Methane Hydrates

Methane hydrates are crystalline substances where methane gas molecules are trapped within a lattice of water ice, forming a stable compound under high pressure and low temperature conditions, typically found beneath seabeds and permafrost. These hydrates represent a vast potential energy resource due to their large methane reserves, but they are also sensitive to environmental changes. When disturbed, they can decompose, releasing methane—a potent greenhouse gas—into the atmosphere. Understanding methane hydrates is crucial for energy development and climate change considerations.