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Methane (US: / ˈ m ɛ θ eɪ n / METH-ayn, UK: / ˈ m iː θ eɪ n / MEE-thayn) is a chemical compound with the chemical formula CH 4 (one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms). It is a group-14 hydride, the simplest alkane, and the main constituent of natural gas.
If methane is detected (by using a spectrometer for example) this may indicate that life is, or recently was, present. This was debated [ 25 ] when methane was discovered in the Martian atmosphere by M.J. Mumma of NASA's Goddard Flight Center, and verified by the Mars Express Orbiter (2004) [ 26 ] and in Titan 's atmosphere by the Huygens probe ...
Methanogens are anaerobic archaea that produce methane as a byproduct of their energy metabolism, i.e., catabolism. Methane production, or methanogenesis, is the only biochemical pathway for ATP generation in methanogens.
Methane in the atmosphere is a far more potent greenhouse gas, with each molecule having twenty-five times the effect of a molecule of carbon dioxide. Methane itself however accounts for less composition of the atmosphere than does carbon dioxide. Landfills are the third-largest source of methane in the US. [2]
Not only does pool and water table location determine the areas where methane production or oxidation may take place, but it also determines how quickly methane can diffuse into the air. When traveling through water, the methane molecules run into the quickly moving water molecules and thus take a longer time to reach the surface.
The Delaware-sized methane cloud over New Mexico has become an increasing cause for concern and a point of contention.
Methane's GWP 20 of 85 means that a ton of CH 4 emitted into the atmosphere creates approximately 85 times the atmospheric warming as a ton of CO 2 over a period of 20 years. [23] On a 100-year timescale, methane's GWP 100 is in the range of 28–34. Methane emissions are important as reducing them can buy time to tackle carbon emissions. [24] [25]
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