Question

A group of scientists in Alaska notices that not only have atmospheric CO₂ levels increased at their sampling site but so too have methane levels. What could account for this increase in methane levels?
a. None of the answer options is correct.
b. The release of methane from thawed permafrost.
c. A decrease in beef production near the researchers' sampling area.
d. The melting of permafrost accompanied by the thawing of methane-producing bacteria.
e. The failure of rice paddies to be established in Alaska, given its climate.

Answer 1

Answer: The release of methane from thawed permafrost

Explanation:

With increasing global warming, permafrost in the arctic is melting. The  carbon and methyl clathrates present in permafrost escape into the atmosphere to form carbon dioxide and methane, both greenhouse gases.

In the Arctic, molecules of methane are trapped in ice crystals as methyl clathrates. When the temperature increases, these crystals release  methyl clathrates which become methane when in contact with the atmosphere.

The cause of the increasing atmospheric $CO{2}$ is due to the the thawing of dead organisms present in the permafrost. As the permafrost melts, these organisms decay and release  $CO{2}$ into the atmosphere.

Answer 2

Answer:

B is the right option

Explanation:

The thawing of permafrost releases methane which accumulated from dead plant and animals which has been frozen deep inside the permafrost for thousand of years .