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Oil & Natural Gas Supply

METHANE HYDRATES

Research on methane hydrates has focused on discovering the potential of a vast energy resource unknown until the 1980s. Methane hydrates represent an untapped natural gas resource, which has been estimated to hold more than twice the global reserves of conventional oil, gas and coal deposits combined. Methane hydrate is found in crystal form in Arctic permafrost areas and deep continental margin deposits. The U. S. Department of Energy began a research and development plan in 2000, and has joined in offshore and arctic research with Canada and Japan. Methane hydrate compounds are crystalline solids containing methane molecules trapped in water molecules. Methane hydrates are stable in offshore sediments greater than 300 meters, and surface permafrost sediments several hundreds of meters thick. Early research concentrated on locating potential methane hydrate resources. The current research target is development of drilling and engineering technologies to efficiently extract methane hydrate and produce this valuable resource.

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Future Energy Potential of Gas Hydrates

In a report issued on May 14 by Environmental Protection, the research of a joint expedition by the USGS, BOEM and DOE in the Gulf of Mexico is described. Brenda Pierce, USGS Energy Resources Program Coordinator said, "This expedition represents a significant milestone. The data and imagery provide insight into the entire petroleum system at each location, including the source of gas, the migration pathways for the gas, the distribution of hydrate-bearing sediments, and the traps that hold the hydrate and free gas in place."

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