As the radiation balance of our planet changes, increasing temperatures have the potential to release stores of methane currently locked away in methane clathrates. It is estimated that around 1 800 000 Gt carbon may be stored in methane clathrates globally. In comparison, the atmosphere as a whole contains only around 700-800 Gt carbon!

If increasing temperatures destabilize reservoirs of methane clathrate, this could trigger a positive feedback loop, resulting in a change in Earth's radiation balance. Positive feedback loops will be discussed in greater detail in Lesson 7.

Question: Methane clathrates form under conditions of high pressure and low temperature. Where on earth do you think these conditions can be found? How might increasing average global temperatures change the distribution of the conditions required for the formation and stability of methane clathrates?