You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
Sedimentological and Geochemical Assessment of Gas Hydrate<br />
Potential in the East Sea, Korea: A Summary of Preliminary<br />
Results of a 2006 Cruise<br />
Y.I. Kwon, B.J. Ryu, B.K. Son, C.W. Jun, D. Sunwoo, H.J. Kim, H.Y. Lee,<br />
I.G. Hwang, J.H. Chun, J.H. Kim, J.H. Ko, J.H. Lee, J.H. Oh,<br />
K.O. Ahn, T.J. Jung, Y.J. Lee, and Y.J. Shin<br />
Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources,<br />
30, Gajeong-dong, Yusung-ku, Daejon 305-350, Korea<br />
ABSTRACT: During 2006, a <strong>gas</strong> <strong>hydrate</strong> research cruise was conducted in the<br />
East Sea (Sea of Japan). The main purpose of this cruise was to examine the<br />
geological and geochemical characteristics of <strong>gas</strong> <strong>hydrate</strong> related sediment and<br />
water samples in the Ulleung Basin. These studies resulted some of the most objectoriented<br />
data ever collected concerning f seabed evidence of <strong>gas</strong> <strong>hydrate</strong> in the<br />
Ulleung Basin. Sediment and water samples, with sensing data from a 3-D seismic<br />
survey area, were examined using multivariate techniques to analyze for the <strong>gas</strong><br />
<strong>hydrate</strong> criteria of geochemical anomaly, seabed image, sedimentary structure,<br />
paleontologic environment and mineralogic characteristics in the prospective zone<br />
of the study area. Seafloor photo data, acoustic data, water samples, and sediment<br />
samples were acquired and analyzed for isotopes, organic compounds, TOC, and<br />
elements from both the water and sediment samples. Using the seafloor<br />
photographic images and acoustic data, the shallow seabed characteristics were<br />
interpreted. These results can be used as a tool to evaluate the <strong>gas</strong> <strong>hydrate</strong> from the<br />
<strong>gas</strong> seepage area of the south-eastern part of the East Sea.<br />
CRUISE DESIGN AND ACTIVITIES<br />
Gas <strong>hydrate</strong> samples have been recovered from the surface of the sea-floor of back-arc basins<br />
(Kvenvolden, K.A. and Lorenson, T.D, 2001) distributed, however, only in a small area.<br />
Therefore in this investigation a new strategy was adopted to find <strong>gas</strong> <strong>hydrate</strong> samples on the<br />
sea floor of one such basin (Figure 1). This strategy applied some new equipment for objectoriented<br />
research. Methane data in sea water were collected with the METS methane sensor.<br />
The methane sensor operates from 0 m to 2,000 m water depths with a sensitivity of 50 nano<br />
mol/liter - 10 micro mol/liter. Sea floor images were captured by Ocean Imaging Systems,<br />
with 6,000 m depth rating. The SBE 19 plus SEACAT Profiler conductivity, temperature, and<br />
pressure recorder was used for measuring sea water characteristics.<br />
The first cruise of the year 2006 project was conducted during 3 days from 12 th to 16 th July<br />
for testing the new equipment. Ten scientists participated.<br />
New Energy Resources in the <strong>CCOP</strong> Region - Gas Hydrates and Coalbed Methane 27
Change language