Mexican state oil company Petroleos Mexicanos released thousands of tons of methane gas into the atmosphere from an oil and gas platform in the Gulf of Mexico last December, research published on Thursday by the European Space Agency (ESA) showed.
Researchers led by Itziar Irakulis Loitxate from the Polytechnic University of Valencia calculated about 4,000 tons of methane were released during that time.
The Gulf of Mexico leak is likely a result of "abnormal process conditions at the site" like malfunctions or equipment issues, researchers concluded."These are the first detections made from satellites," Irakulis Loitxate told Reuters. "Without the monitoring approach described in the paper, similar events would remain invisible and unaccounted."
Methane is much more powerful at trapping heat than carbon dioxide but only lasts in the atmosphere for about a decade.
Brasil Últimas Notícias, Brasil Manchetes
Similar News:Você também pode ler notícias semelhantes a esta que coletamos de outras fontes de notícias.
Plains, Gulf Coast to see flooding, stormsUnsettled weather is forecast across the U.S., including storms across the Plains, Gulf Coast and the mid-Atlantic. Heat continues for the West through the weekend.
Consulte Mais informação »
Scientists examine Gulf of Alaska sea floor to see effects of bottom trawlingJon Warrenchuck, a senior scientist and fisheries campaign manager with Oceana, hopes the photos and videos from the waters off Kodiak will help make the case to keep trawlers out of some areas of the ocean.
Consulte Mais informação »
Stunning ‘Dragon Man' skull may be an elusive Denisovan—or a new species of humanA massive, remarkably complete skull from China discovered last year may reveal the long-sought face of a Denisovan. ScienceMagArchives
Consulte Mais informação »
Scientists examine Gulf of Alaska sea floor to see effects of bottom trawlingJon Warrenchuck, a senior scientist and fisheries campaign manager with Oceana, hopes the photos and videos from the waters off Kodiak will help make the case to keep trawlers out of some areas of the ocean.
Consulte Mais informação »
Damage Estimates Climb From Massive New Mexico WildfireNew Mexico’s governor says the destruction has been devastating for thousands of residents.
Consulte Mais informação »
Norway’s massive offshore floating wind farm will power oil and gas productionThe largest floating wind power farm sounds good until you see what it will be used for. What's happening there?
Consulte Mais informação »