Gas Hydrates in Subarctic Region of Russia: Origin and Resources

Boris M. Valyaev¹ and E. V. Perlova^2
1Laboratory of Genesis of Hydrocarbon Fluids and Fields, Oil and Gas Rasearch Institute, Moscow, Russia.
²Scientific-Research Institute of natural Gases and Gas Technologies, Vniigaz, Russia.

Gas hydrates are widespread in the subsurface sediments in the subarctic regions of Russia. The territory of the northern part of West Siberia is expected to be the most perspective in the respect of gas hydrate resources. Gas hydrate accumulations are associated here with large and gigantic gas and gas condensate fields - Yamburg, Zapolyarnoe, Tazovskoe and others. The formation of large oil and gas accumulations is possible owing to the hydrocarbon migration from oil and gas collection areas. In this respect large gas hydrate accumulations are not an exception to this rule. The leading role of the lateral migration in the processes of the formation of large gas hydrate accumulations is impossible. Thus, the leading role in the formation of these accumulations belongs to the vertical migration. This conclusion is confirmed both by the results of the geophysical investigations and gas hydrate drilling in Alaska and in the north of Canada and by the geologic and isotope geochemical data. Geophysical and geological data in the northern part of West Siberia testifies to the fact that the origin of methane in the gas hydrate accumulations is primarily of deep origin as well. The conclusion about the biochemical origin of gas hydrate methane, according to the indirect isotopic data have received a satisfactory alternative interpretation. Taking into account the available data we estimated the methane recourses of gas hydrate accumulations for the territory under consideration as a whole as well as for some gigantic gas fields. The involvement of gas hydrate accumulations in the exploitation may become another factor in the future extension of gas output in the northern part of West Siberia. However, this involvement may become possible while carrying out special prospecting and experiments, including the investigations in a special testing area. This area may by selected in one of the gigantic fields - Yamburg, Zapolyarnoe, Tazovskoe or others. The results of the unique experiments, received in the gas hydrate fields of Alaska and Canada, can be used for planning and carrying out similar investigations in West Siberia.

AAPG Search and Discover Article #90096©2009 AAPG 3-P Arctic Conference and Exhibition, Moscow, Russia