Geophysical Character of the Mohican Channel Gas Hydrate, Nova Scotia, Eastern Canada

Abstract

Bottom simulating reflections (BSRs) attributed to gas hydrates occur worldwide and were first formally recognised on the eastern Canadian continental margin by Mosher et al. (2004). The objectives of this study are to 1) determine the extent of gas hydrate formation in the Mohican Channel area, 2) determine stratigraphic and structural features related to gas hydrate formation, 3) document the geophysical characteristics of the BSR and associated gas hydrate features, and 4) compare volume calculations from this location to regional and global gas hydrate volume estimates. To accomplish these objectives, a 3D seismic reflection volume and a suite of refraction experiments over and proximal to the Mohican Channel BSR were analysed. The study determined the presence of a distinct velocity signature in seismic velocity models, and fluid flow features, such as vertical faults and pipes, in the area. Gas hydrate is interpreted to occur over an area of 330.4 km2.