March 2, 2013

GEORGIA TECH TOOLS ENABLE GROUNDBREAKING GAS RESEARCH




Scientists are now better able to examine rare methane gas samples recovered from deep beneath the seafloor using innovative tools developed by Georgia Tech. 

An international group of scientists recently used the tools to conduct groundbreaking research that could advance the understanding of how methane contained in marine sediment may be used as a viable energy source.

“There may be more carbon trapped in methane hydrate than in all petroleum, coal and gas reserves in the world,” said Carlos Santamarina, professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. “Our goal at Georgia Tech is to find ways to extract the methane, while at the same time trapping CO2 in the subsurface.”