Methane hydrate molecule. Animation of the structure of a molecule of methane hydrate, also known as methane ice or methane clathrate. Atoms are represented as spheres and are colour-coded: carbon (dark grey), hydrogen (white) and oxygen (red). Methane hydrate consists of a molecule of methane (centre), surrounded by a cage of water molecules. There is hydrogen bonding between the water molecules, but not between the methane and the water molecules. The whole structure is known as a clathrate. It is found in the very cold and high pressure environments under the Arctic permafrost and in marine sediments, where it forms a crystalline solid. It is a huge potential energy source, and also a potential source of rapid climate change if the methane is released into the atmosphere. Also available as an alpha channel animation and with a white background. | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit : | Science Photo Library / Jensen, Mikkel Juul |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Durée : | 6 Secondes |
Aspect ratio : | 16/9 |
Restrictions : | - |