Gas hydrates self-conservation – the effect of slow self-decomposition (until complete stop) of hydrates of methane and other gases under temperatures below –2 °C when the pressure of hydrating agent is below the 3-phase equilibrium of the system “gas-ice-hydrate”.

The self-conservation effect is explained by the fact that on the initial decomposition stage hydrate is covered by a surface layer of ice (“coat”) strongly decreasing the rate of its further decomposition. Decomposing hydrate is “self-conserved”. This provides for the possibility to maintain gaseous methane in meta-stable equilibrium for a long time.