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Methane....Methane is a chemical compound with the molecular formula CH4. It is the simplest alkane, and the principal component of natural gas. Burning one molecule of methane in the presence of oxygen releases one molecule of CO2 (carbon dioxide) and two molecules of H2O: CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2OMethane's relative abundance and clean burning process makes it a very attractive fuel. However, because it is a gas (at normal temperature and pressure - see, STP) and not a liquid or solid, methane is difficult to transport from the areas that produce it to the areas that consume it. Converting methane to derivatives that are more easily transported, such as methanol, is an active area of research. Certain microorganisms can effect this selective oxidation using enzymes called methane monooxygenases.Methane is a relatively potent greenhouse gas with a high global warming potential (i.e., warming effect compared to carbon dioxide).[1] When averaged over 100 years each kg of CH4 warms the Earth 25[2] times as much as the same mass of CO2. The total warming effect of CH4 is smaller than that of CO2, since there is approximately 220 times as much CO2 in the Earth's atmosphere as methane.[3] However, methane in the atmosphere is eventually oxidised, producing carbon dioxide and water. Methane in the atmosphere has a half life of seven years, meaning that every seven years, half of the methane present is converted to carbon dioxide and water.The Earth's crust contains huge amounts of methane. Large amounts of methane are produced anaerobically by methanogenesis. Other sources include mud volcanoes which are connected with deep geological faults.
"When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie that's ...."
Quote from: karmazon on August 16, 2007, 02:06:03 pm"When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie that's ...." ...sounds extremely painfulI can't believe nobody posted this quote...
