Offshore Energy and Minerals Management (OEMM): Gas Hydrates
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 Content:
    Roger Amato

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    OEMM Web Team

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   Gas Hydrates
 

 

The methane from a piece of gas hydrate burns.Under the enormous pressures and cold temperatures at the bottom of the ocean, methane gas dissolves. The molecules of methane become locked in a cage of water molecules to form crystals. These crystals look like ice, and they cement together the ocean sediments. In some places a solid layer of crystals—called methane hydrate—extends from the sea floor down hundreds of meters.

The drilling rig “Uncle John” is preparing to leave in late April to test methane hydrate deposits at two sites in the Gulf of Mexico under the Joint Industry Program.

bullet MMS Hydrate Links
 
bullet Other Agency Hydrate Links
 
bullet Maps and Graphics
 
bullet Joint Industry Project
 
bullet MMS Kids Energy Booklet (see page 9)

Last Updated: 05/05/2010, 10:07 AM Central Time