What consequence can result from a gas leak originating underground?

A gas leak originating underground can lead to the consequence of scrubbing out the odorization "odorant." Natural gas is typically odorized with a distinctive smell (often described as similar to rotten eggs) to help detect leaks. However, when gas escapes from underground sources, the surrounding soil and moisture can absorb these odorants. This process diminishes the strong odor that would typically alert individuals to the presence of a leak. Without this vital detection method, there is a significant risk of undetected gas buildup, leading to dangerous situations such as fire or explosion.

While it is also true that natural gas is highly flammable, this characteristic is inherent to the gas and does not specifically relate to the consequence of a leak from underground. The speed of dispersion can vary based on factors such as soil composition and atmospheric conditions rather than the specific consequence of an underground leak. Increased visibility in the area is not associated with a gas leak; in fact, the presence of gas can lead to dangerous conditions that obscure visibility, particularly in the event of an explosion or fire.