There is large area of BSR (Bottom Simulated reflector), which is considered as an index of methane hydrate, can be detected in offshore Japan. According to a certain trial calculation the amount of methane resource can be 250tcf. As a part of National Methane Hydrate Exploration Program, Japan National Oil Corporation (JNOC) has been generating an appraisal project for offshore methane hydrate. This project consists from 2D, 3D seismic and series of exploratory test wells. 2D(2800km) and 3D (1960km2) seismic were acquired in 2001 and 2002. BSR would provide area of existence, and anomaly of interval velocity would provide data concerning to net pay and saturation of hydrate. Exploratory test wells those will be drilled in early 2004 provide controls for the seismic to evaluate resource amount. Site selection for future production test well is also the aim of this project. This paper would introduce outlines of the project.
The Geology of Gas Reservoirs: Conventional and Unconventional