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Abstract
Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions
Volume 54 (2004)
EXTENDED ABSTRACT: Within Five Years,
Hydrate Exploitation can be a Reality in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Lowrie, A.,1 Dean, P. A.,2 and
Lutken, C. B.3
ABSTRACT
Hydrates and associated free gases exist within the shallow
sub-surface in waters deeper than 100-500m up to 2-3km. Forces impacting
hydrate occurrence include chemistry of the original natural gases and the
temperature/pressure regime within which these exist. At depths circa one
to two km, the hydrate stability zone is approximately 100 to 300m thick,
respectively, with gas trapped beneath the hydrate.
Along the northern Gulf of Mexico continental
margin, hydrates are abundantly described. Seismic reflection and drilling
data are adequate to locate and map hydrates and free gases.
Hydrate exploitation requires converting hydrates
into free gases or harvesting gases associated with hydrates. Exploration
involves locating and measuring exploitable potential reservoirs. Exploitation
involves determining both the likelihood of removing gases safely and the
structural integrity of the area being mined. A structural collapse and consequent
catastrophic release of trapped gases would impact both continental margin
stability and global climate. In both phases, judicious application of vertical
and horizontal/inclined drilling is mandatory.
Seafloor and subsurface monitoring systems must
be utilized before, during, and after the exploitation phase and include
a seismic network and boreholes equipped for subsurface monitoring of temperatures/pressures
migrating in the section. Monitoring of changes within the margin may be
sufficient to prevent failure and maintain stability and continuity of the
reservoir being exploited. With state-of-the-art monitoring via seismic reflection
and boreholes, hydrates can be exploited successfully, with present technology,
within five years.
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