Could deep-ocean drilling cause a mass extinction?

In summary, there is speculation that the recent BP Gulf disaster may have triggered a mass extinction event due to the release of methane gas from the ocean floor. This is based on the concept of methane clathrates, a solid compound that traps methane within a crystal structure of water. While there is evidence of significant deposits of methane clathrate on Earth's ocean floors, the idea that drilling could cause a mass extinction event is largely unsubstantiated and would require further research and evidence to be considered a valid theory. The thread discussing this topic has been locked and it is suggested that any further discussion would need to be supported by a published paper in a relevant scientific forum.
  • #1
Pattonias
197
0
Mass extinction as a result of oil spill.

http://www.helium.com/items/1882339-doomsday-how-bp-gulf-disaster-may-have-triggered-a-world-killing-event" [Broken]

Any thoughts? Smells of crackpot to me.
 
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  • #2


There is more than idle speculation that a fissure in the ocean floor could result in a planet-changing release of methane. Rising ocean temperatures were thought by some to be the cause of one mass exinction; as per the so-called clathrate gun hypothesis.

Methane clathrate, also called methane hydrate, hydromethane, methane ice or "fire ice" is a solid clathrate compound (more specifically, a clathrate hydrate) in which a large amount of methane is trapped within a crystal structure of water, forming a solid similar to ice.[1] Originally thought to occur only in the outer regions of the Solar System where temperatures are low and water ice is common, significant deposits of methane clathrate have been found under sediments on the ocean floors of Earth.[2]...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methane_clathrate

The notion that drilling might cause such an event is at best highly speculative.

Something like this would require a published paper to merit discussion; and then in a regular forum, like Earth Sciences.

The title of the thread has been changed and the thread is locked.
 
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1. What is deep-ocean drilling?

Deep-ocean drilling is the process of extracting oil and gas reserves from deep below the ocean floor. It involves drilling into the Earth's crust and extracting the resources using specialized equipment.

2. How could deep-ocean drilling cause a mass extinction?

Deep-ocean drilling can cause a mass extinction by releasing large amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. This can lead to drastic changes in the Earth's climate and ocean chemistry, which can have a devastating impact on marine life.

3. Are there any examples of deep-ocean drilling causing a mass extinction?

There is currently no evidence to suggest that deep-ocean drilling has directly caused a mass extinction event. However, some scientists believe that the release of large amounts of methane from deep-sea drilling could have contributed to past extinction events, such as the Permian-Triassic extinction.

4. What measures are in place to prevent deep-ocean drilling from causing a mass extinction?

There are several regulations and safety measures in place to minimize the environmental impact of deep-ocean drilling. These include strict drilling protocols, constant monitoring of drilling operations, and contingency plans in case of accidents or spills.

5. What are the potential benefits of deep-ocean drilling?

The main benefit of deep-ocean drilling is the extraction of valuable resources, such as oil and gas, which are used to meet global energy demands. It also provides employment and economic opportunities, and can potentially lead to the discovery of new species and geological features in the deep ocean.

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