Predicting the Presence of Natural Gas Hydrates Potential in the Maritime Regions of Pakistan by Correlating Experimental Study and Pre Available Seismic Surveys

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper provides a feasibility model of using satellite imaging technology to indicate hydrate presence and evaluate gas hydrate saturation trapped in the premises of Pakistan. The study compiles an effort to justify the potential of gas hydrates in Pakistan and their effective extraction. Satellite images of the Arabian Sea are correlated with previously available Bottom Simulating Reflectors (BSRs) to predict the presence of hydrates and potential energy trapped in them. Additionally, the innovative and optimistic hydrate-detection technique of thermal imaging is merged to add the methodological value. The thermal gradient helps to understand the thermodynamic behavior of subsea natural gas hydrates in particular area. Unfortunately, gas production from hydrates is still commercially unaccepted because very limited ventures have been launched in this domain. But no doubt, all those limited projects have shown very promising results. In case of Pakistan, the prolific expedition to hunt for hydrates was made in 1998 with Pak-Germany collaboration. The expedition revealed that the gas hydrates buried under Makran Coast in the Arabian Sea are around 29% saturated with methane gas; 7.5% free gas also exists with hydrates. Further, the BSRs in the Arabian Sea are traced at the depth of 500 to 800 m below the seafloor. On the other hand, demand for natural gas rises by 60 to 75 MMCFD every year in Pakistan; therefore, the development of natural gas hydrates can be a prudent solution to meet the future energy demand of whole country. The novelty of this paper is the incorporation of satellite imaging technology to prove natural gas hydrate potential in the maritime vicinity of Pakistan.