DE-NT0005669

Goal
The overall goal of this project are to construct maps of apparent and residual heat flow through the western continental margin of India and to investigate the relationship of residual heat flow anomalies to fluid flow and gas hydrate distribution in the subsurface.

Performer
Oregon State University, College of Oceanic and Atmospheric Science, Corvallis, OR 97331

Map of the four regions sampled during NGHP Expedition 01

Background
Gas hydrate distribution in sediments depends on methane supply, which in turn depends on fluid flow. When drill data are available to calibrate seismic observations of the base of the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ), the seismic observations can be used to map variations in apparent heat flow, and anomalies in apparent heat flow that cannot be attributed to other factors, like variations in thermal conductivity or topography, can be interpreted to results from subsurface fluid flow.

This project will integrate Bottom Simulating Reflection (BSR) data, high-quality in situ temperature measurements, and chemical analysis data from core samples obtained during the spring 2006 India expedition to map heat flow on the continental margin and to relate the apparent heat flow to fluid flow, gas hydrate distribution and slope stability.

Potential Impacts
This project will contribute to our understanding of the impact of topography and stratigraphy on heat, and by proxy fluid, flow in continental margin sediments. The results will have broad applicability to understanding the factors that influence the distribution of gas hydrates and will thus contribute to the development of predictive models.

Accomplishments
This award began October 1, 2008 and on January 6, 2009 the principal investigator and graduate student, Peter Kannberg traveled to Morgantown, West Virginia to attend and present at the NETL project kick-off meeting. SEG-Y data has already been obtained for the India study areas (KG, Mahanadi, and Andaman Sea basins) and is being loaded to Kingdom Suite software for seismic interpretation and development of BSR maps.

Current Status
In the first year of this award, Oregon State University (OSU) will analyze seismic data from the three NGHP 01 study areas and develop digital travel-time maps for the seafloor and BSR reflections. Additionally, OSU will analyze available temperature data acquired and construct three maps of apparent heat flow, one map for each study region. During year 2 of the project, input models that include multiple geological layers with complex 3D geometries for the three study areas will be constructed. Modeling to test the effects of bathymetry, temperature, thermal conductivity, and permeability on heat and fluid flow will be done and the results used to predict heat flow and fluid flow on the seafloor. Models of fluid flow will be used to estimate how much methane-rich fluid has potentially passed through a given sediment package and for prediction of the distribution of gas hydrates in the study areas. Predicted values will be compared to observations from NGHP Expedition 01.

Project Start: October 1, 2008
Project End: September 30, 2010

Project Cost Information:
Phase 1, DOE Contribution: $71,162, Performer Contribution: $18,844
Phase 2, DOE Contribution: $78,442, Performer Contribution: $20,298
Planned Total Funding (if project continues through all project phases):
DOE Contribution: $149,604, Performer Contribution: $39,142

Contact Information:
NETL - Robert Vagnetti (Robert.Vagnetti@netl.doe.gov or 304-285-1334)
Oregon State University – Dr. Anne Trehu (trehu@coas.oregonstate.edu or 541-737-2655)

Additional Information

Kick-Off Presentation [PDF-1.92] - January, 2009

Technology Status Assessment [PDF-270KB] - November, 2008