Methane Hydrates

Essay # 1953

Chemistry

Methane Hydrates

A look at the threat posed by methane hydrates.

2,608 words () | 11 sources | 2000 United States

From the Paper:

"Methane hydrates are solid, crystalline structures that exist at low temperatures and high pressures. They are composed of a methane gas, which is encased by a water cage. Methane hydrates were discovered in the 1900's but until recently were considered a nuisance. Recently, methane hydrates have been considered as the next fuel source for the future. Some believe that there is enough methane in the form of methane hydrates to supply energy for hundreds, maybe even thousands of years. Methane hydrates may be the answer to the fossil fuel crisis. One characteristic that has not been researched to an acceptable level is the effect that methane hydrates have on global warming. By harnessing methane hydrates as a fuel we have the potential of unlocking an immense quantity of methane. Methane is twenty-one times better, than carbon dioxide, at retaining infrared energy. This trapped infrared energy intensifies the greenhouse effect also referred to as global warming. However, we may not have to directly tap into the hydrate reserves to increase global warming. We may have already, unknowingly, set this process in motion. There are significant amounts of methane hydrates trapped in permafrost. By increasing global warming, through the use of fossil fuels, we may have already destabilized the methane hydrates that were trapped in permafrost."