Acoustic velocity and electrical resistance of hydrate bearing sediments

Characterization of natural gas hydrate bearing formations is important in the exploration and development of gas hydrate resources in subsea sediments. Solid hydrates can fill the voids of the matrix formed by sand grains and change their cementation condition, which may have a great impact on the electrical resistance and sound velocity of the sand matrix. In this study, experiments have been conducted to measure the ultrasonic velocity and electrical resistance in a large sandpack simulating the conditions of hydrate formation in subsea sediments. The effects of hydrate on the resistivity and ultrasonic velocity of hydrate bearing sand matrix have been revealed and modeled. The data can be used in well logging to determine hydrate saturation and other properties of hydrate bearing formations. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.