Methane - Wikipedia
Methane is an organic hydrocarbon, and among the simplest of organic compounds. Naturally occurring methane is found both below ground and under the seafloor and is formed by both geological and …
Methane | Definition, Properties, Uses, & Facts | Britannica
Dec 21, 2025 · Methane, colorless, odorless gas that occurs abundantly in nature and as a product of certain human activities. Methane is the simplest member of the paraffin series of hydrocarbons and …
Importance of Methane - US EPA
Mar 3, 2025 · Methane (CH 4) is a hydrocarbon that is a primary component of natural gas. Methane is also a greenhouse gas (GHG), so its presence in the atmosphere affects the earth’s temperature and …
What is methane and why is it a safety concern? | U.S ...
What is methane and why is it a safety concern? Methane (a gas composed of carbon and hydrogen) is produced two ways: Through biologic decomposition of organic matter at shallow depths. Swamps, …
Methane - Earth Indicator - NASA Science
Sep 25, 2025 · Methane (CH4) is a potent greenhouse gas and is the second-largest contributor to Earth's warming after carbon dioxide (CO2). A molecule of methane traps more heat than a molecule …
Methane - Center for Science Education
Methane accounts for about 20% of the heating effects by all of the greenhouse gases combined. Both natural and human sources supply methane to Earth's atmosphere. Major natural sources of …
Methane | Climate & Clean Air Coalition
Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas and short-lived climate pollutant (SLCP) primarily emitted by human activities. It has an atmospheric lifetime of around 12 years.