Seismic evidence for an extensive gas-bearing layer at shallow depth, offshore from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska
Cold Regions Science and Technology
By: G. Boucher, E. Reimnitz, and E. Kempema
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Abstract
High-resolution seismic reflection data, recorded offshore from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, were processed digitally to determine the reflectivity structure of the uppermost layers of the seafloor. A prominent reflector, found at 27 m below the mud line (water depths 7-9 m), has a negative reflection coefficient greater than 0.5. The large acoustic impedance contrast, coupled with a report of gas encountered at a corresponding depth in a nearby drillhole, shows that the reflector is the upper boundary of a zone containing gas. The gas exists in sandy gravel capped by stiff, silty clay. Analysis of unprocessed conventional high-resolution records from the region indicates that the gas-bearing layer may extend over an area of at least 50 km2 at a depth of 20-35 m below the mud line. Similar-appearing reflectors (Reimnitz, 1972), previously unexplained, occur in patches over wide regions of the shelf where offshore oil development is beginning at a rapid pace. This suggests the exercise of caution with respect to possible hazards from shallow gas pockets.
Suggested Citation
Boucher, G., Reimnitz, E., Kempema, E., 1981, Seismic evidence for an extensive gas-bearing layer at shallow depth, offshore from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska: Cold Regions Science and Technology, v. 4, no. 1, p. 63-71, https://doi.org/10.1016/0165-232X(81)90031-8.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Seismic evidence for an extensive gas-bearing layer at shallow depth, offshore from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska |
| Series title | Cold Regions Science and Technology |
| DOI | 10.1016/0165-232X(81)90031-8 |
| Volume | 4 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Year Published | 1981 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Elsevier |
| Publisher location | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Contributing office(s) | Energy Resources Program |
| Description | 9 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Cold Regions Science and Technology |
| First page | 63 |
| Last page | 71 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Other Geospatial | Prudhoe Bay |