Methane clathrate, also called methane hydrate, hydromethane, methane ice, fire ice, natural gas hydrate, or gas hydrate, is a solid clathrate compound (more specifically, a clathrate hydrate) in which a large amount of methane is trapped within a crystal structure of water, forming a solid similar to ice. Originally thought to occur only in the outer regions of the Solar System, where temperatures are low and water ice is common, significant deposits of methane clathrate have been found under sediments on the ocean floors of the Earth (around 1100 m below the sea level). Methane hydrate is formed when hydrogen-bonded water and methane gas come into contact at high pressures and low temperatures in oceans.

In the present book, twelve typical literatures about Methane clathrates published on international authoritative journals were selected to introduce the worldwide newest progress, which contains reviews or original researches on Methane clathrates. We hope this book can demonstrate advances in Methane clathrates as well as give references to the researchers, students and other related people.