re: #158 freetoken

There are detailed maps of methane clathrates around the world. The problem in Siberia is that they are very near the surface, and the ocean waters are being affected greatly by the warmer run-off from the land.

Even at the equator, the deep sea water temperatures are around 0C, or even below that. By the time the clathrates on the slope of the NA Atlantic continental shelf decompose I suppose our goose would be very well cooked.

Yes, but you have to understand that “frozen” is a relative term. 0C is the freezing point for fresh water. Salt water has a lower freezing point. Methane clathrates are solid to higher temperatures. You do have a good point however about them being near the surface. the phase has to do with both pressure and temperature. Lower pressure would (i think) lead to methane being released at lower temperatures, which obviously you would find in Siberia. Need to think about this a little.