The book is an up-to-date basic reference for natural gas hydrate (NGH) in the Arctic Ocean.
Geographical geological environmental energy new technology and regulatory matters are
discussed. The book should be of interest to general readers and scientists and students as
well as industry and government agencies concerned with energy and ocean management. NGH is a
solid crystalline material that compresses gas by about a factor of about 164 during
crystallization from natural gas (mainly methane) - rich pore waters over time. NGH displaces
water and may form large concentrations in sediment pore space. Its formation introduces
changes in the geotechnical character of host sediment that allows it to be distinguished by
seismic and electric exploration methods. The chemical reaction that forms NGH from gas and
water molecules is highly reversible which allows controlled conversion of the NGH to its
constituent gas and water. This can be achieved rapidly by one of a number of processes
including heating depressurization inhibitor injection dissolution and molecular
replacement. The produced gas has the potential to make NGH a valuable unconventional natural
gas resource and perhaps the largest on earth. Estimates for NGH distribution concentration
economic targets and volumes in the Arctic Ocean have been carried out by restricting the
economic target to deepwater turbidite sands which are also sediment hosts for more deeply
buried conventional hydrocarbon deposits. Resource base estimates are based on NGH petroleum
system analysis approach using industry-standard parameters along with analogs from three
relatively well known examples (Nankai-Japan Gulf of Mexico-United States and Arctic
permafrost hydrate). Drilling data has substantiated new geotechnical-level seismic analysis
techniques for estimating not just the presence of NGH but prospect volumes. In addition to a
volumetric estimate for NGH having economic potential a sedimentary depositional model is
proposed to aid exploration in the five different regions around the deep central Arctic Ocean
basin. Related topics are also discussed. Transport and logistics for NGH may also be
applicable for stranded conventional gas and oil deposits. Arising from a discussion of new
technology and methodologies that could be applied to developing NGH suggestions are made for
the lowering of exploration and capital expenses that could make NGH competitive on a produced
cost basis. The basis for the extraordinarily low environmental risk for exploration and
production of NGH is discussed especially with respect to the environmentally fragile Arctic
region. It is suggested that because of the low environmental risk special regulations could
be written that would provide a framework for very low cost and safe development.
