Gas hydrates at the Storegga Slide: Constraints from an analysis of multicomponent, wide-angle seismic data

Geophysics ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 70 (5) ◽  
pp. B19-B34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Bünz ◽  
Jürgen Mienert ◽  
Maarten Vanneste ◽  
Karin Andreassen
Keyword(s):  
Gas Hydrates ◽  
Gas Hydrate ◽  
Seismic Data ◽  
Wide Angle ◽  
Stability Zone ◽  
Gas Distribution ◽  
Free Gas ◽  
Storegga Slide ◽  
Gas Bearing ◽  
Hydrate Stability

Geophysical evidence for gas hydrates is widespread along the northern flank of the Storegga Slide on the mid-Norwegian margin. Bottom-simulating reflectors (BSR) at the base of the gas hydrate stability zone cover an area of approximately 4000 km[Formula: see text], outside but also inside the Storegga Slide scar area. Traveltime inversion and forward modeling of multicomponent wide-angle seismic data result in detailed P- and S-wave velocities of hydrate- and gas-bearing sediment layers. The relationship between the velocities constrains the background velocity model for a hydrate-free, gas-free case. The seismic velocities indicate that hydrate concentrations in the pore space of sediments range between 3% and 6% in a zone that is as much as 50 m thick overlying the BSR. Hydrates are most likely disseminated, neither cementing the sediment matrix nor affecting the stiffness of the matrix noticeably. Average free-gas concentrations beneath the hydrate stability zone are approximately 0.4% to 0.8% of the pore volume, assuming a homogeneous gas distribution. The free-gas zone underneath the BSR is about 80 m thick. Amplitude and reflectivity analyses suggest a rather complex distribution of gas along specific sedimentary strata rather than along the base of the gas hydrate stability zone (BGHS). This gives rise to enhanced reflections that terminate at the BGHS. The stratigraphic control on gas distribution forces the gas concentration to increase slightly with depth at certain locations. Gas-bearing layers can be as thin as 2 m.

Fluid dynamics at the base of hydrate-bearing sediments at the Vestnesa Ridge inferred from 5 years of high-resolution 4D seismic surveying

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malin Waage ◽  
Stefan Bünz ◽  
Kate Waghorn ◽  
Sunny Singhorha ◽  
Pavel Serov
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Gas Hydrate ◽  
Seismic Data ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Stability Zone ◽  
Seismic Surveys ◽  
Free Gas ◽  
4D Seismic ◽  
Hydrate Bearing Sediments ◽  
Hydrate Stability

<p>The transition from gas hydrate to gas-bearing sediments at the base of the hydrate stability zone (BHSZ) is commonly identified on seismic data as a bottom-simulating reflection (BSR). At this boundary, phase transitions driven by thermal effects, pressure alternations, and gas and water flux exist. Sedimentation, erosion, subsidence, uplift, variations in bottom water temperature or heat flow cause changes in marine gas hydrate stability leading to expansion or reduction of gas hydrate accumulations and associated free gas accumulations. Pressure build-up in gas accumulations trapped beneath the hydrate layer may eventually lead to fracturing of hydrate-bearing sediments that enables advection of fluids into the hydrate layer and potentially seabed seepage. Depletion of gas along zones of weakness creates hydraulic gradients in the free gas zone where gas is forced to migrate along the lower hydrate boundary towards these weakness zones. However, due to lack of “real time” data, the magnitude and timescales of processes at the gas hydrate – gas contact zone remains largely unknown. Here we show results of high resolution 4D seismic surveys at a prominent Arctic gas hydrate accumulation – Vestnesa ridge - capturing dynamics of the gas hydrate and free gas accumulations over 5 years. The 4D time-lapse seismic method has the potential to identify and monitor fluid movement in the subsurface over certain time intervals. Although conventional 4D seismic has a long history of application to monitor fluid changes in petroleum reservoirs, high-resolution seismic data (20-300 Hz) as a tool for 4D fluid monitoring of natural geological processes has been recently identified.<br><br>Our 4D data set consists of four high-resolution P-Cable 3D seismic surveys acquired between 2012 and 2017 in the eastern segment of Vestnesa Ridge. Vestnesa Ridge has an active fluid and gas hydrate system in a contourite drift setting near the Knipovich Ridge offshore W-Svalbard. Large gas flares, ~800 m tall rise from seafloor pockmarks (~700 m diameter) at the ridge axis. Beneath the pockmarks, gas chimneys pierce the hydrate stability zone, and a strong, widespread BSR occurs at depth of 160-180 m bsf. 4D seismic datasets reveal changes in subsurface fluid distribution near the BHSZ on Vestnesa Ridge. In particular, the amplitude along the BSR reflection appears to change across surveys. Disappearance of bright reflections suggest that gas-rich fluids have escaped the free gas zone and possibly migrated into the hydrate stability zone and contributed to a gas hydrate accumulation, or alternatively, migrated laterally along the BSR. Appearance of bright reflection might also indicate lateral migration, ongoing microbial or thermogenic gas supply or be related to other phase transitions. We document that faults, chimneys and lithology constrain these anomalies imposing yet another control on vertical and lateral gas migration and accumulation. These time-lapse differences suggest that (1) we can resolve fluid changes on a year-year timescale in this natural seepage system using high-resolution P-Cable data and (2) that fluids accumulate at, migrate to and migrate from the BHSZ over the same time scale.</p>

Seismic attribute enhancement of weak and discontinuous gas hydrate bottom-simulating reflectors in the Pegasus Basin, New Zealand

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. SG11-SG22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Bedle
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Gas Hydrates ◽  
Gas Hydrate ◽  
Seismic Data ◽  
Rock Physics ◽  
Stability Zone ◽  
Seismic Attribute ◽  
Rock Physics Modeling ◽  
Physics Modeling ◽  
Hydrate Stability

Gas hydrates in the oceanic subsurface are often difficult to image with reflection seismic data, particularly when the strata run parallel to the seafloor and in regions that lack the presence of a bottom-simulating reflector (BSR). To address and understand these imaging complications, rock-physics modeling and seismic attribute analysis are performed on modern 2D lines in the Pegasus Basin in New Zealand, where the BSR is not continuously imaged. Based on rock-physics and seismic analyses, several seismic attribute methods identify weak BSR reflections, with the far-angle stack data being particularly effective. Rock modeling results demonstrate that far-offset seismic data are critical in improving the imaging and interpretation of the base of the gas hydrate stability zone. The rock-physics modeling results are applied to the Pegasus 2009 2D data set that reveals a very weak seismic reflection at the base of the hydrates in the far-angle stack. This often-discontinuous reflection is significantly weaker in amplitude than typical BSRs associated with hydrates. These weak far-angle stack BSRs often do not appear clearly in full stack data, the most commonly interpreted seismic data type. Additional amplitude variation with angle (AVA) attribute analyses provide insight into identifying the presence of gas hydrates in regions lacking a strong BSR. Although dozens of seismic attributes were investigated for their ability to reveal weak reflections at the base of the gas hydrate stability zone, those that enhance class 2 AVA anomalies were most effective, particularly the seismic fluid factor attribute.

scholarly journals Arctic megaslide at presumed rest

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfram H. Geissler ◽  
A. Catalina Gebhardt ◽  
Felix Gross ◽  
Jutta Wollenburg ◽  
Laura Jensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gas Hydrates ◽  
Gas Hydrate ◽  
Seismic Data ◽  
Slope Failure ◽  
Slope Instability ◽  
Stability Zone ◽  
Gas Reservoir ◽  
Methane Seepage ◽  
Failure Event ◽  
Hydrate Stability

Abstract Slope failure like in the Hinlopen/Yermak Megaslide is one of the major geohazards in a changing Arctic environment. We analysed hydroacoustic and 2D high-resolution seismic data from the apparently intact continental slope immediately north of the Hinlopen/Yermak Megaslide for signs of past and future instabilities. Our new bathymetry and seismic data show clear evidence for incipient slope instability. Minor slide deposits and an internally-deformed sedimentary layer near the base of the gas hydrate stability zone imply an incomplete failure event, most probably about 30000 years ago, contemporaneous to or shortly after the Hinlopen/Yermak Megaslide. An active gas reservoir at the base of the gas hydrate stability zone demonstrate that over-pressured fluids might have played a key role in the initiation of slope failure at the studied slope, but more importantly also for the giant HYM slope failure. To date, it is not clear, if the studied slope is fully preconditioned to fail completely in future or if it might be slowly deforming and creeping at present. We detected widespread methane seepage on the adjacent shallow shelf areas not sealed by gas hydrates.

Characterization of gas accumulation at a venting gas hydrate system in Shenhu area, south china sea

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-45
Author(s):  
JInqiang Liang ◽  
Zijian Zhang ◽  
Jingan Lu ◽  
Guo Yiqun ◽  
Zhibin Sha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South China Sea ◽  
Wave Velocity ◽  
South China ◽  
Gas Hydrates ◽  
Gas Hydrate ◽  
Stability Zone ◽  
Shenhu Area ◽  
Free Gas ◽  
Seismic Amplitude ◽  
Hydrate Stability

Bottom-simulating reflections (BSR) in seismic data have been widely accepted to indicate the base of methane gas hydrate stability zone (MGHSZ) and free gas was thought to exist only below it. However, real geologic systems are far more complex. Here, we presented the results of three-dimensional seismic, logging while drilling (LWD), in situ and coring measurements at a venting gas hydrate system in the Shenhu area of the South China Sea. Our studies reveal that free gas has migrated upward through the thermogenic gas hydrate stability zone (TGHSZ) into the MGHSZ and become a part of the gas hydrate system. Seismic amplitude anomalies and core results suggest the presence of free gas above the base of MHSZ at 165 mbsf and the presence of thermogenic gas hydrates below it in the well SC-W01. Analyses of P-wave velocity, S-wave velocity, density, and porosity logs reveal free gas occurs above and below the MGHSZ as well. Integrating log and core analysis with seismic interpretation suggests that the variation in seismic amplitude within chaotic zone is associated with variable gas saturations, and a large amount of methane and thermogenic gases accumulate near the complex BSRs. We propose that relative permeability likely plays a significant role in the free gas distribution and formation of gas hydrates within a venting gas hydrate system, while the effect of dissolved-gas short migration is not ignored. Our results have important implications for understanding the accumulation and distribution of gas hydrates and free gas in the venting gas hydrate system and seeps at the seafloor.

scholarly journals Role of Salt Migration in Destabilization of Intra Permafrost Hydrates in the Arctic Shelf: Experimental Modeling

Geosciences ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evgeny Chuvilin ◽  
Valentina Ekimova ◽  
Boris Bukhanov ◽  
Sergey Grebenkin ◽  
Natalia Shakhova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gas Hydrates ◽  
Methane Emission ◽  
Gas Hydrate ◽  
Negative Temperature ◽  
Arctic Shelf ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Permafrost Degradation ◽  
Stability Zone ◽  
Local Pressure ◽  
Hydrate Stability

Destabilization of intrapermafrost gas hydrate is one possible reason for methane emission on the Arctic shelf. The formation of these intrapermafrost gas hydrates could occur almost simultaneously with the permafrost sediments due to the occurrence of a hydrate stability zone after sea regression and the subsequent deep cooling and freezing of sediments. The top of the gas hydrate stability zone could exist not only at depths of 200–250 m, but also higher due to local pressure increase in gas-saturated horizons during freezing. Formed at a shallow depth, intrapermafrost gas hydrates could later be preserved and transform into a metastable (relict) state. Under the conditions of submarine permafrost degradation, exactly relict hydrates located above the modern gas hydrate stability zone will, first of all, be involved in the decomposition process caused by negative temperature rising, permafrost thawing, and sediment salinity increasing. That’s why special experiments were conducted on the interaction of frozen sandy sediments containing relict methane hydrates with salt solutions of different concentrations at negative temperatures to assess the conditions of intrapermafrost gas hydrates dissociation. Experiments showed that the migration of salts into frozen hydrate-containing sediments activates the decomposition of pore gas hydrates and increase the methane emission. These results allowed for an understanding of the mechanism of massive methane release from bottom sediments of the East Siberian Arctic shelf.

scholarly journals Thermal State of the Blake Ridge Gas Hydrate Stability Zone (GHSZ)—Insights on Gas Hydrate Dynamics from a New Multi-Phase Numerical Model

Energies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (17) ◽  
pp. 3403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Burwicz ◽  
Rüpke
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Model ◽  
Gas Hydrate ◽  
Methane Flux ◽  
Stability Zone ◽  
Free Gas ◽  
Blake Ridge ◽  
Geochemical Profiles ◽  
Multi Phase ◽  
Hydrate Stability

Marine sediments of the Blake Ridge province exhibit clearly defined geophysical indications for the presence of gas hydrates and a free gas phase. Despite being one of the world’s best-studied gas hydrate provinces and having been drilled during Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Leg 164, discrepancies between previous model predictions and reported chemical profiles as well as hydrate concentrations result in uncertainty regarding methane sources and a possible co-existence between hydrates and free gas near the base of the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ). Here, by using a new multi-phase finite element (FE) numerical model, we investigate different scenarios of gas hydrate formation from both single and mixed methane sources (in-situ biogenic formation and a deep methane flux). Moreover, we explore the evolution of the GHSZ base for the past 10 Myr using reconstructed sedimentation rates and non-steady-state P-T solutions. We conclude that (1) the present-day base of the GHSZ predicted by our model is located at the depth of ~450 mbsf, thereby resolving a previously reported inconsistency between the location of the BSR at ODP Site 997 and the theoretical base of the GHSZ in the Blake Ridge region, (2) a single in-situ methane source results in a good fit between the simulated and measured geochemical profiles including the anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) zone, and (3) previously suggested 4 vol.%–7 vol.% gas hydrate concentrations would require a deep methane flux of ~170 mM (corresponds to the mass of methane flux of 1.6 × 10−11 kg s−1 m−2) in addition to methane generated in-situ by organic carbon (POC) degradation at the cost of deteriorating the fit between observed and modelled geochemical profiles.

Co-existence of gas hydrate, free gas, and brine within the regional gas hydrate stability zone at Hydrate Ridge (Oregon margin): evidence from prolonged degassing of a pressurized core

2004 ◽  
Vol 222 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 829-843 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexei V. Milkov ◽  
Gerald R. Dickens ◽  
George E. Claypool ◽  
Young-Joo Lee ◽  
Walter S. Borowski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gas Hydrate ◽  
Stability Zone ◽  
Free Gas ◽  
Hydrate Ridge ◽  
Hydrate Stability

Seismic velocities from the Yaquina forearc basin off Peru: evidence for free gas within the gas hydrate stability zone

2005 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 420-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gesa L. Netzeband ◽  
Christian P. Hübscher ◽  
Dirk Gajewski ◽  
Jan W. G. Grobys ◽  
Jörg Bialas
Keyword(s):  
Gas Hydrate ◽  
Seismic Velocities ◽  
Stability Zone ◽  
Forearc Basin ◽  
Free Gas ◽  
Hydrate Stability
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