 Methane hydrates are formed when methane gas is trapped inside ice crystals in marine sediments. These hydrates can be found in large quantities in certain areas of the ocean floor, where they can act as a source of methane for the atmosphere. This paper examines the factors that control the formation and breakdown of these hydrates, such as the amount of methane in the sediments, the depth of the sediments, and the temperature of the water. It also provides estimates of how much methane is stored in the hydrates, which can help us understand how much methane is being released to the atmosphere. This article was authored by Andrew Dale, Lars Rueppke, Christian Henson, and others.