Abstract
The area around the Dongsha Island in the northeastern South China Sea was generally known for the occurrence of gas hydrate related features, like BSR, cold seep carbonates and chemoautotrophic bacteria. To precisely evaluate the potential of gas hydrate occurrence in the NE South China Sea, marine geology of the large Dongsha slope region is studied based on more geophysical and geological data including multiple-channel seismic and high resolution sub-bottom topographic images. The east Dongsha slope area represents the largest slumping zone in the northern slope of the South China Sea, and might exhibit the highest potential of gas hydrate occurrences. The central Dongsha slope area, with very thin Cenozoic sediments, was tectonically disturbed by the latest Cenozoic uplifting and magmatism events, therefore is unfavorable for gas hydrate occurrence. The west Dongsha slope area with the deepest Cenozoic depression and moderate to minor slumping bodies might be favorable for gas hydrate occurrence.
Highlights
Fast global economic development requires more energy supply worldwide
More and more gas hydrate occurrences have been found in the worldwide oceans and marginal seas in addition to polar continental areas
Sci., Vol 17, No 4, December 2006 logical reconnaissance cruises have been conducted over the northern continental slope of the South China Sea
Summary
Fast global economic development requires more energy supply worldwide. Gas hydrate could be one of the most significant energy sources in the near future. More and more gas hydrate occurrences have been found in the worldwide oceans and marginal seas in addition to polar continental areas. These factors become a major impetus to stimulate the exploration and development study of gas hydrate offshore China. Geophysical, geochemical and/or geological indicators, such as BSR, seep carbonates, etc., have been found or deduced to support the presence of gas hydrates at several portions/localities along the slope (Chen et al 2004, 2005; Chi et al 1998; Deng et al 2005; McDonnell et al 2000; Schnürle et al 1999; Shyu et al 1998; Song et al 2001; Wu et al 2003a; Wu et al 2005; Yao 1998), among which the Dongsha Slope and the SW Taiwan Waters are believed to be most prospectful in gas hydrate accumulation
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