Formation and Dissolution of CH4-Hydrates and CO2-Hydrates in the Ocean

Professor Bernhardt Trout of the Department of Chemical Engineering was awarded the Doherty Professorship in Ocean Utilization. His proposal involves two important materials in ocean utilization. CH4-hydrates, practically ubiquitous on the ocean floor and in its seabed are potentially an enormous source of clean-burning fuel. CO2-hydrates could be important in their ability to sequester and store CO2 in the ocean. Both of these opportunities are being considered in pilot projects to explore their respective potential for commercial practicality.