Saturday 16 December 2023

The Danger of Melting Permafrost

 The Danger of Melting Permafrost

THIS ARTICLE tells of the dangers of permafrost melting - release of methane. It is based on THIS ACADEMIC PAPER. (The article has less than 650 words, the paper has over 14,000 so the paper is more nuanced than the article.) 

It seems that permafrost acts as a "cap rock" for methane. The research was done in Svalbard where there has been a long history of hydrocarbon exploration. 

The methane has two sources - biogenic - recent sources - and thermogenic - geologic timescales - and both sorts have been sealed from the atmosphere by permafrost.

With global warming permafrost is becoming less permanent and methane is likely to escape into the atmosphere where it is a potent greenhouse gas. The amounts involved are unknown. 

Something else to worry about.

Saturday 9 December 2023

Two New Nick Chidlaw Courses

 Two New Nick Chidlaw Courses

Nick Chidlaw wants to run two courses early next year. The format of the courses is that he sends enrolees a digital document for them to study for two weeks; then follows a week for people to ask Nick questions by email. Then Nick sends everyone the most informative questions and answers.

The courses are:-

A YOUNG OROGENIC BELT: COLLISION OF THE INDIAN TECTONIC PLATE WITH ASIA  
Tutor: Dr Nick Chidlaw 
Reading Period: Monday 15th – Sunday 28th January 2024 (2 weeks)
Dialogue Period:  Monday 29th January – Sunday 4th February 2024 (1 week)
Tuition fee £33.00 per person.
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AN ANCIENT OROGENY: THE GRAMPIAN OROGENIC BELT, NORTHERN SCOTLAND
Tutor: Dr Nick Chidlaw
Reading Period: Monday 5th - Sunday 18th February 2024 (2 weeks)
Dialogue Period:  Monday 19th – Sunday 25th February 2024 (1 week)
Tuition fee £33.00 per person.
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In both cases the closing date for enrolment is Sunday 7th January.

Nick has prepared a document which has all the details. You can get a copy HERE.

Friday 1 December 2023

Down to Earth Extra December 2023

 Down to Earth Extra December 2023


The December 2023 edition of Down to Earth Extra has been published. You can download it HERE or you can read it below.