Methane is naturally produced at the bottom of lakes and rivers as organic matter decomposes. In the far north, this production has increased in recent years as climate change has warmed the arctic and started to melt permafrost. Permafrost consisting of frozen organic materials is now melting and decomposing and increasing the release of methane. Permafrost as the name implies is something that should be permanently frozen and in general has been for thousands of years. In recent years it has been melting. At the same time that climate change is speeding it’s release, it’s release is also speeding climate change in a positive feedback loop that may be difficult to stop. And while the release of methane is not good, it can create some beautiful formations when trapped in ice. These images were all photographed in and around the interior of Alaska over the last several years on ponds, lakes, and along rivers.
