Formation and thermal based dissociation of methane pore space hydrate has been studied at various initial hydrate saturations and heating rates utilizing a 1.3 cm(3) glass bead sample pack. Initial hydrate formation occurred rapidly after pressurization and proceeded at a higher rate for systems with the lower initial water saturation. Peak initial formation rates for 21%, 41%, and 60% initial water saturation was 4.3 x 10(-6), 1.44 x 10(-6), and 1.7 x 10(-6) mol/s, respectively. Three distinct stages of formation were observed for hydrate growth in porous media; a rapid initial formation regime determined by the enclathration reaction followed by a slow mass limited diffusion regime again followed by a second rapid and discrete formation period. Peak, efficiency rates ranged from 74% to 81%. Experimental and numerical results showed slightly higher efficiency rates and maximum cumulative efficiency values for lower heating rate conditions. Lower heating rates produce a higher cumulative efficiency at the trade-off of less total hydrate being dissociated. Cumulative production efficiencies were greater for conditions of higher initial hydrate saturation, with values at 62% for 18% hydrate saturation and 72% for 50% hydrate saturation.