itself as the source of the methane.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Peatland Plantations in Southeast Asia are Carbon Hotspots
A new study reports a rare set of data on greenhouse gas production and transport for a tropical peatland plantation showing exceptionally high concentrations of dissolved organic carbon.
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Rice Paddies, Like Cows, Spew Methane. A New Variety Makes Them a Lot Less Gassy.
Rice plants are a big source of methane, an extremely potent greenhouse gas. Scientists just developed a strain that cuts those emissions by 70 percent.
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As Seas Rise, Marshes May Still Trap Carbon—and Cool the Planet
Rising seas spell doom for coastal wetlands trapping carbon—or do they? New research reveals that as these ecosystems transition, they can still trap carbon and possibly cool the planet.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
The Explosive Origins of Titan’s Rampart Craters
In a new study, volcanic explosions are explored and modeled to understand the possible origins of rampart craters on Titan and determine whether their formation can source atmospheric methane.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Dry Heat, Wet Heat, and Wetland Methane Emissions
Compound weather events—such as extreme cold or heat combined with severe dryness or precipitation—have a greater effect on wetland methane emissions than discrete weather extremes do.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
New Software Package Helps Scientists Find Flux
An easy-to-use R package offers a more efficient way to sort through and analyze data about greenhouse gas levels collected in static chamber experiments.
Posted inEditors' Highlights
Clumped CO Isotopes – New Tracers for Atmospheric Chemistry
A new study reports the first measurements of 13C18O in atmospheric carbon monoxide (CO) and show their variations reflect chemical ‘aging’ consistent with predicted kinetic isotope effects.