Gas hydrates are structures where gas like methane is trapped in a crystalline lattice of water molecules. Manganese nodules are rounded lumps on the ocean floor made of manganese and iron that also contain small amounts of copper, nickel and cobalt. While oil and natural gas from the ocean floor currently provide energy, gas hydrates form as bacteria break down organic matter trapped in ocean sediments and other resources extracted include salts, sand, gravel and manganese nodules.

1. Resources From the Seafloor
14.4

2. Gas Hydrate
• A gas, such as methane, trapped in a lattice-
like structure of water molecules.

3. Manganese Nodule
• Rounded lump of hydrogenous sediment
scattered on the ocean floor, consisting mainly
of manganese and iron and usually containing
small amounts of copper, nickel, and cobalt.

4. Key Concept
• Which Ocean resources are used for
energy production?
–Oil and natural gas are the main energy
products currently being obtained from
the ocean floor.

5. Key Concept
• How are gas hydrates formed?
–Most oceanic gas hydrates are created
when bacteria break down organic
matter trapped in ocean-floor
sediments.

6. Key Concept
• What other resources are derived
from the ocean?
–Other resources from the ocean floor
include sand and gravel, evaporated
salts, and manganese nodules.