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Coastal and Marine Geology Program
USGS Woods Hole Science Center
Open-File Report 96-272, Offshore Gas Hydrate Sample Database with an Overview and Preliminary Analysis
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3. Profile of Gas Hydrate Sample Data

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         3.1   Geographic Locations
         3.2    Water Depth and Subseabed Depth
         3.3    Physiographic Provinces and Tectonic Settings
         3.4    Habit or Mode of Occurrence
         3.5    Associated Sediment Textures
         3.6    Thickness of Hydrate Zones and Dimensions of Pure Hydrates
         3.7    Origin: Biogenic vs. Thermogenic

Figure 2. Worldwide distribution of confirmed or inferred offshore gas hydrate-bearing sediments.
Figure 2. Worldwide distribution of confirmed or inferred offshore gas hydrate-bearing sediments. Click for larger view.

3.1  Geographic Locations

Gas hydrates have been physically observed in samples of offshore sediment (including inland seas) worldwide, as shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 also shows sites in which the presence of gas hydrates is inferred from geophysical, geochemical, or well- logging data. To some extent the distribution pattern shown in Figure 2 reflects bias in selection of research areas and in sampling. Nonetheless, the predilection of hydrate- bearing sediment to be associated with outer continental margins is consistent with both the pressure and temperature constraints of hydrate formation (especially that of methane hydrate), and the notion that these areas favor generation of methane and other related gases because of their relatively thick sediments and ample supply of source material (organic debris).

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