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Characteristics of Methane

Methane is a chemical compound made up of one atom of carbon and four atoms of hydrogen. It exists naturally on Earth, often in swamps and marshes where the process of organic decomposition produces large quantities of it. Many scientists point to methane as a cause of ozone depletion from the Earth's atmosphere, which has led to efforts to limit the production of the chemical.

Gaseous State
- On Earth, most methane takes the form of a gas. It is often combined with oxygen and other gaseous compounds in natural gas fuels.
Invisible Appearance
- Methane is invisible and lacks any odor discernible by smell. As a result, producers of methane natural gas products often mix methane with substances that have a distinct odor so that people will be able to detect a methane leak.
Volatility
- Methane is a volatile gas and is extremely flammable and even explosive when combined with air and ignited. During combustion, methane can lead to the formation of a number of other compounds, chief among them carbon dioxide and water. Methane also reacts strongly with halogens, including flourine, chlorine, bromine and iodine. Finally, methane will typically displace oxygen from enclosed spaces making it dangerous to oxygen breathing life forms.
Atmospheric Impacts
- Methane exists naturally in Earth's atmosphere where it is more than 20 times more effective at retaining heat than carbon dioxide. Humans also produce methane as a byproduct of burning fuels. The compound exists in the atmosphere for a period of nine to 15 years before decomposing completely.

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