Computer Modeling of the Dynamics and Stabilities Methane Hydrates

Methane hydrates, a significant source of carbon, are abundant beneath the seafloor. These substances have the potential of providing the next major energy source for the Earth. However, their stability has significant environmental implications. Understanding the formation dynamics and stability of these substances is an important topic in the petroleum, environmental, and marine sciences. In our research group, a high quality force field for methane water interactions under experimental conditions are being developed employing a systematic approach called adaptive force matching. Methane hydrate formation dynamics and stabilities are being investigated using molecular dynamic simulation directly without the serious approximations associated with the van der Waals-Platteeuw method.