Methane is a highly flammable, colorless and odorless gas whose chemical formula is CH4. It is not one of the most important gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, but it is one of the most abundant organic compounds on our planet. In addition, it is the main component of natural gas, and for years it has been used as fuel to generate both electricity and heating in different parts of the world.
It was discovered in the second half of the 20th century at the hands of the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta , a prestigious chemistry professor. He was a global pioneer in electricity research, and was one of the first to create a direct electrical current. He is credited with creating the first piles.
How is methane produced?
There is something very curious about methane, and that is that it can be produced both naturally and synthetically. In turn, there are two main ways in which it is generated naturally .
On the one hand, through a set of chemical reactions due to the decomposition of organic matter in areas with low oxygen levels. And, on the other hand, in underground deposits of fossil fuels that for millions of years have been subjected to high temperatures and pressure. When these fuels, such as natural gas and oil, are extracted, methane is also released.
It is interesting to note that around 27% of methane emissions generated on planet Earth come from cows . It is a process that is called enteric fermentation and that occurs when these animals digest food.
The Greenhouse Gas Problem
In recent years, methane has become very important due to the greenhouse effect it produces. This gas produces a phenomenon known as thermal expansion in which the oceans absorb up to 90% of the heat generated by heating the atmosphere . The results are catastrophic: melting of the Arctic, rising sea levels, destruction of ecosystems, forest fires …
Methane takes up to 15 years to decompose when exposed to water vapor and oxygen . According to data provided by National Geographic, when it circulates through the atmosphere it is up to 28 times more powerful than CO2 when it comes to heating planet Earth.
Finally, remember that, like CO2, methane is not bad in itself . However, human activity has made it increasingly present in the atmosphere.
