Scientists say they have evidence that the powerful greenhouse gas methane is escaping from the Arctic sea-bed.

Researchers say this could be evidence of a predicted positive feedback effect of climate change.

As temperatures rise, the sea-bed grows warmer and frozen water crystals in the sediment break down, allowing methane trapped inside them to escape.

The research team found that more than 250 plumes of methane bubbles are rising from the sea-bed off Norway.

The joint British and German research team detected the bubbles using a type of sonar normally used to search for shoals of fish. Once detected, the bubbles were sampled and tested for methane at a range of depths.

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The UK Polar Network (UKPN), British branch of the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS) organizes a series of workshops for early career scientists. The 2nd workshop will take place in Plymouth, UK, 12-13 October 2009. It will focus on Arctic Marine Sciences and is aimed at young researchers at various career stages (from undergraduate to early faculty) who are going to be mentored by experienced researchers in the field.

On SciencePoles, the scientific website of the International Polar Foundation, Polar View Project Manage Thomas Puestow of C-CORE talks about how the conglomerate of earth observation service providers he has been heading since it began in 2003 has emerged as a key player in meeting user needs during International Polar Year and beyond.