Gas hydrates self-conservation ‚ÄĒ the effect of slow self-decomposition (until complete stop) of hydrates of methane and other gases under temperatures below ‚Äď2 ¬įC when the pressure of hydrating agent is below the 3-phase equilibrium of the system ‚Äúgas-ice-hydrate‚ÄĚ.

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