Methodology for wide-angle seismic modeling of marine gas hydrate deposits

Abstract

A wide angle seismic modeling methodology was developed for the purpose of studying marine gas hydrate deposits. The software for seismic modeling was selected on the basis of comparative analysis and testing of different computer programs. Five averaged prognostic two-dimensional models were developed. These models include the gas hydrate zone, the free gas zone, and the basement. The prognostic models suggested represent the structure of gas hydrate deposits for various regions of the World Ocean. Wave field calculations were made for various positions of ocean bottom seismometers with respect to the gas hydrate zone using the seismic tomography technique. Numerical experiments showed significant anomalies of the kinematical and dynamical characteristics of the refracted and wide-angle reflected waves. These anomalies are related to the gas hydrate and the free gas zones and to a possible channel of hydrocarbon supply.