This video was taken by a research team from the University of Alaska. It shows them poking a hole in a methane bubble that formed on the surface of a frozen lake and lighting it on fire. Obviously they were being very professional. An explanation of why the methane builds up can be found below.

Permafrost is defined as soil that has been below 32°F for more than two years. As earth temperatures increase due to climate change, permafrost near the edge of lakes melts. The organic matter that was once trapped in the soil falls to the bottom of the lake where it decomposes and releases methane. The gas then floats up to the surface where it becomes trapped in bubbles under the ice. One of my relatives that lives in Alaska claims that a large bubble can shoot out flames for upwards of thirty seconds when lit, and suggests that it can be a lifesaver for people who have become lost in the wilderness. Environmentalist are concerned with the release of methane because it is much more potent than carbon dioxide and can warm the earth as much as 21 times more. With permafrost melting all over the world, soon large quantities of methane could be released int the atmosphere which could have a drastic impact on the global climate.

Sources:
1. Science Daily
2. Methane
3. Permafrost

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