Which term defines methane trapped in frozen water within sediments on the ocean floor?

• A. Clathrates
• B. Methane hydrates
• C. Hydrate methane compounds
• D. Gas hydrates

Answer: (A)

Methane trapped in frozen water within ocean-floor sediments is described by the term clathrates. This word highlights the cage-like water lattice that forms crystalline cavities, or cages, which hold methane molecules inside. Under the high pressure and low temperatures found in deep-sea environments, these methane-filled cages—called clathrates—remain solid and are commonly referred to as methane clathrates or methane hydrates. While terms like gas hydrates or methane hydrates are also used in the literature, clathrates specifically emphasize the cage structure that actually traps the methane, making it the most precise choice for this description.