Methane (CH4) has a molecular mass of 12+4*1 = 16 amu. N2 has a molecular mass of 2*14 = 28 amu, and O2 has molecular mass of 2*16 = 32 amu. 16 < 28, 32, so methane is a lighter molecule than the two main constituents of air, and methane would be lighter barring any hydrogen bonding with other molecules. Also, density of methane = 0.657 kg/m³, while density of air is 1.225 kg/m³, consistent with the lighter CH4 molecule.moriah said:Summary:: Atmospheric scientists are reporting that methane is the second most prevalent gas trapped in the ozone layer.
Methane
If methane and hydrogen sulfide absorb more energy from sunlight than the air, then those molecules would diffuse into the air. If they exchange heat with the air, the warmer air rises while colder air somewhere sinks. Methane could be carried aloft with warm air, and if enough methane is present, light methane molecules displace air molecules, which makes that volume of air 'lighter', even without additional heating.moriah said:So my question is, if these gases are already disintegrated, how can they be so formidable?
This sounds like a basic misunderstanding.moriah said:Summary:: Atmospheric scientists are reporting that methane is the second most prevalent gas trapped in the ozone layer.
Methane and hydrogen sulfide are supposed to be heavier then air, thus why they remain in low lying areas. I am to believe that only when they begin to disintegrate, they rise into the atmosphere.
That answered my question very thoroughly. I was mistaken about the density of methane: it’s lighter than air. However in light of your response, density is rather irrelevant. Understanding this issue at your level of expertise is critical at this point in history.Ken Fabian said:This sounds like a basic misunderstanding.
Convection driven bulk air movements and accompanying turbulence mixes these gases at large scales, irrespective of their relative densities. Volcanic H2S from large eruptions for example is carried high into the atmosphere because of convection.
Diffusion mixes them at small scales even in still air. They don't stratify in the atmosphere although higher concentrations are near sources. "Disintegration"?
Methane is a colorless and odorless gas that is naturally produced by the decomposition of organic matter. It is also a byproduct of human activities such as agriculture, fossil fuel extraction, and waste management. Methane is considered a potent greenhouse gas, meaning it has a strong ability to trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming.
Methane is the second most abundant greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide, but it has a much stronger warming potential. Pound for pound, methane is about 28 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. However, carbon dioxide is more abundant and has a longer lifespan in the atmosphere, making it the main contributor to global warming.
The main sources of methane emissions include natural processes such as wetlands, termites, and wildfires, as well as human activities such as livestock farming, landfills, and the production and transport of fossil fuels. Methane emissions from these sources can be reduced through improved management practices and technologies.
Methane contributes to climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere, which leads to an increase in global temperatures. This can cause a range of impacts, including sea level rise, more frequent and severe weather events, and changes in ecosystems and agriculture. Methane also contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone, which can harm human health and damage crops.
There are various ways to reduce methane emissions, including capturing and utilizing methane from landfills and livestock operations, improving leak detection and repair in natural gas production and distribution, and implementing more sustainable agricultural practices. Additionally, transitioning to renewable energy sources can help reduce the demand for fossil fuels, which are a major source of methane emissions.