Seismic Characterization of Gas Hydrates in Northern Gulf of Mexico

Whether gas hydrates are considered as hazard or resource, we need to find it first. We developed an integrated, seismic-based, five-step workflow (Dutta et al 2010; Dutta and Dai, 2007) to delineate and quantify gas hydrates using an approach very similar to finding hydrocarbon. The approach is primarily based on seismic characterization, geologic analysis and seismic inversion that is constrained with rock physics principles. These are performed within the gas hydrate stability zone. The introduction of gas hydrates in the shallow unconsolidated sediments tends to enhance both the stiffness and rigidity of the hosting rocks. Gas hydrate drilling worldwide has indicated that the increases in the stiffness and rigidity are somewhat proportional to the concentration of gas hydrates in the porous space of the sediments. This provides basis for the gas hydrate characterization and quantification using seismic information. In this presentation, we will review the technology, and demonstrate its application, using multiple examples from the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Based on our models for gas hydrate exploration, a set of wells were drilled by the Consortium of USA – DOE and several oil companies in the deep water GOM (e.g. Green Canyon, Walker Ridge, Atwater Valley) and the model