large chunk of gas hydrate

This large chunk of gas hydrate was recovered by sub pilot Craig Caddington during one of our dives to the hydrate site GC234. A thin layer of sediment and oil cover this piece of hydrate, requiring the scientist to slice it open before obtaining a “clean” hydrate-only sample. Samples this size were collected frequently at GC234, as well as sites GC232 and GC185. Image courtesy of Gulf of Mexico 2002, NOAA/OER.

Related Links

Gulf of Mexico

Gulf of Mexico: Leg 2

NOAA Ocean Explorer Gallery