Methanes is a term that refers to the hydrocarbon gas that is composed of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms. The chemical formula for methanes is CH4. However, there are several other terms and synonyms that can be used to describe this gas. These include natural gas, swamp gas, marsh gas, and biogas. Each of these terms may be used interchangeably to describe the gas that is primarily produced by natural processes in the environment, such as the decay of organic material in swamps, marshes, and landfills. Methanes are widely used as a source of energy for heating, cooking, and electricity generation.