A joint electromagnetic and seismic study of an active pockmark within the hydrate stability field at the Vestnesa Ridge, West Svalbard margin

作者:Goswami Bedanta K*; Weitemeyer Karen A; Minshull Timothy A; Sinha Martin C; Westbrook Graham K; Chabert Anne; Henstock Timothy J; Ker Stephan
来源:JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH, 2015, 120(10): 6797-6822.
DOI:10.1002/2015JB012344

摘要

We acquired coincident marine controlled source electromagnetic (CSEM), high-resolution seismic reflection and ocean-bottom seismometer (OBS) data over an active pockmark in the crest of the southern part of the Vestnesa Ridge, to estimate fluid composition within an underlying fluid-migration chimney. Synthetic model studies suggest resistivity obtained from CSEM data can resolve gas or hydrate saturation greater than 5% within the chimney. Acoustic chimneys imaged by seismic reflection data beneath the pockmark and on the ridge flanks were found to be associated with high-resistivity anomalies (+2-4m). High-velocity anomalies (+0.3km/s), within the gas-hydrate stability zone (GHSZ) and low-velocity anomalies (-0.2km/s) underlying the GHSZ, were also observed. Joint analysis of the resistivity and velocity anomaly indicates pore saturation of up to 52% hydrate with 28% free gas, or up to 73% hydrate with 4% free gas, within the chimney beneath the pockmark assuming a nonuniform and uniform fluid distribution, respectively. Similarly, we estimate up to 30% hydrate with 4% free gas or 30% hydrate with 2% free gas within the pore space of the GHSZ outside the central chimney assuming a nonuniform and uniform fluid distribution, respectively. High levels of free-gas saturation in the top part of the chimney are consistent with episodic gas venting from the pockmark.

  • 出版日期2015-10