A re-evaluation of Beaufort Sea-Mackenzie Delta basin gas hydrate resource potential: petroleum system approaches to non-conventional gas resource appraisal and geologically-sourced methane flux

Abstract

Research Article| March 01, 2010 A re-evaluation of Beaufort Sea-Mackenzie Delta basin gas hydrate resource potential: petroleum system approaches to non-conventional gas resource appraisal and geologically-sourced methane flux Kirk G. Osadetz; Kirk G. Osadetz Geological Survey of Canada, 3303-33 Street NW, Calgary, AB T2L 2A7 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Zhuoheng Chen Zhuoheng Chen Geological Survey of Canada, 3303-33 Street NW, Calgary, AB T2L 2A7 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology (2010) 58 (1): 56–71. https://doi.org/10.2113/gscpgbull.58.1.56 Article history accepted: 04 May 2010 first online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Kirk G. Osadetz, Zhuoheng Chen; A re-evaluation of Beaufort Sea-Mackenzie Delta basin gas hydrate resource potential: petroleum system approaches to non-conventional gas resource appraisal and geologically-sourced methane flux. Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology 2010;; 58 (1): 56–71. doi: https://doi.org/10.2113/gscpgbull.58.1.56 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyBulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology Search Advanced Search Abstract Arctic gas hydrates (GH) sequester large volumes of natural gases. New Beaufort Sea-Mackenzie Delta Basin (BMB) permafrost and geothermal gradient maps motivate the revision of the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ) and re-evaluation of BMB GH resources using two independent, petroleum system-based resource models. The first model is both deterministic and spatial, and it is based on the quantitative analysis of both GH occurrences and reservoir characteristics. In addition, a spatial density of structural elements parameter that is well correlated to GH occurrences is used as a proxy for petroleum migration into the GH stability zone for the purpose of guiding the interpolation of GH occurrences between wells. The second GH resource model is probabilistic. Like the deterministic resource model, it permits regional resource characterization as a function of reservoir parameters that are potential proxies for technological and economic supply requirements. The total resource potential mapped deterministically is 8.82 × 1012 m3 raw initial natural gas in place (GIP). Geographic resource variations are illustrated by GHs maps exceeding specified characteristics as illustrated by GH saturation (Sgh), which is a potential proxy for reservoir energy. If the average Sgh is either >30% or >50%, then the inferred GH resource volumes are 6.40 × 1012 m3 and 4.59 × 1012 m3 GIP, respectively. The probabilistic GH resource appraisal predicts an expected total resource = 10.23 × 1012 m3 GIP. Similarly, if the average Sgh is either >30% or >50%, then the respective GH resource volumes inferred probabilistically are expected to be 6.93 × 1012 m3 and 4.20 × 1012 m3 GIP, respectively, which is comparable to the deterministically mapped estimates. Methane sequestered in GHs constrains regional, long-term, geologically-sourced methane flux rates. The BMB long-term regional methane flux sequestered in GHs is certainly <4.20 mg/m2/d and more likely not >0.12 mg/m2/d, whereas a single active thermogenic natural gas seep has a discharge of approximately 3.9 × 103 mg/m2/d. Although additional study is required before the atmospheric contribution from BMB geologically-sourced methane can be assessed, it is clear that:much more thermogenic methane migrates into the GHSZ, or higher, than is trapped in the conventional resource;the current atmospheric natural gas flux at point seeps can exceed greatly the long-term regional flux sequestered in the GHSZ, and;the GHSZ is an imperfect trap. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.