Methane is an organic compound, and among the simplest of organic compounds. Methane is also a hydrocarbon. Naturally occurring methane is found both below ground and under the seafloor and is formed by both geological and biological processes. The largest reservoir of methane is under the seafloor in the form of methane clathrates.

5 days ago · methane, colourless, odourless gas that occurs abundantly in nature and as a product of certain human activities. Methane is the simplest member of the paraffin series of hydrocarbons and is among the most potent of the greenhouse …

Methane (CH 4) is a powerful greenhouse gas, and is the second-largest contributor to climate warming after carbon dioxide (CO 2). A molecule of methane traps more heat than a molecule of CO 2, but methane has a relatively short lifespan of 7 to 12 years in the atmosphere, while CO 2 can persist for hundreds of years or more.

Methane is a colorless odorless gas. It is also known as marsh gas or methyl hydride. It is easily ignited. The vapors are lighter than air. Under prolonged exposure to fire or intense heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket. It is used in making other chemicals and as a constituent of the fuel, natural gas.

Mar 3, 2025 · Methane (CH 4) is a hydrocarbon that is a primary component of natural gas. Methane is also a greenhouse gas (GHG), so its presence in the atmosphere affects the earth’s temperature and climate system. Methane is emitted from a variety of anthropogenic (human-influenced) and natural sources.

Sep 25, 2020 · Methane is a colorless, odorless, and highly flammable gas, and the main component in natural gas, which is used to generate electricity and heat homes around the world.

Apr 11, 2025 · Greenhouse gas - Methane, Climate Change, Emissions: Methane (CH4) is the second most important greenhouse gas. CH4 is more potent than CO2 because the radiative forcing produced per molecule is greater.

Jul 19, 2024 · (IPCC) Methane is a powerful and short-lived greenhouse gas, with a lifetime of about a decade and Global Warming Potential about 80 times greater than that of carbon dioxide (CO2) during the 20 years after it is released into the atmosphere.

Cows and bogs release methane into the atmosphere, but it's by far mostly human activity that's driving up levels of this destructive greenhouse gas.

What is Methane? Methane is the simplest of saturated hydrocarbons with a chemical formula CH 4. It consists of four hydrogen atoms and one carbon atom and is the simplest alkane. When natural methane reaches the surface of the atmosphere is called atmospheric methane and can be found under the seafloor as well as below the ground.