Stochastic volume estimation and connectivity analysis at the Mallik gas hydrate field, Northwest Territories, Canada.

• Published in: The Leading Edge
• Main Authors: Dubreuil-Boisclair, Camille, Gloaguen, Erwan, Bellefleur, Gilles, Marcotte, Denis
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: acoustic impedance; gases; hydration; permafrost; seismic prospecting; Canada; Northwest Territories; Alaska
• Online Access: https://espace.inrs.ca/id/eprint/7287/; https://doi.org/10.1190/tle31091076.1

Gas hydrates located offshore and onshore beneath thick permafrost areas constitute one of the largest untapped natural gas resources. Yet, gas hydrate in place (GHIP) estimation at the scale of a field is not common in the scientific literature but is required to realistically assess the economical potential of specific accumulations. Progress in the last decade in Alaska and Canada has shown that gas hydrate accumulations beneath thick permafrost can be mapped at depth using conventional seismic attributes (Inks et al., 2009; Riedel et al. 2009). To evaluate the economic potential of gas hydrates in this environment, a test site at Mallik, Northwest Territories, Canada, was extensively surveyed (three-dimensional seismic, full set of logs in two wells, etc.) and a production test was realized in high gas-hydrate horizons. At Mallik, high P- and S-wave velocities, high acoustic impedances, and strong seismic amplitude reflections were all linked to sand-rich sediments with a high saturation of gas hydrates (Bellefleur et al. 2006; Riedel et al.). This relationship provides a strong basis for an integrated data characterization of this gas hydrate deposit.