Gas hydrates, which are accumulations of methane (natural gas) trapped in ice-like structures with water, represent an immense energy resource underlying large portions of the world’s marine continental shelves and Arctic continental areas. The USGS is participating in several international consortia of research, industry, and academic institutions. The USGS also has ongoing cooperative research efforts with the BLM, MMS, the State of Alaska, the Department of Energy, industry, and Native Alaskan corporations to further the understanding of gas hydrate endowment and recoverability from Alaska’s North Slope

USGS Gas Hydrates Research Highlights:

• Evaluation of Alaska North Slope Gas Hydrate Energy Resources USGS is involved in several gas hydrates projects in Alaska.  Read More...
• The Gulf of Mexico Gas Hydrates Joint Industry Project (JIP) is investigating naturally occurring gas hydrates in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM).  Read More..