For those unfamiliar with tube worms they are chemosynthetic organisms that derive their energy from methane. They live along the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico along faults which have hydrocarbons leaking from them. Tube worms are not new. Neither is gas hydrates.
Hydrates form on and under the sediments.
They consist of a molecule of methane surrounded by a cage of water ice. If brought to the surface hydrate will snap,crackle and pop as the ice melts and the methane escapes. Hydrate will also burn. It is wierd to see ice burning. Anyway the worms live on the ice.