OCS Study 

BOEMRE 2010-046

Multicomponent and Multifrequency 

Seismic for Assessment of Fluid-Gas 

Expulsion Geology and Gas-Hydrate 

Deposits: Gulf of Mexico 

U.S. Department of the Interior

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management,

 Regulation and Enforcement

Gulf of Mexico OCS Region
OCS Study 

BOEMRE 2010-046 

Multicomponent and Mutifrequency 

Seismic for Assessment of Fluid-Gas 

Expulsion Geology and Gas-Hydrate 

Deposits: Gulf of Mexico Hydrates 

Authors 

B.A. Hardage 

H.H. Roberts 

Prepared under BOEMRE Cooperative Agreement 

1435-01-05-CA-39076 (M05AC12295) 

by 

Louisiana State University 

Coastal Marine Institute 

Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803 

Published by 

U.S. Department of the Interior 

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 

 Regulation and Enforcement 

Gulf of Mexico OCS Region 

New Orleans

December 2010 
DISCLAIMER 

This report was prepared under contract between the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 

Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE), and the Coastal Marine Institute at Louisiana State 

University. This report has been technically reviewed by the BOEMRE, and it has been approved 

for publication. Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views and 

policies of BOEMRE, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute 

endorsement or recommendation for use. It is, however, exempt from review and compliance 

with the BOEMRE editorial standards. 

REPORT AVAILABILITY 

This report is available only in compact disc format from the Bureau of Ocean Energy 

Management, Regulation and Enforcement, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, at a charge of $15.00, 

by referencing OCS Study BOEMRE 2010-046. The report may be downloaded from the 

BOEMRE website through the Environmental Studies Program Information System (ESPIS). 

You will be able to obtain this report also from the National technical Information Service in the 

near future. Here are the addresses. You may also inspect copies at selected Federal Depository 

Libraries. 

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, 

Regulation and Enforcement U.S. Department of Commerce 

Gulf of Mexico OCS Region National Technical Information Service 

Public Information Office(MS 5034) 5285 Port Royal Road 

1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard Springfield, Virginia 22161 

New Orleans, Louisiana 70123-2394 Phone: (703) 605-6040 

Telephone requests may be placed at Fax: (703) 605-6900 

(504) 736-2519, 1-800-200-GULF, or Email: bookstore@ntis.gov 

Rush Orders: 1-800-553-6847 

Fax: (504) 736-2620 

CITATION 

Suggested citation: 

Hardage, B.A. and H.H. Roberts. 2010. Multicomponent and multifrequency seismic for 

assessment of fluid-gas expulsion geology and gas-hydrate deposits: Gulf of Mexico.

U. S. Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and 

Enforcement, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, New Orleans, LA. OCS Study BOEMRE 

2010-046. 112 pp. 

ABOUT THE COVER 

A computer-enhanced multibeam bathymetry image of the northern Gulf of Mexico 

continental slope illustrating the complex surface morphology representing intraslope basins 

where sediments have accumulated to great thicknesses separated by rough-appearing salt – 

supported domes and ridges. 

iii 
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

We primarily acknowledge the Minerals Management Service (MMS) for financial support 

of this study which focuses a new seismic data set (4C-OBS) data) on the interpretation of gas 

hydrate-bearing strata. The 4C-OBC seismic data were provided for this research by 

WesternGeco under the present contract and Cooperative Agreement between MMS and the 

Coastal Studies Institute at Louisiana State University (Cooperative Agreement Number 

M05AC12295). C&C Technologies was subcontracted to provide AUV data along 4C-OBC 

lines and over critical study sites. Manned submersible time over GC 204 and GC 237 was 

provided by both MMS, NOAA-NURP, The Louisiana Education Quality Support Fund, and the 

Gulf of Mexico Hydrate Research Consortium at the University of Mississippi over the span of 

several projects. 

v 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Page 

List of Figures................................................................................................................................ ix 

List of Tables ................................................................................................................................. xi 

1. Introduction.............................................................................................................................1 

2. Geologic Framework ..............................................................................................................5 

3. Study Site Selection ................................................................................................................9 

4. Comparisons of AUV P-P and OBC P-SV Images ..............................................................15 

5. Raytracing to Determine Layer Velocities ...........................................................................19 

6. Integration of Resistivity, Velocity, and Seismic Data.........................................................21 

7. Joint Inversion of Resistivity and Velocity: Theory.............................................................25 

Example of Joint Inversion of Resistivity and Velocity .......................................................28 

8. 2-D Profiles of Velocity Layering ........................................................................................31 

2-D Profiles of Hydrate Concentration.................................................................................31 

9. Mapping the Amount of In Situ Hydrate ..............................................................................35 

10. Comparing Load-Bearing and Free-Floating Hydrate Assumptions....................................37 

11. Well Log Data.......................................................................................................................39 

11.1 Well Log Data: Typhoon Field Area (Study Site 1)....................................................39 

11.2 Well Log Data: Genesis Field Area (Study Site 2)......................................................40 

11.3 Available Data: GC240 (Study Site 3)........................................................................47 

12. Summary and Conclusions ...................................................................................................53 

13. References.............................................................................................................................57 

Apppendix A. Seafloor Reflectivity—An Important Seismic Property for Interpreting 

Fluid/Gas Expulsion Geology and the Presence of Gas Hydrate ........................................ 59 

vii 
Appendix B. High-Resolution Multicomponent Seismic Imaging of Deepwater 

Gas-Hydrate Systems ............................................................................................. 67 

Appendix C. Rock Physics Characterization of Hydrate-Bearing Deepwater Sediments............75 

Appendix D. Evaluation of Deepwater Gas-Hydrate Systems .....................................................81 

Appendix E. Gas Hydrate in the Gulf of Mexico: What and Where is the 

Seismic Target? ...................................................................................................... 89 

Appendix F. Gas Hydrate—A Source of Shallow Water Flow? ..................................................97 

viii 
LIST OF FIGURES 

Page 

Figure 1. A computer-enhanced multibeam bathymetry image of the northern Gulf of 

Mexico continental slope illustrating the complex surface morphology 

representing intraslope basins (smooth areas) where sediments have 

accumulated to great thicknesses separated by rough-appearing saltsupported domes and ridges........................................................................................ 2 

Figure 2. Locations of AUV and OBC profiles used in the project............................................. 4 

Figure 3. Seafloor reflectivity map constructed from towed-cable 3D-seismic data 

shows a well-defined expulsion area in GC 237. ..................................................... 10 

Figure 4. Within the region of GC 204, numerous expulsion centers and associated mud 

flows are defined by towed-cable, 3D-seismic, seafloor reflectivity data. ............... 12 

Figure 5. This 3D-seismic surface reflectivity map of the GC 240 expulsion feature 

suggests that this area is characterized by abundant hard bottoms, probably 

authigenic carbonates as were found in GC 237 and GC 204................................... 13 

Figure 6. (Top) Interpreted OBC P-SV image. (Bottom) Interpreted AUV P-P image. ......... 17 

Figure 7. Interpreted P-SV (top) and P-P (bottom) images along OBC profile 264, 

Genesis area............................................................................................................... 18 

Figure 8. Raytrace-based velocity analysis at calibration Well B, OBC profile 264, 

Genesis Field area.. ................................................................................................... 20 

Figure 9. Integration of VP and VS velocity analysis at Well C with (top) P-P seismic 

data along OBC profile 264 (Genesis Field) and (bottom) P-SV seismic data. ....... 22 

Figure 10. Integration of Vp and Vs velocity analysis at Well B with (a) P-P seismic 

data along OBC profile 264 (Genesis Field) and (b) P-SV seismic data.................. 24 

Figure 11. Idealized posterior PDF of gas hydrate concentration at a random subseafloor depth location based on the inversion of seismic VP velocity (black 

curve), inversion of formation resistivity R (blue curve), and joint inversion 

of VP and R (red curve)............................................................................................. 26 

Figure 12. (Top) Seismic-based VP and VS interval velocities, resistivity log, and their 

respective estimates of hydrate concentration at Well B, Genesis Field.................. 30 

Figure 13. (Top) P-P image along OBC profile 549, Genesis area (Figure 2b). ....................... 32 

Figure 14. (Top) P-SV image along OBC profile 549, Genesis area (Figure 2b). 

(Bottom) VS velocity layering. (c) Estimated hydrate concentration. ...................... 33 

Figure 15. Model used to estimate the amount of in-place hydrate along each OBC 

profile........................................................................................................................ 35 

Figure 16. Amount of in situ hydrate across Study Site 1, Typhoon Field area.. ...................... 36 

Figure 17. Amount of in situ hydrate across Study Site 2, Genesis Field area.......................... 36 

ix 
Figure 18. Comparison of hydrate concentrations predicted along OBC profile 557 

when hydrate is load-bearing (top) or free-floating (bottom)................................... 37 

Figure 19. Well log cross section across calibration wells B, C, A, Typhoon Field area........... 41 

Figure 20. Well log cross section along the profile of calibration wells B, D, E, Typhoon 

Field area. ................................................................................................................. 42 

Figure 21. Thicknesses of hydrate stability zones for various water depths and gas 

chemistries. ............................................................................................................... 43 

Figure 22. Well log cross section along the profile of calibration wells A, B, C, Genesis 

Field.. ........................................................................................................................ 44 

Figure 23. Well log cross section along the profile of calibration wells D, E, F, G, 

Genesis Field.. .......................................................................................................... 45 

Figure 24. Well log cross section along the profile of calibration wells H, I, L, J, Genesis 

Field. ......................................................................................................................... 46 

Figure 25a. Critical information developed along profile 288, Study Site 3 (Block 

GC240). .................................................................................................................... 48 

Figure 25b. Critical information developed along profile 288, Study Site 3 (Block 

GC240). .................................................................................................................... 49 

Figure 26a. Critical information developed along profile 284, Study Site 3 (Block 

GC240). .................................................................................................................... 50 

Figure 26b. Critical information developed along profile 284, Study Site 3 (Block 

GC240).. ................................................................................................................... 51 

x 
LIST OF TABLES 

Page 

Table 1. Parameters Used in Rock Physics Modeling ........................................................... 29 

xi 
1. INTRODUCTION 

The northern Gulf of Mexico continental slope is a well-documented province where fluids 

and gases migrate to the modern seafloor at numerous sites. Many of these sites are 

accompanied by exposed gas hydrate deposits. Migration pathways and gas hydrates have been 

difficult to image because of the presence of bubble-phase gas and very complex geology (the 

product of a dynamic interaction between sedimentary loading and salt deformation). In the 

complex geology of the northern Gulf’s hydrate stability zone there are very few reflection 

events that can be interpreted as bottom simulating reflectors (BSRs). These BSR’s generally 

represent the phase change between gas hydrate and free gas at the base of the hydrate stability 

zone, but they are difficult to identify in existing p-wave seismic data sets from the northern 

Gulf. In simple geologic settings, BSRs clearly cut across subsurface stratigraphy. However, as 

the geologic complexity of the subsurface increases, BSRs become more difficult to identify and 

trace. Even though the entire continental slope is covered with high quality 3D-seismic, 

migration pathways for fluids and gases, as well as gas hydrates, are not well-imaged and details 

of these features have generally alluded geoscientists. 

This study provides an unparalleled research opportunity to employ a new multi-component 

seismic data set collected from across a large area of the northern Gulf of Mexico’s upper 

continental slope (to a depth of 1000 m). These data were acquired to provide a new imaging 

capability. WesternGeco has collected the long offset multi-component seismic data (fourcomponent ocean bottom cable seismic, 4C-OBC) from which both shear wave and conventional 

compressional wave (p-wave) data can be derived. Not only will this long offset 4C-OBC data 

allow deeper imaging within the sediment column, but the c-wave data (up-going SV shear wave 

created by p-to-SV mode conversion) made possible with this acquisition strategy images 

through gas and image different stratal surfaces and boundaries, unlike standard p-wave data. In 

addition, lithofacies data, as well as shear moduli and bulk moduli, can be calculated from 4COBC data. We therefore consider this research to be a great opportunity to image migration 

pathways from the deep subsurface and to provide stratal information that can help define the 

base of the hydrate stability zone and properties of sediments invaded by gas hydrate. Analysis 

of 4C-OBC data also provides us with a means to assess c-wave data, with a focus on cross-over 

information that may be important for interpreting p-wave data of various frequency contents (8-

100 Hz 3D-seismic to 2-8 kHz). Three test sites were established, based on relative fluid-gas 

expulsion rates: slow flux, intermediate flux, and rapid flux. These qualitative classes of flux 

rate are based on geologic response at the modern seafloor. The three study sites are located in 

the Green Canyon lease area in lease blocks 204, 237, and 240 (Figure 1). Seismic profiles with 

three different frequency contents were collected along common track-lines across each 

experimental site. One of these three seismic types was 4C-OBC data. The others are standard 

exploration-scale 3D-seismic and much higher frequency “chirp sonar” subbottom data. The cwave data from the 4C-OBC data provide valuable new insight critical for resource evaluation in 

the case of gas hydrates and imaging of fault systems necessary for constructing realistic 

numerical models of fluid and gas migration from the deep subsurface. In addition, critical 

geologic differences between slow flux to rapid flux settings may be revealed. Linking very high 

resolution images of the shallow subsurface using AUV and chirp technology with the 4C-OBC 

data is one goal of this investigation. 

1 
Figure 1. A computer-enhanced multibeam bathymetry image of the northern Gulf of Mexico 

continental slope illustrating the complex surface morphology representing intraslope basins 

(smooth areas) where sediments have accumulated to great thicknesses separated by 

rough-appearing salt-supported domes and ridges. The three study sites in the Green 

Canyon lease area (GC 204, GC 237, and GC 240) are shown both on the large-scale 

image and in the enlarged inset that illustrates local seafloor topography associated with 

each site. 

The use of 4C-OBC data for the study of gas hydrates in conjunction with other sources of 

seismic data associated with this study has led to a variety of scientific papers by the authors and 

their associates including (a) defining the “seismic target;” (b) geologic expressions of gas 

hydrate at or near the seafloor; and, (c) rock physics of hydrate-bearing sediments. These 

published papers, which are largely the products of research conducted under the canopy of this 

MMS-sponsored project, are summarized in this final report, and included in this report as 

Appendices A-F. 

This report discusses the unique value of multicomponent seismic data to study and interpret 

detailed shallow subsurface geology, including the seismic characteristics and rock physics of 

gas hydrate-bearing strata in this part of the sedimentary section. When processed using the 

special techniques described in this report, PP (compressional) and PS (converted-shear) images 

derived from 4C-OBC data are nearly comparable to images generated from much higher 

frequency and higher resolution seismic sources such as “chirp sonar,” a dataset used in this 

study and acquired by an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). 

Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) technology has become invaluable for studying 

deep-water seafloor properties. An AUV system uses inertial guidance to steer an unmanned, 

2 
self-propelled vehicle along a preselected route at a height of about 50 m above the seafloor. 

Navigation accuracy is precise, with deviations from a preprogrammed profile on the order of 1 

or 2 m over a traverse of one lease block (4,800 m; 3 mi). AUV data consist of side-scan sonar, 

multibeam bathymetry, and chirp-sonar profiles. These datasets are commonly used by industry 

for geohazards assessments and site evaluations of production platforms and pipelines. Chirpsonar data were important in this study because these profiles provided high-resolution P-P 

images of seafloor strata to sub-seafloor depths of approximately 50 m. Approximately 80 km of 

AUV data were amassed across the project study areas. Because one of our research objectives 

was to compare the relative merits of multi-frequency seismic data and multicomponent seismic 

data to study deep-water hydrate systems, these AUV profiles were juxtaposed to 4-component 

ocean-bottom-cable (4C OBC) profiles where low-frequency (10-200 Hz) seismic data and 

converted-shear (P-SV) seismic data could be compared with high-frequency (1-10 kHz) AUV 

compressional-wave (P-P) data and with low-frequency (10-200 Hz) OBC P-P data (Appendix 

B). All datasets were focused on building a better understanding of gas hydrate deposits in Gulf 

of Mexico sediments and the geologic characteristics of the gas hydrate stability zone. 

Maps illustrating where AUV and OBC profiles traversed the two primary study sites (GC 

204 and GC 237) and our secondary site (GC 240) are displayed as Figure 2. An important 

research finding was that low-frequency (10-150 Hz) OBC P-SV data resolved an interface that 

was sometimes less than 1 m below the seafloor in the vicinity of these two deep-water expulsion 

features; whereas, high-frequency (1-10 kHz) AUV P-P data generated only 40 meters above the 

seafloor often did not image this horizon. Examples of these data behaviors are shown by 

horizons labeled A, B, C, D on the profiles displayed in the following section of this report. As 

shown by these data, low-frequency, surface-source OBC P-SV data resolve some near-seafloor 

geologic features local to expulsion features (for example, horizon A) better than do highfrequency, near-seafloor-source AUV P-P data, which is an important technology demonstration. 

3 
Figure 2. Locations of AUV and OBC profiles used in the project. (a) Typhoon Field area. (b) 

Genesis Field area. Expulsion features are present in Typhoon-area Blocks 237 and 240 (a) 

and in Genesis-area Block 204 (b). 

4 
2. GEOLOGIC FRAMEWORK 

The data collection sites for this project are in the Green Canyon lease area of the upper 

continental slope opposite the state of Louisiana. Our geologic knowledge of this region, as well 

as the rest of the continental slope, is largely a result of data collected in support of the search for 

and production of hydrocarbons. Deep water data collection significantly advanced when the 

petroleum industry moved onto the Gulf’s continental slope in the 1970s. The oil and gas 

industry has assembled an enormous database of high quality 3D-seismic grids, well data, and 

high resolution acoustic data used for pipeline and geohazards studies. No other deepwater area 

in today’s oceans has the density of data coverage to compare with the northern Gulf of Mexico. 

In the case of 3D-seismic data, the continental slope is almost totally covered from the slope off 

the east Texas coast at the western extreme to DeSoto Canyon at the eastern boundary. The 

computer enhanced multibeam image of Figure 1 illustrates the complex morphology of the 

slope surface shaped by salt deformation as a product of sediment loading. The resultant 

regional morphology of the seafloor is that of rather smooth intraslope basins bordered by rough 

and relatively high relief ridges and domes supported by salt in the shallow subsurface. 

Evolution of the slope’s surface geology and present morphology is related to the history of 

allochthonous salt, faults, and the development of intraslope sedimentary basins. Seismic 

profiles and well data (various types of well logs and associated micropaleontological data) 

provide the main elements to evaluate the evolving depositional environments, sedimentary 

facies, and salt characteristics. Some authors have produced sequential structural restorations 

from these types of data sets (Worrall and Snelson 1989; Diegel et al. 1995; Peel et al. 1995; 

Rowan 1995; and McBride 1995). Such reconstructions help explain the evolution of salt 

structures coincident with sedimentation. This recently developed understanding of the dynamic 

changes that have taken place through time to give us the present slope configuration is possible 

because of improved seismic imaging technology (Ratcliff 1993), better physical modeling of 

salt-sediment systems (Vendeville and Jackson 1992), and the application of sequential 

restoration (McBride 1996). Such innovative and new-generation work on the slope has shown 

us that tabular allochthonous salt sheets and nappes are not new to the slope, but have occurred 

previously and have undergone various stages of deformation and evacuation (Diegel and Cook 

1990). The emplacement and eventual evacuation of allochthonous salt appears to vary spatially 

and temporally throughout the northern Gulf of Mexico basin. No single model for salt 

movement can explain the array of salt geometries presently imaged in the subsurface. However, 

it is clear that original salt geometries and the manner in which they interact dictate the positions 

of later minibasins, remnant salt diapirs, extensional growth faults, contractional structures, and 

strike-slip deformations (McBride 1996). It is clear that this framework, provided by salt 

deformation and sediment loading, is the template for understanding the complexities of the 

modern seafloor and the pathways for fluid and gas migration from the deep subsurface. 

In addition to the 3D-seismic data that led to the understanding of the slope’s subsurface 

geology and regional surface morphology, higher resolution data sets have provided a detailed 

view of the modern sea floor. These data sets have been acquired for engineering and regulatory 

purposes related to choosing drilling sites, pipeline routes, platform locations, and for identifying 

5 
potential geohazards. High resolution subbottom profiles, side-scan sonar swaths, and 

multibeam bathymetry are the key data sets used for engineering and geohazards purposes. 

These data have revealed a spectrum of smaller and lower relief features superimposed on the 

slope’s regional morphology of domes, ridges, and basins. The smaller class of features is of a 

scale not easily imaged by 3D-seimsic data. Unlike regional 3D-seismic grids, higher resolution 

data sets are local in extent, and data sets may be separated by great distances, making it difficult 

to link features to formative processes. However, the widespread coverage of 3D-seismic data 

along with regional multibeam bathymetry puts the slope’s seafloor complexity into a regionally 

consistent framework for analysis. 

Using a combination of high-resolution acoustic data and 3D-seismic data, a wide variety of 

sea floor features have been identified, including submarine landslides and slumps, mud 

volcanoes and mud flows, hardgrounds, mounded carbonates, salt outcrops, brine pools and 

seeps, and outcropping gas hydrates. Of great importance, finding gas hydrate and associated 

chemosynthetic communities at or very near the sea floor identifies areas where hydrocarbons 

are being transported from the subsurface to the sediment-water interface. The most useful 

seismic property for selecting areas of fluid and gas expulsion at the modern sea floor has been 

ocean bottom reflectivity determined with 3D-seismic data. Strength and phase of the seafloor 

reflector are important characteristics that help identify areas of hydrocarbon seepage or more 

rapid venting in the continental slope environment (Roberts et al. 1992a; Roberts et al. 2006, 

Appendix A). The rate at which fluids and gas are delivered to the modern sea floor is important 

to the geological and biological response, and therefore the surface reflectivity, recorded in the 

3D-seismic data. As outlined by Roberts and Carney (1997) and Roberts (2001), slow delivery 

settings promote significant mineralization of the sea floor and shallow subsurface while rapid 

delivery settings result in mudflows and the accretion of mud volcanoes. Biologically, sedentary 

animals that typically inhabit hydrocarbon seep sites, such as tubeworms and mussels, cannot 

survive the rapid sedimentation associated with rapid delivery settings. So, slower flux and more 

specifically intermediate flux environments are supportive of these chemosynthetic organisms. 

While hard bottom areas can occur in association with slow flux to rapid flux hydrocarbon 

delivery settings, slow and intermediate flux environments are typically characterized by 

authigenic carbonates in the form of nodular masses in surrounding sediments, blocks, slabs, and 

mounds. These carbonates are 13C-depleted and are composed of Mg-calcite, aragonite, and 

sometimes dolomite (Ritger et al. 1987; Ferrell and Aharon 1994; Roberts et al. 1992b). On 3Dseismic surface amplitude (reflectivity) data, areas with abundant hard bottoms provide very high 

amplitude response and positive polarity of the surface reflector. This response is in contrast to 

rapid flux areas that are characterized by recently deposited “soft” sediment that frequently is 

gas-charged, resulting in low reflectivity of the sea floor and negative polarity of the surface 

reflector. 

Identifying of sites of fluid-gas expulsion is important to this study because investigations of 

the seafloor at these sites using manned submersibles and ROVs have shown that gas hydrate is 

commonly exposed at the sediment-water interface of intermediate flux rate sites. That is, at 

sites where the delivery of hydrocarbon gas and perhaps crude oil is not extremely slow or fast 

enough to export heat and sometimes sediments from the subsurface. Addition of heat may 

violate the stability conditions under which gas hydrate forms at any given water depth on the 

slope. It is clear on 3D-seismic profiles that the base of the hydrate stability zone, defined by a 

6 
bottom simulating reflector (BSR), is deflected upward around the hydrocarbon migration 

pathway. This pathway is defined by an acoustically opaque zone or “chimney” that extends 

from the deep subsurface to the ocean bottom. In many cases, there is a bathymetric response at 

this intersection point in the form of a mound or complex of mounds. Gas hydrate is frequently 

observed outcropping on the sea floor at such locations (McDonald et al. 1994). At these sites 

the BSR is deflected upward and either coincides or nearly coincides with the sea floor. In our 

study, defining the base of the hydrate stability zone by recognition of a BSR on seismic data or 

by calculations based on gas composition, temperature, and pressure is important to define zones 

of hydrate occurrence above this stratigraphic horizon. 

7 
3. STUDY SITE SELECTION 

Three sites were selected for investigation based on their fluid and gas expulsion geology, 

sea floor reflectivity on 3D-seismic data, coincidence with the 4C-OBC data collection grid, and 

proximity to oil fields where well data are available to “calibrate” seismic properties of the 

subsurface (Figures 1 and 2). All three of these sites fall in the Green Canyon lease area where 

both deep-water fields and oil and gas seeps are numerous. All three sites are on the flanks of an 

intraslope basin where salt is common in the shallow subsurface and numerous faults provide 

access for deep subsurface fluids and gases to the modern sea floor. The three study sites are in 

Green Canyon Block 204 (GC 204), Green Canyon Block 237 (GC 237), and Green Canyon 

Block 240 (GC 240) (Figure 2). The GC 204 site is next to Chevron’s Genesis Field in GC 205, 

which has numerous wells and geotechnical borings that comprise a database useful to this 

project. One north-south oriented 4C-OBC line runs through this block and the expulsion 

features in it. The other key site is in GC 237. BHP Billiton’s Typhoon Field is in the northeast 

corner of this block, and associated well and geotechnical boring data from the Typhoon Field 

support our interpretations of shallow subsurface geology and the possible presence of gas 

hydrate. Our evaluation of the subsurface comes from analysis of 4C-OBC data plus high 

resolution chirp subbottom profiles acquired by AUV. Within the AUV data collection grid, key 

AUV data were acquired along the 4C-OBC lines. Only the GC 240 site has no supporting oil 

field data in the vicinity of the fluid-gas expulsion anomaly. For this reason our discussion is 

focused primarily on the GC 204 and GC 237 sites. 

Figure 2 illustrates that two east-west trending 4C-OBC lines cross GC 237, one to the north 

of the anomaly and the Typhoon production site and one to the south. This figure also shows the 

considerable coverage of high resolution (chirp sonar) subbottom profile data at this site. Figure 

3 illustrates the location of the GC 237 anomaly in relation to the 4C-OBC lines. This surface 

reflectivity anomaly was identified on 3D-seismic surface amplitude data and investigated with 

three manned submersible dives that confirmed the presence of surficial gas hydrate at this site. 

The principal feature of interest appears as a circular anomaly. Within the confines of the 

anomaly, both zones of high and low sea floor reflectivity are present as determined from the 

3D-seismic surface amplitude data (Figure 3). Onsite investigation of this area using the 

Johnson Sea-Link manned submersible revealed highly variable sea floor conditions, such as 

authigenic carbonate hardgrounds, large upturned carbonate blocks, and scattered 

chemosynthetic communities of tubeworms and mussels (Figures 3A, B). At the center of the 

anomaly area were two closely spaced sites of fluidized mud extrusion. These extrusion sites 

corresponded to low reflectivity areas within the overall anomaly as determined on the 3Dseismic surface amplitude data. One of these features was a spectacular mud volcano rising over 

10 m above the surrounding seafloor. The surface of this feature was covered with white flow 

patterns resulting from barium-rich fluids that precipitated barite on the mound flanks (Figure 

3C). Several active gas seeps were observed at the top and on the flanks of the mound. 

Sampling revealed the presence of gas hydrate beneath the surface sediments. 

Surrounding the low reflectivity of the mud volcano areas are scattered high reflectivity 

zones related to extensive regions of hard bottom composed of authigenic carbonates. Many of 

the carbonate blocks surrounding the mud extrusion sites are upturned, suggesting local 

expansion and uplift of the sea floor, perhaps in conjunction with the near-surface formation of 

9 
gas hydrate. Around and between these carbonate blocks are small communities of tubeworms 

and mussels. A region of brine seepage occurs along the western margin of the overall surface 

reflectivity anomaly. 

In terms of surficial geology, GC 204 is much more complex than GC 237 (Appendix A). 

The 3D-seismic surface amplitude (reflectivity) map of Figure 4 illustrates this complexity. Our 

4C-OBC line runs through an area in the southeastern part of the block where several circular 

expulsion centers are defined by low reflectivity. Another major expulsion site is located at the 

north-northwestern block boundary. Surrounding these expulsion centers are areas of high 

Figure 3. Seafloor reflectivity map constructed from towed-cable 3D-seismic data shows a well-defined 

expulsion area in GC 237. Both high-reflectivity (red, yellow) and low-reflectivity (blue, white) 

areas are a part of this complex fluid-gas expulsion area. Low-reflectivity sites represent 

zones of fluidized sediment expulsion resulting in the creation of mud volcanoes. Extruded 

sediment and associated fluids have a high barium content. (A) This picture shows barite 

(white areas) on the flank of the mud volcano. (B) The high-reflectivity areas represent 

carbonate hardgrounds and slabs. Many of the carbonate slabs surrounding the mud volcano 

area upturned like the one in this photograph. (C) The chemosynthetic communities of 

tubeworms and mussels are localized and tend to occur between and around the carbonate 

blocks and slabs. The lines shown in red (Profile 284 and Profile 288) are tracklines along 

which 4C-OBC data were collected. 

10 
reflectivity that represent regions of hard bottom. The most striking surface features in Figure 4 

are long mudflows originating from the major expulsion centers located on bathymetric highs 

with complex seafloor around them. Manned submersible observations indicate that 

theexpulsion centers are still active but at a level much lower than in the past when the long mud 

flows developed. Escaping gas and some evidence of localized fluidized sediment expulsion 

were observed. In towed–cable seismic profiles, the subsurface area beneath the cluster of 

expulsion sites is represented by an acoustically amorphous zone, assumed to be the principal 

fluid-gas migration pathway. It is clear from the surficial geology of GC 204 that this area has 

experienced extrusions of large volumes of fluidized sediment. The timing for the major 

expulsion events that developed the long mud flow patterns seen in Figure 4 is unknown. The 

expulsion activity has obviously slowed to its present near-dormant state. On the high ground 

around the extrusion sites, the modern seafloor is irregular because of the presence of authigenic 

carbonate slabs, blocks, and low-relief mounds (Figure 4A). These hardbottom features contain 

clam and mussel shells that have been cemented by carbonates precipitated as a by-product of 

microbial oxidation of hydrocarbons. Surrounding the outcropping carbonates are densely 

populated shell beds composed of lucinid-vesycomyid clams and, to a lesser extent, mussels. 

Although localized living mussels and clams are present, most of the shell beds do not represent 

living communities. The combination of carbonates and shell beds creates significant seafloor 

reflectivity, as represented by 3D-seismic data (Figure 4). 

In contrast to the carbonate hardgrounds of the areas surrounding the extrusion sites, it is 

logical to assume that the fine-grained sediments comprising the mud flows have low 

reflectivity. However, Figure 4 indicates that these features actually have moderate to high 

acoustic amplitudes, similar to the hardground areas surrounding the active expulsion sites. The 

reason for this acoustic response is the presence of numerous clam shells on the surface and 

perhaps in the shallow subsurface of the flow (Figure 4B). Lucinid-vesycomyid clams exploit 

hydrogen sulfide produced by microbial communities that metabolize hydrocarbons incorporated 

in the muds. Once the hydrogen sulfide is depleted, the clams die, leaving a bed of shells. With 

subsequent mud flows, new clam populations develop. It is reasonable to assume that the high 

reflectivity of some mud flows is caused by the accumulation of numerous stacks of these shell 

horizons. In addition, nodular authigenic carbonates also form in the mudflows, which also 

promote high reflectivity. Our study focused on areas local to a fluid-gas expulsion feature 

located near Typhoon field (GC 237) and a second expulsion feature close to Genesis field (GC 

205) where supporting well data was available. Unfortunately, the third site, GC 240, has no 

adjacent oil/gas field or associated supporting data. This site was therefore not analyzed in the 

same detail as the other two study sites (Figure 5). 

11 
Figure 4. Within the region of GC 204, numerous expulsion centers and associated mud flows are 

defined by towed-cable, 3D-seismic, seafloor reflectivity data. Both the areas near the 

expulsion site and parts of the mud flows exhibit high reflectivity (red and yellow). (A) The 

high-amplitude areas surrounding the expulsion sites are zones of cemented seafloor with 

living mussel and clam beds. Large blocks of carbonate-cemented mussel shells and clam 

shells are typical of these areas. Tube worms are not present. (B) Mud flows have high 

reflectivity primarily because of dense seafloor accumulations of clam shells. Populations of 

lucinid-vesycomyid clams develop on new flows containing hydrocarbons. After exploiting 

hydrogen sulfide, a product of microbial oxidation of hydrocarbons, the community dies and 

leaves a carpet of shells on the surface. New flows provide another trophic resource for 

development of another community of clams. The large reflection amplitudes observed on 

towed-cable, 3D-seismic seafloor reflectivity data are assumed to be associated with 

multiple stratigraphic horizons of these clam shells. (C) This photograph illustrates the 

surface density of clam shells. Authigenic carbonate nodules and cements in the extruded 

muds also add to the seismic reflectivity. 

12 
Figure 5. This 3D-seismic surface reflectivity map of the GC 240 expulsion feature suggests that this 

area is characterized by abundant hard bottoms, probably authigenic carbonates as were 

found in GC 237 and GC 204. However, no submersible or ROV data exist for this site to be 

used for “calibration” of the reflectivity data. Seismic profiles indicate a clear migration 

pathway from the deep subsurface to this site. 

13 
4. COMPARISONS OF AUV P-P AND OBC P-SV IMAGES 

Our research has demonstrated that low-frequency (10-200 Hz) converted-shear (P-SV) 

images constructed from 4-component ocean-bottom-cable (4C OBC) seismic data provide a 

spatial resolution of near-seafloor geology equivalent to, and sometimes better than, the 

resolution achieved with high-frequency (1-10 kHz) AUV data. We consider this research 

finding to be an important application for studying deep-water hydrate systems that needs to be 

shared with the international hydrate research community. The methodology we developed to 

create P-P and P-SV images from deep-water 4C OBC data has been published (Backus et al. 

2006; Appendix B) and was selected by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists as “The Best 

Paper in THE LEADING EDGE” during 2006 publication year, which is testimony that peers 

have high regard for the research done in our deep-water hydrate studies. Rather than redescribe the data-processing procedure in this report, we add a pdf version of the published paper 

as Appendix B. Our gas hydrate papers published in the special issue of THE LEADING EDGE 

are presented in Appendices A-F. 

In our comparisons of high-frequency AUV P-P data and low-frequency air-gun-generated PSV data, we found that OBC P-SV data often resolved an interface (such as the one labeled A on 

Figure 6 (top) that is within 1 m of the seafloor; whereas, AUV P-P data along several profiles 

do not image this horizon (Figure 6, bottom). Low-frequency (10-200 Hz) OBC P-SV data thus 

often resolve some near-seafloor geologic features better than do high-frequency (1–10 kHz) 

AUV P-P data—an important project finding and demonstration. The reason for this superb 

resolution of OBC P-SV data is that the low values of VS velocity in the shallowest seafloor 

strata, coupled with the fundamental equation

 (1) SV = VS/f, 

that links wavelength (�), velocity (V), and frequency (f), cause most of the SV wavelengths 

(�SV) to be less than 1 m. A second equation of importance is

 (2) VP/VS = 2(�TPS/�TPP) – 1 

which relates the VP/VS velocity ratio across a sub-seafloor layer to the P-SV time thickness 

(�TPS) and P-P time thickness (�TPP) measured across that layer. Applying this equation to the 

depth-equivalent horizons exhibited on Figure 6 shows that the VP/VS ratios across the 

shallowest near-seafloor layering are (a) seafloor to B is 45 to 48; (b) seafloor to C is 38 to 40; 

and, (c) C to D is 18 to 20. 

We found that the VP velocity from the seafloor to horizon D (12 to 24 m below the seafloor) 

varied from 1430 to 1550 m/s; consequently, these velocity ratios result in VS values that range 

from 30 to 75 m/s across the sub-seafloor interval extending to depth D. The image comparisons 

illustrated on Figure 6 are typical of the AUV P-P and OBC P-SV image properties along all of 

the AUV profiles that we studied in this project. 

The OBC profile 264 across the Genesis Field area (Figure 2) is shown on Figure 7 to 

illustrate depth-equivalent geology in P-P and P-SV image spaces across our study areas. This 

15 
profile is important because it traverses two calibration wells (Well B and Well C). Log data 

acquired in these wells span part of the hydrate stability zone at each well location. The 

resistivity-log measurements across these hydrate-stability intervals are important calibration 

data used in our estimations of hydrate concentration. 

16 
Figure 6. (Top) Interpreted OBC P-SV image. (Bottom) Interpreted AUV P-P image. Depthequivalent P-SV and P-P reflections are labeled A to D. Unit A is not imaged by the AUV 

data. 

17 
Figure 7. Interpreted P-SV (top) and P-P (bottom) images along OBC profile 264, Genesis area. Depthequivalent horizons are labeled. P-SV horizons C and D correspond to their equivalents on 

Figure 6. 

18 
5. RAYTRACING TO DETERMINE LAYER VELOCITIES 

The P-P and P-SV images along each OBC profile were interpreted to determine which subseafloor P-SV reflection even between the seafloor and the base of the hydrate stability zone 

(BHSZ) were depth-quivalent to selected P-P reflections across the same sub-seafloor depth 

interval. The depth-equivalent P-P and P-SV horizons shown on Figure 7 were determined by 

interpreter logic, not by mathematical rigor. We consider interpreted horizons such as these to 

be “tentatively” depth-equivalent. In order to reliably estimate hydrate concentration by using 

seismic interval velocities across sub-seafloor layers, we applied numerical analysis to 

interpreted horizons to determine if each pair of “tentative” depth-equivalent P-P and P-SV is 

truly depth-equivalent. If not, other reflection events must be selected to establish depthequivalency. Thus a major part of this study was developing and implementing a raytracing 

procedure with the following components: 

1. create a system of sub-seafloor layers with defined thicknesses and with specified 

VP and VS velocities; 

2. calculate travel times along P-P and P-SV reflected raypaths through this velocity 

layering from a large number of sea-level source stations to a defined seafloor 

receiver station; 

3. compare these calculated raytrace reflection times to actual times of the P-P and PSV reflections that were interpreted to be depth equivalent at that receiver station; 

and. 

4. adjust layer thicknesses and VP and VS interval velocities until raytrace times and 

actual times for each layer interface converge to acceptable agreement. 

At selected seafloor receiver stations distributed across the OBC grid of 2-D profiles, the 

earth-layer construction process was performed to build depth-equivalent P-P and P-SV horizons 

and continuous velocity layering along each line of profile. Velocity Layer 1 (and depthequivalent layer 1) started at the seafloor and extended to the shallowest interpretable P-P 

reflection. Velocity Layers 2, 3, and 4 (and depth-equivalent layers 2, 3, 4) extended to 

successively deeper seafloor depths until a Velocity Layer N (and depth-equivalent layer N) was 

created that extended deeper than the BHSZ boundary. 

A computer screen display of a velocity raytrace analysis done at one seafloor receiver 

station is exhibited as Figure 8. This type of raytrace analysis was done using common-receiver 

gathers of P-P and P-SV reflectivity traces that were transformed to the reduced-time domain 

where the time origin T = 0 at each source-offset coordinate was the direct-arrival time at which 

the downgoing illuminating P wavefield arrives at the seafloor receiver station. In the example 

in Figure 8, five depth-equivalent pairs of P-P and P-SV horizons are shown overlaying the P-P 

and P-SV reflectivity gathers. Reflection travel times are calculated downward from a large 

number of source stations to each layer interface and then upward to the seafloor receiver along 

refracted raypaths that pass through the velocity layering (shown on the right). These raytrace 

times are then compared to the “tentative” depth-equivalent P-P and P-SV reflections to 

determine if reflections from the layer interfaces (right panel) are the horizons marked on the 

data displays (left and center panels). 

19 
A principal advantage of this raytrace-based velocity-analysis strategy is that velocity layers 

are defined as a function of depth below the seafloor. As a result, seismic-based VP and VS 

interval velocities can be depth correlated with depth-based well-log data, such as resistivity 

logs. These raytrace analyses were done at intervals of 250 meters along each OBC profile. 

Figure 8. Raytrace-based velocity analysis at calibration Well B, OBC profile 264, Genesis Field area. 

(Right) 6-layer VP and VS model at receiver station 34811, the well location. (Center) OBC 

P-SV receiver gather shows “flatness” of P-SV reflections associated with layer interface 

horizons when time shifts determined by raytracing are applied to all offset traces. (Left) 

OBC P-P receiver gather showing reflections associated with interface horizons after 

raytraced time shifts are applied. 

20 
6. INTEGRATION OF RESISTIVITY, VELOCITY, AND SEISMIC 

DATA 

The resistivity and velocity profiles at calibration wells B and C will now be correlated to the 

P-P and P-SV images along OBC profile 264 (Figure 7) to demonstrate how a joint-inversion of 

hydrate concentration was estimated at calibration wells. Data comparisons are shown first at 

Well C where a layer-velocity model was adjusted to match the P-P and P-SV image-time axes at 

the well location (Figure 9). This correlation process allows depth-based data to be compared 

against time-based seismic velocities. Figure 9 shows that each Earth-velocity layer correlates 

with a distinct seismic facies unit in both P-P image space and in P-SV image space. The VP and 

VS velocity profiles increase in unison from the seafloor to the base of Layer 3, and then the P 

and SV velocities change in opposing directions across the lower portion of the hydrate stability 

zone (Layers 4 and 5). 

Three estimates of the base of the gas hydrate stability zone (labeled BHSZ(90%), BHSZ(R), 

BHSZ(V)) are marked on each seismic profile (Figure 9). These horizons have the following 

meanings: 

a. BHSZ(90%): The depth of the base of the hydrate stability zone for a natural gas 

chemistry having 90.4 % methane, which was calculated by Milkov and Sassen 

(2001) for the gas hydrate system in nearby Block GC185. 

b. BHSZ(R): The depth of a decrease in formation resistivity that is “close to” the 

depth of horizon BHSZ(90%) and that appears to be a logical choice for the base of 

the gas hydrate stability zone when examining resistivity log data acquired in the 

calibration well. 

c. BHSZ(V): The depth of a decrease in VP velocity that is “close to” the depth of 

horizon BHSZ(90%) and that appears to be a logical choice for the onset of free-gas 

trapped below the base of stable gas hydrate, as defined by seismic VP interval 

velocities. 

It is important to note that the VP velocity profile at Well C (Figure 9) exhibits an increasing 

trend in magnitude through Layer 4 and then undergoes a velocity reversal in Layer 5. All of the 

resistivity data associated with the interpreted gas hydrate stability zone are confined to velocity 

Layer 5. The position of the BHSZ(R) horizon shown on the figure is “interpreted” as the 

resistivity break at a depth of 1430 ft below the seafloor. A tentative dilemma presented by this 

data-correlation exercise is that formation resistivity increases in Layer 5, indicating increased 

gas hydrate content in that layer; whereas, the P-wave velocity decreases, which indicates 

decreased (or absent) hydrate content. We thus have opposing interpretations: resistivity data 

imply gas hydrate is present in Layer 5, but velocity data indicate hydrate is absent. 

We conclude the increased formation resistivity in velocity Layer 5 is caused by free gas, not 

by gas hydrate. This interpretation of the resistivity log brings the resistivity data and velocity 

data at calibration well C into agreement because the decrease in VP velocity in Layer 5 is also 

21 
Figure 9. Integration of VP and VS velocity analysis at Well C with (top) P-P seismic data along OBC 

profile 264 (Genesis Field) and (bottom) P-SV seismic data. Horizon BHSZ(R) is the base of 

the hydrate stability zone interpreted from the resistivity log. Horizon BHSZ(V) is the 

adjusted position of the BHSZ based on velocity behavior. 

22 
consistent with the presence of free gas. From this logic, we readjust the base of gas hydrate 

stability at Well C upward to depth BHSZ(V), the base of velocity Layer 4 where the reversal in 

VP velocity begins. 

The integration of resistivity, velocity, and 4C seismic data at Well B is shown in Figure 10, 

using the information developed at Well C that resistivity-log behavior across velocity Layer 5 is 

caused by free gas, not by gas hydrate. Again, depth BHSZ(V), where there is a reversal in the 

magnitude of the VP interval velocity, appears to be the proper choice of the base of stable gas 

hydrate. 

23 
Figure 10. Integration of Vp and Vs velocity analysis at Well B with (a) P-P seismic data along OBC 

profile 264 (Genesis Field) and (b) P-SV seismic data. Horizon BHSZ(R) is the base of the 

hydrate stability zone interpreted from the resistivity log. Horizon BRSZ(V) is the adjusted 

position of BHSZ based on velocity behavior. 

24 
7. JOINT INVERSION OF RESISTIVITY AND VELOCITY: 

THEORY

 The relation between gas hydrate concentration and resistivity of strata containing hydrates 

is non-unique and uncertain. Similarly, any relationship between hydrate concentration and 

seismic propagation velocity in sediment containing gas hydrate is also uncertain and nonunique. Sources of these uncertainties are related to (a) data-measurement errors; (b) inability to 

define accurate mineral fractions that exist in the sediment that host hydrate; (c) poor 

understanding of whether hydrate is distributed among sediment grains as a disseminated 

material or as a layered material (either vertical or horizontal layering); (d) unexpected spatial 

variability of rock properties; and, (e) inadequate understanding of numerous other physical 

conditions and processes associated with hydrate systems. 

By combining different types of gas hydrate-dependent geophysical information, particularly 

velocity estimates and formation-resistivity measurements, predictions of gas hydrate 

concentration can be constrained, and the uncertainty of predictions can be reduced (Figure 7). 

To take advantage of this principle, we developed a method for predicting gas hydrate 

concentration that is based on stochastic simulations and on two rock-physics theories: one 

theory relates hydrate concentration to formation resistivity (R), and the second relates seismic 

VP and VS velocities to hydrate concentration. The fundamental theory of the rock physics 

modeling that describes how seismic velocity relates to hydrate concentration is described in 

Appendix C. 

In applying our joint-inversion methodology, we account for the uncertainty of every 

parameter that enters into the calculation of hydrate concentration in our analytical models. 

These rock physics theories are described in a paper published in the AAPG Hedberg Conference 

on Natural Gas Hydrates (Sava and Hardage 2008). 

Our approach to predicting gas hydrate concentration is based on the concept that all of the 

parameters used in our rock physics elastic modeling and in our applications of the Archie 

Equation are uncertain. The language of probability theory enables us to quantify this 

uncertainty and to combine various types of information, such as velocity data and resistivity 

data, into a joint inversion for gas hydrate concentration. To implement a joint-inversion 

technique, each parameter in our rock-physics elastic modeling and in our formulation of the 

Archie Equation is expressed as a probability density function (PDF). The PDFs used in this 

joint inversion are either Gaussian distributions or uniform distributions. Gaussian distributions 

are used when the expected value for the model parameter is known (Figure 11). The mean of 

the Gaussian function is the expected value of the parameter; the standard deviation defines the 

uncertainty associated with this expected parameter value. Gaussian PDFs are used in numerous 

research fields to express measurement uncertainty in data. In our methodology, we use Gaussian 

PDFs to describe data provided by porosity logs, resistivity logs, gamma-ray logs, sonic and 

dipole-sonic logs, and seismic-based velocities. 

25 
Gas-hydrate concentration in pores: CGH (%)

P

r

o

b

a

b

i

l

i

t

y

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 0 

0.1 

0.2 

0.3 

0.4 

0.5 

0.6 

CGH from VP inversion 

CGH from R inversion 

CGH from joint inversion of VP and R 

Figure 11. Idealized posterior PDF of gas hydrate concentration at a random sub-seafloor depth 

location based on the inversion of seismic VP velocity (black curve), inversion of formation 

resistivity R (blue curve), and joint inversion of VP and R (red curve). Joint inversion 

constrains the hydrate estimate and reduces the uncertainty of the estimate. 

In contrast to a Gaussian distribution, a uniform distribution is used when the value of a 

parameter is not known but the range of variability for the parameter can be defined. A uniform 

distribution assumes that within the range of variability being considered, any value of the 

described parameter is equally probable. 

The type of PDF that we use for the parameters needed in our joint inversion are assigned as 

follows: 

a. Gaussian distribution: porosity (�); clay fraction (Vcl); bulk and shear moduli for 

quartz, clay, and brine (Kq, Kcl, Kw, Gq, Gcl); density of brine, quartz, and clay (�w, 

q, �cl); effective pressure (Peff); coordination number (C); cementation exponent 

(m); geometrical factor (a); and pore-fluid resistivity (Rw). 

b. Uniform distribution: hydrate concentration (cgh); bulk and shear moduli of hydrate 

(Kgh, Ggh); hydrate density (�gh); critical porosity (�c); saturation exponent (n); and 

resistivity of clay mineral (Rcl). 

Our probabilistic approach to estimating hydrate concentration is based on the concept that 

all parameters used in the inversion are described by PDFs that allow us to account for the 

natural variability in the elastic properties of the mineral, gas hydrate, and fluid constituents of 

seafloor sediments, as well as for the variability in brine resistivity, cementation exponent, clay 

mineral resistivity, and other petrophysical parameters required for a joint inversion of resistivity 

and seismic velocity to hydrate concentration. 

It is important to note that probability density functions for parameters (e.g., porosity, 

effective pressure, mineralogy, coordination number, cementation exponent, geometric factor, 

and resistivity of brine) that are needed in an inversion for gas hydrate concentration vary with 

depth. In our method, we update the PDFs for these parameters at each depth coordinate, with 

these updates based on depth variations of parameters observed from geotechnical borings at 

26 
Typhoon and Genesis Fields and on parameter behavior determined a priori (reasoning based on 

theoretical deduction, not on observation). 

At each depth coordinate we model the joint theoretical relations between hydrate 

concentration cgh (the model parameter we are calculating) and the resistivity R and seismic 

propagation velocity (both VP and VS) of sub-seafloor strata (representing the observed 

parameters). We refer to the parameters involved in our rock physics elastic modeling and in our 

Archie Equation (corrected for clay) as common parameters. There are three of these common 

parameters: porosity (�), gas hydrate concentration (cgh), and fraction volume of clay (Vcl). Clay 

fraction is estimated from local gamma-ray logs. We use a Monte Carlo procedure to draw 

values for common parameters � and Vcl from their associated PDFs and then compute the 

corresponding velocity and resistivity values using Monte Carlo draws from the PDFs for each of 

the model parameters that are required for calculating gas hydrate concentration. 

In this fashion we obtain many possible realizations of the functions relating hydrate 

concentration, resistivity, and seismic propagation velocity. This joint relation is non-unique, 

uncertain, and can be expressed mathematically as a probability density function in threedimensional (cgh, VP, R) data space (or in (cgh, VS, R) data space). This 3-D joint-theoretical 

PDF, which we will denote as �(cgh, VP, R), changes with depth and defines the correlation (and 

the inherent uncertainty) between gas hydrate concentration and the velocity and resistivity 

properties of gas hydrate-bearing sediments. We emphasize VP velocities rather than VS 

velocities in our inversion. 

To estimate gas hydrate concentration using seismic and resistivity data, we implement a 

Bayesian approach formulated in the context of an inverse problem, as proposed by Tarantola 

(1987). First, we express our prior information about hydrate concentration (information 

obtained before analyzing any seismic or resistivity data) as a PDF. We denote this prior PDF 

as �M(cgh), where subscript M stands for “model” parameter. In our study, this prior PDF is 

assumed to be a uniform distribution over all physically possible values for the hydrate porespace fraction, meaning we allow this uniform distribution to range from 0 to 100%. 

Second, we combine this prior PDF of hydrate concentration, �M(cgh), with information 

provided by seismic and resistivity measurements at calibration wells. Our prior information and 

any information obtained from seismic and resistivity data are assumed to be statistically 

independent. This assumption allows the prior joint PDF that combines gas hydrate 

concentration and data, �(cgh,VP,R), to be written as

 (3) �(cgh,VP,R) = �M(cgh). �D(VP). �D(R). 

In this equation, subscript D stands for data, and �D(VP) and �D(R) are Gaussian PDFs that 

account, respectively, for measurement uncertainties in the seismic P-wave data and resistivity 

log data we use in our gas hydrate inversion. Our assumption of statistical independence 

between seismic and resistivity measurements is logical because velocity and resistivity data are 

obtained at different calendar times and with different field procedures and equipment. 

Third, we use Tarantola’s (1987) strategy that states that the posterior PDF combining gas 

hydrate concentration and data, �(cgh,VP, R), is proportional to the prior joint PDF for hydrate 

concentration and data, �(cgh, VP, R), multiplied by the joint theoretical PDF, �(cgh, VP, R), 

which we derive using stochastic rock physics modeling. Therefore, we can write: 

27 
(4)) �(cgh,VP, R) = �(cgh, VP,R) . �(cgh, VP, R). 

From this posterior joint PDF, �(cgh,VP, R), we derive what is called the marginal 

distribution of hydrate concentration, �M(cgh), by integrating the posterior joint PDF over 

velocity and resistivity data space. This marginal distribution, �M(cgh), represents the posterior 

PDF for gas hydrate concentration in the pore space of the host sediment, and the mean of this 

distribution is the parameter that we display along our OBC profiles to represent the amount of 

in-place gas hydrate. 

At each calibration well, we apply this Bayesian inversion procedure to estimate the posterior 

PDF of gas hydrate concentration, using both local seismic velocity values and local resistivitylog data in the inversion. This estimation utilizes the theoretical joint PDF, �(cgh, VP, R), that 

we derive using rock-physics stochastic modeling. When we leave a calibration well and 

calculate hydrate concentration along an OBC profile, our hydrate estimate is expressed at each 

depth location along the OBC line as a posterior PDF that involves only VP velocities. We 

define the mean value of this posterior PDF as the expected value for gas hydrate concentration 

at each OBC line coordinate. In addition we produce a measure of the uncertainty associated 

with this estimate of gas hydrate concentration—the standard deviation of the posterior PDF. 

Example of Joint Inversion of Resistivity and Velocity 

The gas hydrate prediction concepts described in the preceding section were used to create 

joint-inversion estimates of hydrate concentration at selected calibration wells. The input data 

for these inversions were the resistivity log acquired in the calibration well and the seismic-based 

VP and VS interval velocities determined from raytrace modeling of OBC seismic data local to 

each well. We assumed that load-bearing gas hydrate was the correct gas hydrate-sediment 

morphology to use to describe relationships between gas hydrate concentration and seismic 

velocity. Our rock physics theory allows other gas hydrate-sediment morphologies to be 

considered when necessary. Using this load-bearing-gas hydrate assumption, the estimation of 

gas hydrate concentration at Well B, Genesis Field (see Figure 2 for well location), is illustrated 

on Figure 12. 

The function labeled NC on the data panels of this figure defines the effect of normal 

compaction on the rock property that is illustrated in each panel. This normal-compaction effect 

is calculated for a mixture of 95% clay and 5% quartz grains that is 100% brine saturation. The 

near-seafloor porosity dependence used in the normal-compaction calculation was extracted from 

lab measurements of water content of near-seafloor cores and submerged unit weight of nearseafloor samples as reported in seafloor geotechnical reports available at Typhoon and Genesis 

fields. The depth-dependent increase in VP and VS velocities caused by normal compaction was 

calculated using Walton’s theory (Walton 1987) and assuming: 

(a) the numerical values for elastic moduli K and G and for bulk density � assigned to 

clay, quartz, and brine are the values listed in Table 1; 

(b) the coordination number C needed in the Walton theory ranges from 1 at the 

seafloor to 13 at a sub-seafloor depth of 1,400 meters; and, 

(c) hydrostatic pore pressure equals the columnar weight of brine having the density � 

defined in Table 1. 

28 
Intervals above the BHSZ boundary where both velocity and resistivity have values greater 

than those associated with normal compaction are assumed to be zones of hydrate concentration. 

Using this normal-compaction behavior as one constraint for our joint inversion, the mean value 

of the probability distribution function (PDF) in Figure 12b indicates that hydrate occupies 

approximately 14% of the pore space in the local vicinity of Well B. The standard deviation of 

the PDF indicates the uncertainty of this estimate is ±2.6 percentage points. 

Table 1. 

Parameters Used in Rock Physics Modeling 

Constituent Bulk Modulus Shear Modulus Density 

quartz 37 GPa 44 GPa 2650 kg/m3 

clay 25 GPa 9 GPa 2550 kg/m3 

brine 2.29 GPa 0 GPa 1005 kg/m3 

gas hydrate 7.14 GPa 2.4 GPa 910 kg/m3 

29 
Figure 12. (Top) Seismic-based VP and VS interval velocities, resistivity log, and their respective 

estimates of hydrate concentration at Well B, Genesis Field. The BHSZ boundary is defined 

as the top of the layer where VP velocity exhibits a reversal in magnitude. The increase in 

resistivity below the BHSZ boundary is caused by free gas. (Bottom) Joint inversion of 

resistivity and VP velocity indicates hydrate occupies 14.4% of the pore space (mean value of 

the PDF). The estimation error is ±2.6 percentage points (standard deviation of the PDF). 

30 
8. 2-D PROFILES OF VELOCITY LAYERING 

After performing joint inversions such as those illustrated on Figure 12 at several calibration 

wells, we determined an optimal function that could be used to relate hydrate concentration to 

seismic-based VP velocity at OBC line coordinates between calibration wells. The input data for 

this velocity-based gas hydrate estimation were 2-D profiles of VP layer velocities determined by 

raytrace analysis of common-receiver gathers (see Figure 8). These raytrace analyses were done 

at intervals of 10 receiver stations (250 m) along each OBC profile. Examples of the type of 2-D 

velocity layer models that we created along each OBC profile are exhibited on Figures 13 and 

14. Note on Figure 13 (top) that a possible BHSZ horizon is marked along the northern half of 

the OBC profile. 

2-D Profiles of Hydrate Concentration 

Relationships between VP velocity and hydrate concentration developed at calibration wells 

were applied to the VP velocity layer models constructed along each OBC profile. The inversion 

results for the velocity layering along profile 549 are displayed on Figures 13 and 14. 

Because the normal compaction curve NC has a dynamic depth variation across Velocity 

Layer 1 immediately below the seafloor (Figure 12) and no log data were available across this 

shallowest layer to confirm the effect of compaction on velocity, we assigned a constant, nearzero gas hydrate concentration to Layer 1 and focused our hydrate estimation on velocity Layer 2 

and deeper layers that extended down to the BHSZ horizon. Our velocity analyses did not 

indicate a velocity magnitude in Layer 1 anywhere across the OBC profile grid that implied gas 

hydrate was present in this shallowest layer. 

Calculated hydrate concentrations exhibit considerable lateral spatial variation within each 

velocity layer and even greater vertical variability from layer to layer. The maximum gas 

hydrate concentration found along these two particular OBC profiles were local areas where gas 

hydrate occupied a little more than 30% of the pore space of the host sediment. 

We found that hydrate is pervasive across the Green Canyon areas we studied at 

concentrations that ranged up to one-third of the available pore space of the host sediment. In 

most areas, the hydrate fraction was in the range of 10 to 20% of the available pore space. We 

determined that a free-gas layer immediately underlies the base of the gas hydrate stability zone 

across the entirety of our study area. This free-gas zone is revealed by a reduction in VP velocity 

determined by our high-resolution raytrace modeling technique. The amount of free gas in this 

zone was not estimated, but we expect the layer has a gas saturation of only a few percentage 

points. Domenico (1976) has demonstrated that a small amount of free gas can produce a 

significant reduction in VP velocity. This free-gas zone is not easily distinguished from a 

hydrate-bearing zone when examining resistivity logs available across the area. We found that 

the observed increase in log resistivity related to free gas can be confused with a resistivity 

increase caused by gas hydrate. Thus, interpreting the thickness of the gas hydrate stability zone 

from resistivity logs alone can add to an overestimation of the thickness of stable gas hydrate and 

of the amount of gas hydrate that is present. 

31 
Figure 13. (Top) P-P image along OBC profile 549, Genesis area (Figure 2b). The dashed horizon 

marks a possible BSR position. (Center) VP velocity layering. (Bottom) Estimated hydrate 

concentration. Along each OBC profile, the BHSZ boundary was defined as the shallower of 

either (1) the depth of the onset of a reversal in VP magnitude (such as documented on 

Figures 9 and 10), or (2) the depth of the thermal-based constraint for 90% methane hydrate 

published by Milkov and Sassen (2001). If we noticed any indication of a BSR boundary, 

such as that noted on Figure 13a, we used that evidence to define the base of the hydrate 

stability zone. 

32 
Figure 14. (Top) P-SV image along OBC profile 549, Genesis area (Figure 2b). (Center) VS velocity 

layering. (Bottom) Estimated hydrate concentration. 

33 
9. MAPPING THE AMOUNT OF IN SITU HYDRATE 

To determine the amount of in situ hydrate existing within the interval extending from the 

seafloor to the BHSZ boundary, we multiplied our seismic-based hydrate concentrations 

(expressed as the fraction of occupied pore space) by each layer thickness and layer porosity and 

summed these products to create an estimate of total in-place hydrate. The methodology is 

illustrated on Figure 15. The sub-seafloor strata along each OBC profile were segregated into 

narrow strips having dimensions of 250 m in the inline direction and 1 m in the crossline 

direction. The inline dimension of 250 m was the distance between adjacent velocity analysis 

points where we determined the thickness and interval velocity of each interpreted sub-seafloor 

Earth layer. Hydrate concentration within each layer of each 250 m2 strip was estimated using 

the inversion procedure illustrated on Figure 12. Layer velocities were the hydrate-sensitive 

parameter used along each OBC profile after values of inversion parameters were optimized by 

doing joint inversion of velocity and resistivity at local calibration wells. 

Figure 15. Model used to estimate the amount of in-place hydrate along each OBC profile. Velocity 

analyses were done at intervals of 250 m along each profile to define the thickness and 

interval velocity of sub-seafloor strata. After doing joint inversions of velocity and resistivity 

(Figure12) at calibration wells to optimize the parameters used in velocity inversion, interval 

velocities were used for the critical inversion to hydrate concentration along each profile as 

described in Sava and Hardage 2006 (Appendix C). 

The resulting maps of in-place hydrate across the study areas are shown as Figure 16 and 17. Our 

seismic-based quantification of in situ hydrate indicates the largest accumulation of hydrate 

exists in Green Canyon Block GC116 north of Genesis Field (Figure 17). At some locations 

across this trend, the amount of in-place hydrate is estimated to be as much as 2000 to 4000 m3 

beneath 1-m × 250-m rectangular strips centered on receiver stations where VP interval velocities 

were determined for estimating hydrate concentration. Other significant accumulations of 

hydrate are shown by the green to red colors that are shown at several locations across the OBC 

grid. 

35 
Figure 16. Amount of in situ hydrate across Study Site 1, Typhoon Field area. The values plotted on 

this map are the product: (hydrate concentration) × (layer porosity) × (layer thickness) × (250 

m). The 250-m factor is the distance between adjacent velocity analysis points where VP 

velocities are calculated. The color bar defines the amount of in-place hydrate (in units of 

cubic meters) below a 1-m × 250-m strip centered on the sequence of seafloor receiver 

stations where velocity analyses were done. 

Figure 17. Amount of in situ hydrate across Study Site 2, Genesis Field area. The values plotted on this 

map are the product: (hydrate concentration) × (layer porosity) × (layer thickness) × (250 m). 

The 250-m factor is the distance between adjacent velocity analysis points where VP 

velocities are calculated. The color bar defines the amount of in-place hydrate (in units of 

cubic meters) below a 1-m × 250-m strip centered on the sequence of seafloor receiver 

stations where velocity analyses were done. 

36 
10. COMPARING LOAD-BEARING AND FREE-FLOATING 

HYDRATE ASSUMPTIONS 

The hydrate distributions displayed as Figures 16 and 17 were estimated using the 

assumption that the hydrate granules embedded in the sediment bear a proportionate part of the 

sediment weight. This assumption leads to the “load-bearing” rock physics theory described as 

Model A in Appendix C. An alternate assumption that has merit is that unit volumes of hydrate 

float in the pore spaces of the host sediment and are not part of the load-bearing matrix. This 

assumption leads to the “free-floating” rock physics theory described as Model B in Appendix D. 

For a given value of VP within a near-seafloor layer, a free-floating assumption for the 

hydrate-sediment morphology results in greater hydrate saturation than does a load-bearing 

assumption. A comparison of the hydrate concentrations predicted by these two hydratemorphology models along OBC profile 557 is displayed as Figure 18. For the range of interval 

VP velocities that we found within the hydrate stability zone in the Green Canyon area, our freefloating-hydrate theory causes approximately five more percentage points to be added to the 

hydrate fraction than what is predicted by our load-bearing-hydrate theory. If our load-bearinghydrate calculation at location 1 yielded a hydrate fraction of 16% and a fraction of 22% at 

location 2, our free-floating-hydrate theory predicted approximately 21% and 27% respectively, 

at these same two locations. The almost-constant difference of approximately five percentage 

points of hydrate concentration that results when using these two hydrate-morphology 

assumptions is illustrated by the profiles displayed as Figure 18. 

Figure 18. Comparison of hydrate concentrations predicted along OBC profile 557 when hydrate is loadbearing (top) or free-floating (bottom). The same color bar is used in each display. For the 

range of sub-seafloor VP interval velocities determined along this profile, an assumption of 

free-floating hydrate (bottom) results in an almost uniform increase of approximately five 

percentage points in the hydrate fraction along the entire profile. 

37 
It should be emphasized that the difference of approximately five percentage points of 

hydrate fraction predicted by these two theories applies only when the VP interval velocity is in 

the range of 1550 m/s to 1800 m/s, as can be seen by comparing the suite of curves for Model A 

on Figure 2 of Appendix D with the corresponding suite of curves for Model B on Figure 3 in 

that same paper. For values of VP greater than 1800 m/s, a free-floating-hydrate morphology will 

result in an increase of more than five percentage points in the hydrate fraction, sometimes an 

increase as large as seven or eight percentage points. 

38 
11. WELL LOG DATA 

We did not acquire digital log data for this study. The only log data that we could locate that 

measured properties of the hydrate stability zone were gamma-ray, resistivity, conductivity, 

temperature, and rate-of-penetration data. We created a consistent petrophysical definition of the 

hydrate-bearing interval at each well by extracting only two log curves from each log suite: (1) 

the gamma-ray response and (2) a consistent depth-of-investigation resistivity curve, with this 

latter curve displayed by a linear scale ranging from 0 to 2 ohm-m. 

11.1. WELL LOG DATA: TYPHOON FIELD AREA (STUDY SITE 1) 

Green Canyon lease blocks surrounding Typhoon Field (Block GC237) are outlined on 

Figure 2. Unfortunately, many wells in the Typhoon Field area were drilled without the use of 

logging while drilling (LWD) technology, with the result that: 

a. The acquisition of log data often started at depths below the base of the hydrate 

stability zone, or 

b. The hydrate interval was not logged until several days after the interval was drilled 

and some hydrate had dissociated near the well, or 

c. The resistivity sonde sometimes exhibited unacceptably poor sensitivity across 

intervals of near-seafloor sediment. 

Superimposed on this map as lettered red triangles are the locations of five wells (A, B, C, D, E) 

where log data were acquired that could be used to estimate hydrate concentration. 

Well log cross sections along the profiles of Typhoon-area calibration wells B, C, A and 

wells B, D, E are displayed as Figures 19 and 20, respectively. Because these log data were 

acquired using LWD technology within a few minutes of the bit penetrating each logged depth, 

the data should define in situ resistivity before any significant hydrate dissociation has occurred. 

The base of the hydrate stability zone labeled (BHSZ(90%)) drawn on each profile was 

determined using the model that Milkov and Sassen (2001) developed for a natural gas having 

90.4% methane (Figure 21). This Milkov/Sassen model is based on the chemistry of gases found 

in nearby Block GC185 and on geothermal gradients local to our study area. Also noted on the 

log cross-sections is a second estimate, labeled BHSZ(R), of the depth of the BHSZ. The 

BHSZ(R) marks a decrease in formation resistivity that: (1) can be interpreted as the BHSZ, and 

(2) is “close to” the depth BHSZ(90%) predicted by the Milkov and Sassen model. 

 The Milkov/Sassen estimation of the sub-seafloor thickness of the hydrate stability zone is 

shown by the three solid-line curves on Figure 21. These curves show that the BHSZ boundary 

moves deeper as the amount of methane decreases in the local natural gases and is replaced by a 

greater percentage of higher molecular weight hydrocarbon gases (ethane, butane, propane). We 

have added a fourth dash-line curve to this Milkov/Sassen model to represent (approximately) a 

natural gas that has 85% methane, a gas chemistry suggested as appropriate for this area by 

scientists at the Minerals Management Service (private communication). 

39 
 On Figures 19 and 20, the upper boundary of the BHSZ labeled BHDZ represents the 

inferred base of the hydrate depletion zone. Above this horizon, hydrate is absent through 

chemical interactions with sulfates migrating down from the seawater (sulfate reduction zone) or 

by thermally induced dissociation caused by spin-off eddies from the warm Loop Current, or 

because of other biological, chemical, and physical processes. 

Zones on the resistivity logs that have resistivities greater than 1 ohm-m are shaded gray on 

the well log cross-section profiles to define intervals that possibly have increased hydrate 

concentration. Several intervals where the gamma-ray response implies an increase in grain size 

are shaded yellow on the gamma-ray curves and indicate quasi-reservoir-quality lithofacies. 

Blue-shaded layers define units where increased resistivity (shaded red) indicates a possible 

increase in hydrate concentration internal to these larger-grain facies. 

These blue/red zones could be candidates for hydrate production tests because they are not 

only a preferred reservoir facies but also represent a local increase in the concentration of 

hydrate. Important observations that can be made upon examining the well log data shown on 

Figures 19 for the Typhoon Field and associated areas are: 

a. The hydrate-bearing interval beneath the Typhoon Field area spans a depth interval 

of approximately 460 m (~1,500 ft). 

b. The resistivity relationships imply the hydrate concentration within the zone of 

hydrate stability ranges from about 20 to 40% of the available pore space. 

11.2. WELL LOG DATA: GENESIS FIELD AREA (STUDY SITE 2)

 Lease blocks around Genesis Field (Blocks GC205 and GC161) are outlined in Figure 2. 

The red triangles define wells where log data exist that are appropriate for determining hydrate 

concentration. There are more hydrate-calibration wells (13) in the vicinity of Genesis Field 

than near Typhoon Field (5) because more wells were drilled in the area of Genesis Field after 

the early 1990’s when LWD logging technology was widely used by GOM operators. 

These numerous calibration wells allow a variety of well-log cross-section profiles to be 

made across the Genesis Field area. We show west-to-east profiles traversing wells A, B, C as 

Figure 22, along wells D, E, F, G as Figure 23, and along wells H, I, L, J as Figure 24. The 

BHSZ(90%) horizons drawn on these profiles were defined in the same manner as was done at 

Typhoon Field using the Milkov and Sassen (2001) model defined in Figure 21. Depths 

BHSZ(R) again indicate decreases in formation resistivity that: (1) may indicate the base of 

stable hydrate, and (2) are “close to” the BHSZ(90%) prediction of the BHSZ boundary provided 

by the Milkov and Sassen (2001) model. In interpreting these resistivity profiles, we used the 

following guidelines: 

a. A resistivity value ≤1 ohm-m indicates a hydrate concentration of less than 20%. 

b. Resistivities greater than 1 ohm-m indicate hydrate concentrations in excess of 20%, 

with a resistivity of 2 ohm-m representing a hydrate concentration of almost 60%. 

c. Reduced gamma-ray readings indicate larger-grain sediment (shaded yellow), and 

within some of these larger-grain intervals are units (shaded blue/red) with relatively 

high hydrate concentration. 

40
Figure 19. Well log cross section across calibration wells B, C, A, Typhoon Field area. There is a low 

concentration of hydrate along this profile. Well locations defined on Figure 2. The 

BHSZ(90%) depth labeled below each log suite is the depth of the base of the hydrate stability 

zone associated with the 90.4% methane curve from Figure 21. At each well, the BHSZ(R) 

horizon is drawn at a resistivity anomaly that is “close to” the depth coordinate suggested by 

the 90.4% methane curve. Gray zones emphasize intervals where resistivity exceeds 1 ohmm. Yellow zones indicate possible larger-grain facies. Red identifies units that have both 

increased grain size and increased resistivity. 

41 
Figure 20. Well log cross section along the profile of calibration wells B, D, E, Typhoon Field area. Well 

locations defined in Figure 2. Hydrate concentration increases along the southeast part of this 

profile. At each well, the BHSZ(R) horizon is drawn at a resistivity anomaly that is “close to” 

the depth coordinate suggested by the 90.4% methane curve. Gray zones emphasize 

intervals where resistivity exceeds 1 ohm-m. Yellow zones indicate possible larger-grain 

facies. Red identifies units that have both increased grain size and increased resistivity 

42 
Figure 21. Thicknesses of hydrate stability zones for various water depths and gas chemistries. The 

three solid-line curves were developed by Milkov and Sassen (2001) and are based on gas 

chemistry from Block GC185 and on geothermal gradients local to our Green Canyon study 

area. The dash-line curve is our approximation of the behavior of the thickness of the 

stability zone for a natural gas that has 85% methane, a gas chemistry favored by some 

scientists at the Minerals Management Service. We added a detailed coordinate grid that 

covers the range of water depths encountered across our research area. 

43 
Figure 22. Well log cross section along the profile of calibration wells A, B, C, Genesis Field. There is a 

robust hydrate system along this profile. Well locations are defined on Figure 2. The 

BHSZ(90%) depth labeled below each log suite is the depth of the base of the hydrate stability 

zone associated with the 90.4% methane curve from Figure 21. At each well, the BHSZ(R) 

horizon is drawn at a resistivity change that is “close to” the depth coordinate suggested by the 

90.4% methane curve. Gray zones emphasize intervals where resistivity exceeds 1 ohm-m. 

Yellow zones indicate possible larger-grain facies. Red identifies units that have both 

increased grain size and increased resistivity. 

44 
Figure 23. Well log cross section along the profile of calibration wells D, E, F, G, Genesis Field. This 

profile shows that there is no hydrate at well D but identifies several hydrate intervals that 

enlarge to the east. Well locations are defined on Figure 2. At each well, the BHSZ(R) 

horizon is drawn at a resistivity change that is “close to” the depth coordinate suggested by 

the 90.4% methane curve. Gray zones emphasize intervals where resistivity exceeds 1 ohmm. Yellow zones indicate possible larger-grain facies. Red identifies units that have both 

increased grain size and increased resistivity. 

45 
Figure 24. Well log cross section along the profile of calibration wells H, I, L, J, Genesis Field. This profile 

traverses thick hydrate sections. Well locations are defined on Figure 2. At each well, the 

BHSZ(R) horizon is drawn at a resistivity change that is “close to” the depth coordinate 

suggested by the 90.4% methane curve. Gray zones emphasize intervals where resistivity 

exceeds 1 ohm-m. Yellow zones indicate possible larger-grain facies. Red identifies units that 

have both increased grain size and increased resistivity. 

46 
These log data imply that a more robust hydrate system exists in the vicinity of Genesis Field 

than what was found across the Typhoon area. Important observations that can be made by 

examining the well log data for the Genesis Field and associated areas are: 

1. The hydrate interval varies from a thickness of about 365 m (~1,200 ft) at wells A 

and B (Figure 22) to about 760 m (~2,500 ft) at well I (Figure 24). Well D (Figure 

23) is unusual in that the resistivity response indicates that no hydrate is present. 

2. Hydrate occupies 20 to 40% of the pore volume over most of the interval between 

the boundaries marked BSRZ and BHSZ. 

Numerous depositional units, some as thick as approximately 50 ft (~15 m), appear to have 

hydrate concentrations that exceed 0%. 

11.3. AVAILABLE DATA: GC240 (STUDY SITE 3) 

No well log data existed local to Study Site 3, GC 240 (Figure 2). Hydrate concentration had 

to be estimated across this third site from seismic interval velocities only. For this purpose, we 

determined interval velocities along the two OBC profiles (284 and 288) shown on Figure 2a that 

traversed Block GC240 from west to east. Our analyses of the P-P and P-SV data acquired along 

these two profiles are exhibited as Figures 25 and 26. Our velocity inversion procedure led to 

the conclusion that there was a small area of robust hydrate concentration in Block GC239 local 

to OBC profile 288; the bright red interval shown for this profile on the map display of Figure 

16. 

Figures 25a and 26a show the P-P and P-SV images side-by-side for ease of comparison, 

followed by illustrations of the interpreted depth-equivalent horizons in P-P image space and PSV image space, and the VP and VS interval velocities determined along the profile. Figures 25b 

and 26b repeat the first page with the exception that the VS velocity panel (lower right on the 

bottom row) is replaced with a display of the estimated hydrate concentration along the profile. 

The boundaries of blocks GC239 and GC240 are indicated on parts a and b of Figure 25 (OBC 

line 288) to aid in identifying the attributes of the seismic data across these two lease blocks. 

47 
Figure 25a. Critical information developed along profile 288, Study Site 3 (Block GC240). Top row shows 

uninterpreted P-P and P-SV images. Center row displays interpreted images showing depthequivalent horizons. Bottom presents VP layer velocities (left) and VS layer velocities (right). 

The boundaries of blocks GC239 and GC240 are marked on each data panel. 

48 
Figure 25b. Critical information developed along profile 288, Study Site 3 (Block GC240). Top row shows 

uninterpreted P-P and P-SV images. Center row displays interpreted images showing 

depth-equivalent horizons. Bottom presents VP layer velocities (left) and estimate of hydrate 

concentration expressed as “percent of pore space occupied by hydrate” (right). The 

boundaries of blocks GC239 and GC240 are marked on each data panel. 

49 
Figure 26a. Critical information developed along profile 284, Study Site 3 (Block GC240). Top row 

shows uninterpreted P-P and P-SV images. Center row displays interpreted images 

showing depth-equivalent horizons. Bottom presents VP layer velocities (left) and VS layer 

velocities (right). 

50 
Figure 26b. Critical information developed along profile 284, Study Site 3 (Block GC240). Top row shows 

uninterpreted P-P and P-SV images. Center row displays interpreted images showing depthequivalent horizons. Bottom presents VP layer velocities (left) and estimate of hydrate 

concentration expressed as “percent of pore space occupied by hydrate” (right). 

51 
12. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 

Assessment of gas hydrate within the shallow stratigraphic section of deep water areas has 

been a problem without having direct evidence provided by drilling and associated core samples. 

The use of four-component ocean-bottom-cable (4-C OBC) technology offers an alternative to 

standard surface-towed 3D-seismic technology for indirect and remotely sensed evaluation of the 

geologic configuration of the subsurface and for investigating the occurrence of gas hydrate that 

occurs in the shallow stratigraphic section. This technology involves a surface acoustic source 

(usually an air-gun) and long lines of ocean bottom sensors that are capable of recording threedimensional vector motion of the seafloor with 3-component geophones, as well as scalar 

pressure variations with hydrophones. The advantage of the 4-C OBC data-collection is that 

standard compressional wave data (P-P), as well as converted shear wave data (P-SV), can be 

acquired simultaneously as backscatter from subsurface reflection horizons. These data are 

acquired in approximately the 10-200 Hz frequency range. From a regional grid of data acquired 

by WesternGeco in the northern Gulf of Mexico, outer-shelf to upper slope depth range, this 

study was given access to 4-C OBC data associated with three sites within the Minerals 

Management Service’s (MMS) Green Canyon Lease Area: GC 204, GC 237, and GC 240. 

Direct observations from manned submersible dives confirm gas hydrate deposits as surface 

exposures at two of these sites, GC 204 and GC 237. Only the GC 240 site has no direct 

confirmation of gas hydrate at the modern seafloor. 

The overall objective of the MMS-sponsored research project described in this report was to 

investigate the use of 4-C OBC data from our three study sites for identifying properties within 

the shallow stratigraphic section that relate to the presence and amount of gas hydrate. One of 

the most significant contributions made by this research project was the development of 

methodologies of data reduction and analysis to meet this project objective. As an additional 

dataset, high resolution seismic profiles (chip sonar) were acquired along the 4-C OBC lines at 

each of the key sites. Collected by an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), the chirp data 

have a frequency of about 1-10 kHz. Comparisons were made of AUV data compressional wave 

data (P-P) and 4C-OBC converted shear wave data (P-SV) for resolution and imaging of shallow 

subsurface. Using data processing methodologies described in this report and in the scientific 

paper by Backus et al. (2006) of Appendix B, our research demonstrated that low frequency 

converted-shear (P-SV) representations of the subsurface using 4-C OBC seismic data provided 

spatial resolution of shallow stratigraphy equivalent to, and sometimes better than, the resolution 

achieved with high frequency chirp sonar data. 

The GC 204 site is adjacent to Chevron’s Genesis Field, and BHP-Billiton’s Typhoon Field 

is adjacent to our GC 237 site. Both of these fields had well logs available for use in our study. 

Well log data were extremely important to this study for calibrating acoustic properties of the 

subsurface to rock properties. Most well log data spanned at least part of the gas hydrate 

stability interval and were therefore important calibration data used to make estimations of gas 

hydrate concentrations, especially the resistivity log measurements. Only the GC 240 site did 

not have supporting well log data from an adjacent oil and/or gas field. 

A ray tracing method was used to adjust the thicknesses of equivalent stratigraphic intervals 

derived as separate P-P and P-SV images. Since representations of the subsurface are different 

53 
using P-P as compared to P-SV data, the ray tracing method was employed to adjust layer 

thickness and interval velocities (Vp and Vs) so that other datasets such as those from resistivity 

logs could be compared to converted shear wave data (P-SV) images of the subsurface. The 

interval from the seafloor to the base of the hydrate stability zone was analyzed at each of our 

three study sites. Using this methodology, velocity layers or stratigraphic units were defined as a 

function of depth below the seafloor. 

A key to interpreting the presence of gas hydrate and perhaps bubble-phase gas in 

stratigraphic intervals defined by velocity data was the integration of several primary datasets: 

(1) resistivity (well log data), (2) interval velocity, and (3) seismic images (P-P and P-SV). 

However, the relationships between gas hydrate occurrence/concentration with resistivity data, as 

well as the relationships between seismic propagation velocity and gas hydrate 

occurrence/concentration, were found to be non-unique. Spatial variations in host sediment 

properties and the nature of gas hydrate (e.g., small crystals in pore spaces to massive layers) 

within the hydrate stability zone accounted for much of the uncertainty in interpretations. By 

combining gas hydrate-dependent geophysical data (e.g., velocity estimates and formation 

resistivity measurements), predictions of gas hydrate concentrations were constrained. A rock 

physics model that related seismic velocity to gas hydrate concentration was used (methodology 

described in Appendix C). This model accounted for the uncertainty of all parameters used in 

the calculation of gas hydrate concentration. 

Estimates of gas hydrate were made for calibration wells using primary data from resistivity 

logs and seismic velocity estimates (Vp and Vs) for given stratigraphic intervals defined from the 

ray tracing method. Depth dependent increases in Vp and Vs were incorporated and used in the 

gas hydrate assessment employing normal sediment compaction theory. Stratigraphic intervals 

within the gas hydrate stability zone where both interval velocities and resistivity values were 

greater than those expected with normal compaction were interpreted as zones of hydrate 

concentration. Using a probability function described in this report, the amount of pore space 

occupied by gas hydrate was calculated. At intervals of 10 receiver stations (250 m) along each 

OBC profile, velocity layering and estimated gas hydrate concentrations were calculated. Our 

results indicate: (1) gas hydrate was pervasive throughout the sites we studied in the Green 

Canyon lease area; (2) concentrations of gas hydrate ranged from zero to one-third of available 

pore space, but values of 10-20% of the pore volume were typical of most areas; (3) free-gas was 

found immediately underlying the base of the gas hydrate stability zone (not easily determined 

from resistivity logs alone); and, (4) the estimation of gas hydrate stability zone thickness from 

resistivity logs alone produced an overestimation of gas hydrate zone thickness and amount 

present. 

Applying our analysis methodologies to 4-C OBC data calibrated to well log data in Typhoon 

Field area (lease blocks surrounding GC 237) the following conclusions can be drawn: 

1. Gas hydrate occurs in the shallow subsurface throughout the Typhoon Field area 

and it manifests itself at the seafloor in GC 237 where flux rates of gas and fluids 

toward the modern ocean bottom eliminate the sulfate reducing zone where gas 

hydrate does not form. 

2. Depth of the hydrate-bearing stratigraphic interval beneath the Typhoon Field is 

approximately 460 m. 

54 
3. Resistivity relationships indicate that gas hydrate concentrations within the 

approximately 460 m thick zone of hydrate stability range from approximately 20-

40 % of available pore space. 

Our results from analyzing 4-C OBC seismic data and well logs from the Genesis Field 

(lease blocks surrounding GC 204) lead to the following conclusions: 

1. Data suggest that the shallow subsurface associated with the Genesis Field supports 

more gas hydrate than the Typhoon Field area. 

2. The gas hydrate stability zone ranges in thickness across the Genesis Field area 

from approximately 365 m to 760 m. 

3. Within the variable zone of gas hydrate stability, we estimate that 20-40 % of the 

pore space is filled with gas hydrate. 

Because no well logs were available for our third study site, GC 240, gas hydrate 

concentrations were interpreted from seismic interval velocities only. The following conclusions 

can be stated: 

1. The gas hydrate stability zone is highly variable and ranges from less than 800 to 

nearly 1400 m. 

2. Compression of the hydrate stability zone is related to a prominent expulsion center 

in the study area where fluid/gases and heat are transported toward the modern 

seafloor. This process moves the base of the hydrate stability zone (BHSZ) 

stratigraphically upward. 

3. Estimates of gas hydrate in the pore space of host sediments based on velocity data 

alone range from approximately 12 to 30% of the pore space. 

55 
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APPENDIX A 

SEAFLOOR REFLECTIVITY—AN IMPORTANT SEISMIC 

PROPERTY FOR INTERPRETING FLUID/GAS EXPULSION 

GEOLOGY AND THE PRESENCE OF GAS HYDRATE 

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61 
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65 
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APPENDIX B 

HIGH-RESOLUTION MULTICOMPONENT SEISMIC IMAGING 

OF DEEPWATER GAS-HYDRATE SYSTEMS 

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72 
73 
74 
APPENDIX C 

ROCK PHYSICS CHARACTERIZATION 

OF HYDRATE-BEARING DEEPWATER SEDIMENTS 

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APPENDIX D 

EVALUATION OF DEEPWATER GAS-HYDRATE SYSTEMS 

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85 
86 
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APPENDIX E 

GAS HYDRATE IN THE GULF OF MEXICO: 

WHAT AND WHERE IS THE SEISMIC TARGET? 

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APPENDIX F 

GAS HYDRATE—A SOURCE OF SHALLOW WATER FLOW? 

97 
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100