Distribution and Dynamics of Gas Hydrates in the Marine Environment

• Main Authors: Trehu, Anne M., Torres, Marta E.
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2004
• Subjects: Methane hydrate
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/047147844x.oc1704; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full-xml/10.1002/047147844X.oc1704; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/047147844X.oc1704

Abstract Gas hydrate is an ice‐like substance that forms at low temperature and high pressure when adequate amounts of water and low molecular weight gases are present. In nature, gas hydrates containing primarily methane are widespread in the shallow sediments on continental margins. Under certain geologic conditions, enough methane hydrate may be present for these deposits to represent a fossil fuel resource for the future. Concentrated deposits of gas hydrate near the seafloor form the substratum for unique assemblages of microbes similar to those found at hydrothermal vent sites. Destabilization of gas hydrate in marine sediment may occur as a result of artificial structures, resulting in catastrophic structural collapse. Because methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, sudden destabilization of gas hydrate on a large scale can have an impact on global climate. Indeed, past episodes of climate change linked to gas hydrate destabilization have been documented in the geologic record.