Abstract: Gas Hydrate Potential of the Russian Northeastern Part of Europe

KAKUNOV, N.B., B.M. ZIMAKOV, and A.V. PODMARKOV

An estimated 100 X 10⁹m³ (3.5 TCF) of gas is estimated to be present in hydrates in the Russian part of northeastern Europe, west of the Ural Mountains. Core data derived from about 50 wells drilled in the northern part of the Kosyu-Rogov Depression and the Korataika Depression, near the city of Virkuta, Komi Republic, have shown that below the permafrost there is a gas hydrate zone ranging in thickness from 150 to 400 m. The overlying permafrost zone is generally does not more than 300 m thick. The formation of these hydrates corresponds to the climatic and geologic conditions prevalent during Pleistocene to Recent time. Present-day temperatures in the gas hydrate zone are 1 to 2 degrees C. We have speculated that hydrocarbon-bearing fluids, sourced from Devonian through Permian rocks, migrated along faults and fractures and were subsequently trapped below the permafrost. We estimate that the size of the area containing gas hydrates is about 120,000 km². The gas potential in this large region is high; however, a great deal of additional drilling, sampling, and analyses are needed to better define the quality and quantity of the gas hydrates.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90942©1997 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Vienna, Austria