What is methane

[johnsri]

 

Hello

What is methane 

[KJW]

Methane is a single carbon atom to which are attached four hydrogen atoms in a tetrahedral arrangement.

 

[joigus]

Quote

Methane is a chemical compound with the molecular formula CH4. It is the main component in natural gas. Methane is considered the simplest of alkanes, compounds that consist only of hydrogen (H) and carbon (C) elements. Methane is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that is lighter than air.

Quote

Methane is a very powerful greenhouse gas. One pound of methane traps 25 times more heat in the atmosphere than a pound of carbon dioxide. Methane is also the main ingredient in natural gas. Because methane can be captured from landfills, it can be burned to produce electricity, heat buildings, or power garbage trucks.

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Methane is emitted from a variety of anthropogenic (human-influenced) and natural sources. Anthropogenic emission sources include landfills, oil and natural gas systems, agricultural activities, coal mining, stationary and mobile combustion, wastewater treatment, and certain industrial processes.

Etc.

 

It's also present/important/relevant (although not enormously abundant by any means) in planetary science. Is generally considered a signature of either biology, or also interesting geology or atmospheric chemistry.

Experts will tell you more or correct what I said.

 

[TheVat]

4 hours ago, joigus said:

Methane is emitted from a variety of anthropogenic...sources.

(snicker)  Methane hydrates, on sea floor in near coastal areas, are also looming as a threat to the climate.  As oceanic waters warm, this can destabilize some deposits of methane hydrates, and could be another source of positive feedback that speeds up global warming.

[swansont]

10 hours ago, johnsri said:

 

Hello

What is methane 

!

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