Earthquakes can release greenhouse gases in the ground

Scientists at Zurich Polytechnic University (EPFZ), Switzerland, have discovered seismic events that can release methane as well as impact on climate change.

According to Swiss Radio and Television RTS, German and Swiss scientists at Zurich Polytechnic University have discovered a new element affecting global climate when conducting a powerful earthquake study. 8.1 Richter levels occurred on the Pakistani coast in 1945.

A route was eroded after the earthquake in Wellington Harbor, New Zealand. (Source: AFP / VNA)

According to research results, this earthquake released a large amount of methane, a greenhouse gas 20 times stronger than carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ). If this phenomenon recurs, it can be said that earthquakes have a strong impact on climate change.

After the earthquake mentioned above, about 7 million cubic meters of methane gas, equivalent to 10 large oil tankers, escaped from the seabed.

Scientist Michael Strasser of EPFZ said: "Their research shows that for the first time earthquakes can release methane gas in the ground."

Scientists believe that this gas will escape for a long time until it is exhausted.