It has been known for many years that methane compounds frozen in permafrost could release vast quantities of methane, a greenhouse gas 20 times more powerful than CO2, if the permafrost melts. This article reports that Russian scientists are now observing such releases. The weather today in Des Moines was more like early April than mid-December.--Tom _http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10773020_ (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10773020) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To unsubscribe from the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask] Check out our Listserv Lists support site for more information: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/faq.asp To view the Sierra Club List Terms & Conditions, see: http://www.sierraclub.org/lists/terms.asp