Check out this slide show called: Methane: Good Gas, Bad Gas!
As we have discussed a little when decomposition occurs gas is released. Usually that gas is Carbon dioxide. However, if the decomposition occurs in anaerobic conditions (That would be with out the presence of oxygen) the gas released is methane. So if the permafrost melts, and the organic matter decomposes submerged in water methane will be released.
AND THIS SWEET VIDEO / READ THE ARTICLE HERE WHERE THEY LIGHT ESCAPING METHANE ON FIRE!
Why do we care so much about methane? Well for one methane in the atmosphere is a more powerful green house gas than carbon dioxide. "More powerful" means that it traps more heat in the atmosphere than the same amount of carbon dioxide would. (In the business we compare green house gases with a relative measure called Global Warming Potential.)
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