Why are they important to study?

 

There are many reasons to study gas hydrates, including:

  • ØThey previously had clogged gas and oil pipelines and research had been done to chemically alter the hydrates to enable them to flow through the pipes.
  • ØLarge amounts could be present along the United States coastline and could provide help for the economy.
  • ØGas hydrates burn cleaner than other sources of natural gas, and could help lower the amounts of greenhouse gases produced.
  • ØIt is believed that there is more natural gas locked up in gas hydrates than all other sources of hydrocarbon, and could be a large source of natural gas in the future.
  • ØThey may influence global climate, and have effects on the continental slope and rise.

 

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