UP researchers looking at possible gas hydrates in Manila Trench

MANILA, Philippines — Researchers from the University of the Philippines (UP) said that gas hydrates containing methane may be at the bottom of the Manila Trench west of Luzon.

Elisha Jane Maglalang, Leo Armada, Madeleine Santos, Karla May Sayen, and Dr. Carla Dimalanta of the UP Diliman College of Science surmised that gas hydrates, which are ice-like substances forming in sea floors, are present in the Manila Trench.

They were joined in the research by Graciano Yumul of UP Los Baños, and Hsu Shukun of the National Central University in Taoyuan, Taiwan.

The methane gas which is found in the gas hydrates may be used as fuel, but can be detrimental to the environment.

“Therefore, it is essential to determine the distribution and stability conditions of gas hydrates offshore of the Philippines,” the researchers said.

They likewise said that gas hydrates may pose threats during natural disasters as they have an unstable nature.

Earthquakes may cause them to melt which can cause submarine landslides and tsunamis.

They added that more studies are needed to confirm whether there are indeed methane gas hydrates in the location.

“Future drilling of offshore targets will be instrumental in confirming methane hydrate occurrence,” the researchers said.

“These investigations offer a vital opportunity to develop our indigenous energy wealth,” they added.