After nearly two decades of research and exploration, China has been able to extract large quantities of snow-like material from the depths of the South China Sea, which many consider as an input to future energy supplies. This is the first time that the country has been able to successfully extract the flammable ice from the seabed. But what is the secret of this article, which is an essential source of future energy in the world
What is the secret of flammable ice?
According to Xinhua, the material looks like ice crystals, but when you look closely, at the molecular level, the molecules of methane appear trapped inside the water molecules.
Known as methane hydrates or chalcrites, and are formed under very special conditions; under high pressure and low temperature, while this material can be found in sedimentary rocks under the seabed, under frozen soil, and underground.
Flammable ice Although the material is present at freezing temperatures, methane hydrates are flammable. If you ignite a lighter near this material, the gas encased in the ice will ignite and ignite the flame.
The researchers believe that methane hydrates will represent a revolution in energy sources and could be a key to meeting energy needs in the future. At present, many countries are trying to find a way to extract this substance safely and inexpensively.
The potential risk is that a methane leak would increase global warming because its impact on climate change is much higher than carbon dioxide. Hence, professionalism lies in the ability of states to extract it, without leaking quantities into the environment.
