Methane leak formed 1km plume; bacteria and worms built a bed within 2 years

AI Summary

A methane leak caused by a 2018 South China Sea drilling incident created a 1km methane plume, leading to rapid biological adaptation with bacteria and worms forming a methane-munching ecosystem within two years. This biofilter decreased methane levels but resulted in reduced microbial diversity.

A South China Sea drilling incident caused a significant methane leak in 2018. Ocean scientists observed an ecosystem rapidly responding to the underwater gas release. Bacteria and worms quickly formed a methane-munching 'worm bed' within two years. This new biofilter degraded methane effectively, reducing plume height significantly. However, this rapid ecosystem development caused a notable decrease in original microbial diversity.