Expect ‘Methane Explosions’ in Siberia, Researchers Warn

Methane eruptions continue to puncture permafrost in Siberia

Dozens of punctures, caused by methane eruptions/explosions, continue to rip through the permafrost in Yamal Peninsula, northern Siberia, and other parts of Far North (Russia), according to a report.

Researches have prepared a 3D-model of the first large hole, named B-1, that appeared on Yamal, which rapidly became a lake. Picture: Vladimir Olenchenko/Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics/ via http://siberiantimes.com.

The first hole, measuring about 80 meters wide and 100 meters deep, was discovered last year in Yamal, means the “end of the world,” located in the far north of Siberia, said a report.

Dozens of craters, small and large, have appeared in Far North (Russia), including the Taymyr Peninsula.

Researchers warn more explosions will occur leaving behind ever larger craters as warmer temperatures melt permafrost releasing explosive methane gas.

The methane concentration at the bottom of the craters is reportedly many orders of magnitude higher than average atmospheric content of the gas.

More images, videos and details posted at

http://siberiantimes.com/science/casestudy/news/n0415-danger-of-methane-explosions-on-yamal-peninsula-scientists-warn/

Major Disaster Declared in California Wildfire

Federal Disaster Declared in Lake County after Valley Fire Destroys about 2,000 Structures

California Valley Fire (DR-4240) Incident period: September 12, 2015 Major Disaster Declaration declared on September 22, 2015

The White House has declared a major disaster exists in Lake County, California after the so-called Valley Fire wildfire destroyed nearly 2,000 structures, mostly homes, killing at least three civilians and injuring four fire crews.

• County: Lake, Napa and Sonoma Counties
• Acres Burned – Containment: 76,067 acres – 79% contained
• Structures Still Threatened: 3,043 residential
• Total Fire Personnel: 3,303

California Gov had already issued two States of Emergency proclamations this month for four counties, one  for Lake and Napa counties due to the effects of the Valley Fire, and the other  for Amador and Calaveras counties due to the devastation caused by Butte Fire wildfire.

Brown had also proclaimed a state of emergency in northern California last month due to the wildfires.

Butte Fire

Meanwhile another deadly fire called Butte Fire has destroyed about 600 homes and businesses as well as hundreds of outbuildings, killing at least 2 civilians.

• County: Amador & Calaveras Counties
• Acres Burned – Containment: 70,868 acres – 82% contained
• Structures Still Threatened: 6,400
• Total Fire Personnel: 2,630

Tassajara Fire

A smaller wildfire called  Tassajara Fire has burned 1,086 acres – 75% contained  – since Saturday, killing one civilian and destroying  12 residences  and 8 outbuildings, with 1 residence damaged.

• Total Fire Personnel: 779
• Evacuations: An Evacuation Order still remains in effect within the fire perimeter.

Related Links

• State of Emergency Declared for California Counties 2ND in Two days September 14, 2015
• Raging Wildfires Destroy Communities in California September 13, 2015
• State of Emergency Declared in California Counties due to Wildfire September 13, 2015
• State of Emergency Declared in California due to Raging Wildfires August 1, 2015