The newest dilemma in the Gulf Oil disaster is Methane Hydrates are blocking a giant dome that was to be placed over the leak.

What are Methane Hydrates you ask?

Also known as “Fire Ice” Methane hydrates are deposits of frozen methane gas found at the bottom of the ocean. Here is what a Dept. of Energy Study had to say about methane hydrates-

If methane hydrate is either warmed or depressurized, it will revert back to water and natural gas. When brought to the earth’s surface, one cubic meter (m3) of gas hydrate releases 164 m3 of natural gas. While global estimates vary considerably, the energy content of methane occurring in hydrate form is immense, possibly exceeding the combined energy content of all other known fossil fuels.

Well this sounds great but of course there is a catch, and a major one. According to Popular Mechanics Methane is a greenhouse gas 21 times more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide. Today, 3000 times more methane exists in hydrate deposits than in the atmosphere. Releasing even a fraction of this amount would amplify global warming.

Not something we want to do at all… but maybe with the new visibility Methane Hydrates are receiving it will drive research to discover environmentally friendly ways to harness the energy in Fire Ice.

 

DoE Methane Hydrate Reserves Map-

• Oil Spill
• Gulf Oil Disaster
• CNG
• Methane Hydrates