SHALLOW GAS HYDRATES, A TYPE OF HYDRATE DEPOSITS MORE SUITABLE FOR PRODUCTION

Shallow gas hydrates occur as massive aggregates on the seafloor or in near-surface sediments, and are widely distributed on the continental slopes. They are characterized by high saturation and shallow occurrence,and therefore are considered more suitable for production. Shallow gas hydrates are closely associated with methane seeps, gas chimneys and hydrate mounds, and formed by high flux fluid migrated through faults in the tectonic settings. It is inferred that shallow gas hydrate deposits may occur in the SCS.