An Australian scientific team set off for Antarctica on Tuesday to search for definitive proof in the polar ice cap that human activity is responsible for rising levels of greenhouse gases.
The team from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation will drill 250m below the surface to obtain cylinders of ice containing trapped bubbles of methane dating back to 1750.
Expedition leader Andrew Smith said while there was no doubt that levels of methane were rising, there was considerable debate over whether the increase was naturally occurring or linked to human activities that have taken place since the industrial revolution.
He said the cylinders or ice cores would provide a snap-frozen timeline dating back 250 years showing increases in the levels of methane, one of the most powerful greenhouse gases linked to global warming.
The methane retrieved will be shipped to Australia for examination in a particle accelerator which will reveal its carbon isotopes. Study of these isotopes will determine if the gas came from natural or manufactured sources.
”These answers are vitally important for future climate predictions,” he said.
”Once we know what caused and is causing methane levels to rise, scientists can then form definite strategies to limit emissions and help combat global warming.” – AFP
