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Story: Atmosphere

Methane maker

Methane maker

Methane is one of the three most important gases that cause the earth’s lower atmosphere to warm. It is produced by cud-chewing animals, such as cows and sheep, as part of their normal digestive process. The average New Zealand dairy cow produces 90 kilograms of methane per year, mainly by burping.

About this item

GNS Science
Reference: CN45566/11
Photograph by Lloyd Homer

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How to cite this page:

Bill Allan, Katja Riedel, Richard McKenzie, Sylvia Nichol and Tom Clarkson. 'Atmosphere', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 24-Sep-11
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/atmosphere/3/3