Applications of seismic techniques to gas hydrates prediction

Based on the sensitivity of geophysical response to gas hydrates contained in sediments, we studied the prediction of gas hydrates with seismic techniques, including seismic attributes analysis, AVO, inverted velocity field construction for dipping formations, and pseudo-well constrained impedance inversion. We used an optimal integration of geophysical techniques results in a set of reliable and effective workflows to predict gas hydrates. The results show that the integrated analysis of the combination of reflectivity amplitude, instantaneous phase, interval velocity, relative impedance, absolute impedance, and AVO intercept is a valid combination of techniques for identifying the BSR (Bottom Simulated Reflector) from the lower boundary of the gas hydrates. Integration of seismic sections, relative and absolute impedance sections, and interval velocity sections can improve the validity of gas hydrates determination. The combination of instantaneous frequency energy half attenuation time, interval velocity, AVO intercept, AVO product, and AVO fluid, factor accurately locates the escaped gas beneath the BSR. With these conclusions, the combined techniques have been used to successfully predict the gas hydrates in the Dongsha Sea area.