We interpret amplitude variation with offset (AVO) data from a bottom simulating reflector (BSR) offshore Florida by using rock‐physics‐based synthetic seismic models. A previously conducted velocity and AVO analysis of the in‐situ seismic data showed that the BSR separates hydrate‐bearing sediments from sediments containing free methane. The amplitude at the BSR are increasingly negative with increasing offset. This behavior was explained by P-wave velocity above the BSR being larger than that below the BSR, and S-wave velocity above the BSR being smaller than that below the BSR. We use these AVO and velocity results to infer the internal structure of the hydrated sediment. To do so, we examine two micromechanical models that correspond to the two extreme cases of hydrate deposition in the pore space: (1) the hydrate cements grain contacts and strongly reinforces the sediment, and (2) the hydrate is located away from grain contacts and does not affect the stiffness of the sediment frame. Only the second model can qualitatively reproduce the observed AVO response. Thus inferred internal structure of the hydrate‐bearing sediment means that (1) the sediment above the BSR is uncemented and, thereby, mechanically weak, and (2) its permeability is very low because the hydrate clogs large pore‐space conduits. The latter explains why free gas is trapped underneath the BSR. The seismic data also indicate the absence of strong reflections at the top of the hydrate layer. This fact suggests that the high concentration of hydrates in the sediment just above the BSR gradually decreases with decreasing depth. This effect is consistent with the fact that the low‐permeability hydrated sediments above the BSR prevent free methane from migrating upwards.
Marine seismic data and well‐log measurements at the Blake Ridge offshore South Carolina show that prominent seismic bottom‐simulating reflectors (BSRs) are caused by sediment layers with gas hydrate overlying sediments with free gas. We apply a theoretical rock‐physics model to 2-D Blake Ridge marine seismic data to determine gas‐hydrate and free‐gas saturation. High‐porosity marine sediment is modeled as a granular system where the elastic wave velocities are linked to porosity; effective pressure; mineralogy; elastic properties of the pore‐filling material; and water, gas, and gas‐hydrate saturation of the pore space. To apply this model to seismic data, we first obtain interval velocity using stacking velocity analysis. Next, all input parameters to the rock‐physics model, except porosity and water, gas, and gas hydrate saturation, are estimated from geologic information. To estimate porosity and saturation from interval velocity, we first assume that the entire sediment does not contain gas hydrate or free gas. Then we use the rock‐physics model to calculate porosity directly from the interval velocity. Such porosity profiles appear to have anomalies where gas hydrate and free gas are present (as compared to typical profiles expected and obtained in sediment without gas hydrate or gas). Porosity is underestimated in the hydrate region and is overestimated in the free‐gas region. We calculate the porosity residuals by subtracting a typical porosity profile (without gas hydrate and gas) from that with anomalies. Next we use the rock‐physics model to eliminate these anomalies by introducing gas‐hydrate or gas saturation. As a result, we obtain the desired 2-D saturation map. The maximum gas‐hydrate saturation thus obtained is between 13% and 18% of the pore space (depending on the version of the model used). These saturation values are consistent with those measured in the Blake Ridge wells (away from the seismic line), which are about 12%. Free‐gas saturation varies between 1% and 2%. The saturation estimates are extremely sensitive to the input velocity values. Therefore, accurate velocity determination is crucial for correct reservoir characterization.
Marine seismic data from the Blake Outer Ridge offshore Florida show strong "bottom simulating reflections" (BSR) associated with methane hydrate occurence in deep marine sediments. We use a detailed amplitude versus offset (AVO) analysis of these data to explore the validity of models which might explain the origin of the bottom simulating reflector. After careful preprocessing steps, we determine a BSR model which can successfully reproduce the observed AVO responses. The P-and S-velocity behavior predicted by the forward modeling is further investigated by estimating the P-and S-impedance contrasts at all subsurface positions. Our results indicate that the Blake Outer Ridge BSR is compatible with a model of methane hydrate in sediment, overlaying a layer of free methane gas-saturated sediment. The hydrate-bearing sediments seem to be characterized by a high P-wave velocity of approximately 2.5 km/s, an anomalously low S-wave velocity of approximately 0.5 km/s, and a thickness of around 190 meters. The underlaying gas-saturated sediments have a P-wave velocity of 1.6 km/s, an S-wave velocity of 1.1 km/s, and a thickness of approximately 250 meters.
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