Earth Science Frontiers ›› 2025, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (2): 140-152.DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2024.11.20

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Sedimentary time and genesis mechanism of natural gas hydrate reservoirs in the Qiongdongnan Basin

LIANG Chen1(), JIANG Tao1,*(), KUANG Zenggui2, HU Yipan1, YANG Chengzhi2, REN Jinfeng2, LAI Hongfei2   

  1. 1. Hubei Key Laboratory of Marine Geological Resources, China University of Geoscience(Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China
    2. Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, China Geological Survey, Guangzhou 510075, China
  • Received:2024-05-16 Revised:2024-11-20 Online:2025-03-25 Published:2025-03-25

Abstract:

Recent drilling in the Qiongdongnan Basin, located in the northern South China Sea, has uncovered gas hydrate deposits. Understanding the timing of gas hydrate formation is crucial for deciphering the processes of hydrate accumulation and distribution. This study, for the first time, determines the deposition age of gas hydrate reservoirs by analyzing the sediment chronology of hydrate drilling cores. The lower limit of hydrate formation age is established by combining these findings with the distribution of hydrate intervals. Subsequently, the deposition rate and its influencing factors are analyzed, providing robust geological insights for gas hydrate exploration in the northern South China Sea. The results indicate that gas hydrate formation in this region occurred between 65 and 90 ka. The deposition rate of gas hydrate reservoirs is influenced by sea-level fluctuations during glacial and interglacial periods. During interglacial periods, rising sea levels reduced terrigenous clastic input, leading to a decrease in sedimentation rates. Conversely, the primary formation period of gas hydrate reservoirs in the Qiongdongnan Basin coincided with sea-level drops, increased terrigenous material input, and accelerated sedimentation rates.

Key words: OSL dating, gas hydrate reservoir, deposition rate, sea level changes

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