Scientists in Tomsk, Russia, believe that the high degree of underwater permafrost degradation in the Arctic may lead to disastrous global warming, the Arctic-Info news agency reports.

Experts found that the Siberian Arctic shelf is a major source of greenhouse gases. For example, the eastern Arctic emits as much methane as all of the world's oceans.

Researchers have also discovered over 500 abnormal methane-emitting areas which, in turn, can seriously affect the global climate.

Scientists have used their research results to compile four climate change scenarios. According to the worst-case scenario, about three to five percent of estimated hydrate reserves could spew into the atmosphere over the next decade.