Gas hydrate is a naturally occurring solid that forms when methane and other light hydrocarbons and water combine under high pressure and/or cold temperature conditions. One cubic metre (m~3) of methane hydrate contains approximately 165 m~3 of methane gas at standard temperature and pressure. It is a dense form of fossil energy. It is ice that burns. The source of gas is usually biogenic - produced by bacteria that breaks down organic material in the sediments, but can also be thermogenic gas from deep burial.
展开▼
