Why would discovery of a large,previously unknown,ongoing source of seafloor methane probably result in lowering the estimated effects of human civilization on global warming?
A) because it would mean that humans are producing less total methane than had been expected and modeled
B) because methane is an icehouse gas and promotes long-term cooling
C) because it would mean that humans are responsible for a smaller fraction of greenhouse gas production than was previously thought
D) because it would mean that humans are producing less of the other greenhouse gasses than had been expected

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The discovery of a large, previously unknown, ongoing source of seafloor methane would increase the amount of methane emissions from natural sources, thus decreasing the proportion of methane emitted by human activities. This would lower the estimated effects of human civilization on global warming because methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and decreasing the amount of human-produced methane would mean a smaller contribution to the overall greenhouse effect.

Why Would Discovery of a Large,previously Unknown,ongoing Source of Seafloor