“…Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) uses the signals (secondary electrons, backscattered electrons, or X-rays) generated by the interactions between focused high-energy electron beams and materials to characterize the surface morphology of mineral grains or hydrates . Although SEM focuses only on the sample’s surface and provides only 2D images, several studies have used its high-resolution features to display fine surface morphology of different gas hydrates (e.g., methane, isobutane, carbon dioxide, and argon). − However, SEM images describing the hydrate-grain contact relationship are rarely reported. ,,,,− Recently, Sun et al studied the surface morphology of GHBS from the laboratory and the South China Sea. Both the synthesized and natural methane hydrates appear to be grain contacting, but it is hard to determine whether they are frame-supporting or grain-cementing hydrates (Figure ).…”