Richard Monastersky

Richard Monastersky reports in the following viewpoint that methane hydrates found beneath the ocean floor and in polar permafrost could meet the world’s future energy needs. Methane hydrate deposits—which are formed when bacteria excrete methane, which then becomes trapped in sediment— contain natural gas, which is a clean-burning energy source. Although Japan and other countries are exploring ways to extract the methane deposits, questions remain about whether the hydrates can be extracted safely and economically. Richard Monastersky is a staff writer for Science News.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to the author, why is Japan so interested in exploring methane hydrates"
2. What is seismic reflection profiling, according to Monastersky"
3. According to the author, what are some of the dangers associated with the drilling of...