Gas hydrates off Canada's western cost studied

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In summary, the Ocean-drilling expedition off Canada's western coast, known as IODP Expedition 311, produced data on frozen gas hydrates that are largely composed of natural gas. These gas hydrate deposits were found at relatively shallow depths, contrary to established expectations, and were most concentrated in sand-rich layers of sediment. The scientists also found that sediment grain size is a key factor in gas hydrate formation. This information was gathered during a 43-day expedition in Fall 2005 using the U.S. research vessel, JOIDES Resolution. Further research is needed to better understand the formation and distribution of gas hydrates.
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http://iodp.tamu.edu/scienceops/expeditions/exp311.html
http://scitation.aip.org/getabs/servlet/GetabsServlet?prog=normal&id=GPYSA7000067000004001038000001&idtype=cvips&gifs=yes
http://www.iodp.org/news-releases/frozen-natural-gas-discovered
Ocean-drilling expedition off Canada's western coast produced data on various frozen gas hydrates is largely natural gas

Contrary to established expectations of how gas hydrate deposits form, IODP expedition co-chief Michael Riedel, of McGill University, Montreal, confirms, "We found anomalous occurrences of high concentrations of gas hydrate at relatively shallow depths, 50-120 meters below the seafloor."

The science party used the drilling facility and laboratories of the U.S. research vessel, JOIDES Resolution, on a 43-day expedition in Fall 2005 during which they retrieved core samples from a geological area known as the (northern) Cascadia Margin. Gas hydrate deposits are typically found below the seafloor in offshore locations where water depths exceed 500 meters, and in Arctic permafrost regions. Gas hydrate remains stable only under low temperature and relatively high pressure.

IODP co-chief scientist Timothy S. Collett of the U.S. Geological Survey states, "After repeatedly recovering high concentrations of gas hydrate in sand-rich layers of sediment, we're reporting strong support for sediment grain size as a controlling factor in gas hydrate formation." Prior to drilling, the scientists anticipated that gas hydrate would be more concentrated at deeper levels below the seafloor and more evenly distributed among the various grain sizes comprising the sediments.
 
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None of the pictures in the report were that pretty. Just the stuff covered in weird-looking sand. Huge grains, black-ish.
 

FAQ: Gas hydrates off Canada's western cost studied

1. What are gas hydrates?

Gas hydrates are solid, ice-like compounds made up of natural gas molecules and water molecules. They form under specific conditions of low temperature and high pressure, typically found in deep sea environments.

2. Why is it important to study gas hydrates off Canada's western coast?

The western coast of Canada is known to have significant deposits of gas hydrates. Understanding their formation, distribution, and potential impacts on the environment is crucial for sustainable resource management and safe offshore energy exploration.

3. How are gas hydrates off Canada's western coast being studied?

Scientists use various methods, including seismic surveys, drilling, and remote sensing techniques, to study gas hydrates. These methods allow them to gather data on the location, size, and composition of gas hydrate deposits.

4. What potential applications do gas hydrates have?

Gas hydrates have the potential to be a significant source of natural gas, which can be used as a clean-burning fuel. They also have potential applications in carbon capture and storage, as well as in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

5. What are the environmental concerns surrounding gas hydrates?

One of the main concerns is the potential for gas hydrates to release large amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. There are also concerns about the stability of gas hydrate deposits and the potential for submarine landslides or seafloor instability due to the dissociation of gas hydrates.

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