What is Methane: Definition and 111 Discussions

Methane (US: ; UK: ) is a chemical compound with the chemical formula CH4 (one atom of carbon and four atoms of hydrogen). It is a group-14 hydride and the simplest alkane, and is the main constituent of natural gas. The relative abundance of methane on Earth makes it an economically attractive fuel, although capturing and storing it poses technical challenges due to its gaseous state under normal conditions for temperature and pressure.
Naturally occurring methane is found both below ground and under the seafloor, and is formed by both geological and biological processes. The largest reservoir of methane is under the seafloor in the form of methane clathrates. When methane reaches the surface and the atmosphere, it is known as atmospheric methane. The Earth's atmospheric methane concentration has increased by about 150% since 1750, and it accounts for 20% of the total radiative forcing from all of the long-lived and globally mixed greenhouse gases. Methane has also been detected on other planets, including Mars, which has implications for astrobiology research.

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  1. P

    Natural Gas from Methane Hydrate Formations

    I am very interested in the economic production of natural gas from sub-sea methane hydrate formations. This development could have a huge impact on the worlds energy supply, as it has been estimated that 80,000 times more hydrocarbon is stored in hydrate formations than all other proven...
  2. W

    Atmospheric methane as energy source?

    Is it possible to extract methane from the atmosphere to use as energy or hyrogen source? The advantages are obvious: clean, renewable, and global warming reducing. Is it theoretically feasible but not practical at the moment (like nuclear fussion power generation)? If so, I just wonder why...
  3. J

    Exploring Abiogenic Methane: What's the Consensus?

    Just wondering if anyone has an idea what the general consensus on abiogenic methane is at the moment. Just because they can produce it in the lab does that mean that it is definitely out there? Also how much of the methane in the Earth can now be attributed to this development process...
  4. P

    New estimate of effect of methane on climate

    I need to read through this a few more times before I really "get it" but it will be of general interest. After one read-through, it looks like the effects of methane on climate have been underestimated in the past because this gas was measured in the atmosphere after it has mixed with other...
  5. R

    Life's Origin: Methane Seas & Gas Planets

    Howdy first post. Why is it said that life needs water to develop. Everybody says that life hear came from the sees but why could it come from a methane sea? or even beyond that on a gas planet? Thanks Ryan
  6. E

    Methane Cylinder Pressure Under Fire: 1080atm/1568psi

    Consider a high pressure gas cylinder of methane which exhibits a pressure of 200 atmosphers (absolute) at a temp. of 0*C in a small storage building. the building catches fire whcih causes the temp of the cylinder to rise to 1200*C. What would the pressure in the cylinder be then? express your...
  7. N

    Methane Cloud Found at Titan's South Pole

    From; http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/gs2.cgi?path=../multimedia/images/titan/images/PIA06404.jpg&type=image “A bright cloud of methane particles is apparent in all three images near the south pole. It's persistence over an extensive range of colors indicates that these cloud particles are...
  8. N

    Methane On Mars (Keeps Increasing)

    Every time a measurement is made – the methane level rises. Most people on this Forum think I’m a loon. I’m a loon that gets it right an awful lot of the time; From the below Physics link; https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=16799 Check wrote; “Anyone want to take a guess?”...
  9. N

    Methane Everywhere (I Told You All)

    Vindication is mine, unbelievers! 10 years of screaming about Methane in the Martian Atmosphere! Well done Mars Express (you've released what NASA refused to with the Viking 2 Lander detection of Methane in the Martian atmosphere). Methane (on Mars) is a biologically-produced gas (despite...
  10. Ivan Seeking

    Methane on Mars could signal life [now]

    Could it be...? :eek: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3577551.stm
  11. wasteofo2

    Amount and location of methane gas in your body.

    Of course this will vary from person to person depending on various factors, but in general, how much methane gas is produced by digestion and where is it located? Is it possible for it to spread in the direction opposite of peristalysis(sp?). Also, is methane the only combustible gas produced...
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