S. Korean icebreaker finds gas hydrates in Arctic sea
SEOUL, Sept. 12 (Yonhap) -- A South Korean icebreaker exploring the Arctic discovered new gas hydrate reserves in the East Siberian Sea, the ship's operator said Monday.
The Korea Polar Research Institute (KOPRI) said the Aaron successfully extracted gas hydrates from about 500 meters under the East Siberian Sea, a marginal sea in the Arctic Ocean.
Gas hydrates refer to a semisolid mixture of methane gas and water molecules that are created through a combination of the water pressure and cold temperatures found in deep ocean bottoms.
The Araon, a 7,487-ton icebreaker, explored the region between Aug. 25 and last Saturday for gas hydrates deep at sea or in offshore permafrost layers.
"It was an important exploration to obtain data and samples that would be an important clue for the Arctic region," said Jin Yung-guen, a researcher at KOPRI.
Gas hydrates could greatly improve South Korea's self sufficiency in natural gas. About 20 percent of the global amount is known to be stored in the Arctic region.
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
N.K. leader declares victory in fight against COVID-19: state media
-
DP slams Yoon's absence during record rainfall
-
(News Focus) Samsung's Lee expected to solidify leadership, step up biz activities after receiving pardon
-
(LEAD) Yoon pledges to improve ties with Japan, offers economic aid in exchange for N.K. denuclearization
-
(2nd LD) PPP approves leadership shift, names interim leader
-
(5th LD) 8 dead, 7 missing in record rainfall in Seoul, surrounding areas
-
(2nd LD) Samsung heir Lee granted special presidential pardon
-
(News Focus) Samsung's Lee expected to solidify leadership, step up biz activities after receiving pardon
-
(LEAD) Yoon pledges to improve ties with Japan, offers economic aid in exchange for N.K. denuclearization
-
16 dead, missing in record rainfall in Seoul, surrounding areas in 3 days
-
(LEAD) Yoon pledges to improve ties with Japan, offers economic aid in exchange for N.K. denuclearization
-
Conservative activists hold rally in downtown Seoul on Liberation Day
-
S. Korea expresses deep regret over Japanese PM's offering to war shrine
-
Bank's refusal to open account for foreigner with long name 'discriminatory': rights watchdog
-
SK invests $250 mln in U.S. reactor startup TerraPower