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![A closeup view of a methane hydrate outcrop at a cold seep site expn0706.jpg A closeup view of a methane hydrate outcrop at a cold seep site](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/https/s3.amazonaws.com/s3-east-testmedia-noaa.woc.noaa.gov/dam/Photos/legacy/pl23_expn0706.jpg?itok=MNimlJwC)
Description
A closeup view of a methane hydrate outcrop at a cold seep site. There are vast deposits of methane hydrates in areas of the continental shelfs world-wide. If these hydrates break down because of a warming ocean, vast amounts of methanecould be released to the atmosphere accelerating warming of the planet. (Image credit: NOAA OKEANOS Explorer Program , 2013 Northeast U. S. Canyons Expedition)