Direct measurements of multi-component hydrates on the seafloor: Pathways to growth

The phase behavior of multi-component hydrate systems formed in the ocean has been studied using a sea-going in situ Raman spectrometer. Results from a field study using a synthetic hydrate sample and preliminary measurements of naturally occurring thermogenic hydrates at Barkley Canyon are reported and compared. This work follows early field trials using simple and binary synthetic hydrates and an expedition to Hydrate Ridge, studying natural hydrates primarily composed of methane. This refined Raman technique was combined with visual observations utilizing remotely operated vehicles as experimental platforms in an oceanic laboratory. Traditional laboratory Raman analysis was also performed on hydrate samples following recovery.