International Conference on Gas Hydrates (ICGH) (6th : 2008)

THE MOHICAN CHANNEL GAS HYDRATE ZONE, SCOTIAN SLOPE: GEOPHYSICAL STRUCTURE Cullen, Janette; Mosher, David C.; Louden, Keith

Abstract

The Scotian margin of the east coast of Canada has a large theoretical gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ) yet review of extensive industry seismic data reveals a prominent BSR at only one location. 3D seismic reflection and long offset (9 km) pre-stack 2D multichannel seismic data were used to study the velocity structure and geophysical characteristics of the hydrate zone and surrounding regions. The Mohican Channel study area shows a unique double BSR at 300 to 450 m below the seafloor in the western section of the study area immediately adjacent to the Mohican Channel in a water depth range of 1500- 1930m. The topmost BSR (BSR 1) is the more extensive of the two covering an area of 150 km2 in the 3D volume and a calculated area of 280 km2 using 2D industry and single-channel seismic profiles outside of the study area. BSR 2 covers an area of ~50 km2 and occurs approximately 80m below BSR 1. A system of polygonal faults is prominent in the area and some faults appear as conduits for gas leakage into the GHSZ. Fluid escape features are common on the surface of BSR 1 but rare on the seafloor suggesting that fluid flux is at lower levels than in the past.

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