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Geological Indicators

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Exploration of Gas Hydrates

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Abstract

Marine sediments on the continental slopes require appropriate thickness of sea, methane-generating potential and suitable pressure–temperature regime in order to host gas hydrates. In addition to pressure and geothermal gradient other variables affecting the stability of gas hydrates are the hydrothermal gradient, sediment's thermal conductivity, and heat flow. Other variables such as gas composition, migration pathways for gas and water, seals and reservoir rocks, and pore water salinity are also important for establishing the stability zone for hydrates. Gas hydrate rich provinces can be characterized by different geological indicators like development of hydrate mounds, pockmark depressions, mud volcanism, fault structures and fracture zones. These geological processes can shape a potential gas hydrate reservoir. Field evidence indicates that anomalously warm, presumably methane rich fluids can rise as conduits in the gas hydrate areas. This chapter presents a review and synthesis of the tectono-sedimentary controls on gas hydrate occurrence and aim to establish geological framework for the occurrence of gas hydrates in the continental margins.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute (CSIR), National Geophysical Research, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India, 500007

    Dr. Naresh Kumar Thakur

  2. CSIRO Petroleum Resources ARRC, 26 Dick Perry Ave, Kensington, Perth, Western Australia, 6151, Australia

    Dr. Sanjeev Rajput

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  1. Dr. Naresh Kumar Thakur
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  2. Dr. Sanjeev Rajput
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Correspondence to Naresh Kumar Thakur .

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Thakur, N.K., Rajput, S. (2011). Geological Indicators. In: Exploration of Gas Hydrates. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-14234-5_5

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