Theoretical Prediction of the Occurrence of Gas Hydrate Stability Zones: A Case Study of the Mohe Basin, Northeast China

Source rocks of the Mohe Basin, Northeast China are gas-prone and the organic matter has advanced to late oil-generation stages, producing condensate and natural gas. This provides suitable conditions for the Mohe Basin to become one of the most prolific terrestrial natural gas hydrate (NGH)-bearing areas in China. Knowing this, here we predict the depth and thickness of pure methane hydrate stability zones (HSZs) and gas hydrate stability zones (GHSZs) via simulating the hydrate-phase equilibrium and other formation P-T conditions. Furthermore, factors that have a major impact on the occurrence of HSZs are discussed. Results showed that the composition of gas (guest) molecules and the geothermal gradient are the two most controlling factors on HSZs. Moreover, it was found that a pure methane HSZ with a thickness of about 255 m can form in areas with a geothermal gradient of <1.5 degrees C/100 m, with top and bottom depth limits less than 493 m and greater than 748 m, respectively. In contrast, pure methane hydrates have difficulty forming, while hydrates from wet gas can form where there is a geothermal gradient of >1.6 degrees C/100 m. Furthermore, a wet gas HSZ with a thickness of at least 735 m can be expected when the geothermal gradient reaches 2.3 degrees C/100 m, with top and bottom depth limits at 115 and 850 m, respectively. Ultimately, a pure methane HSZ can still form in the abnormally high-pressured areas when the geothermal gradient is up to 2.0 degrees C/100 m. Overall, HSZs can occur due to the combined effect of formation temperature, pressure, and gas composition. Finally, based on the results from this study and drilling data, future successful hydrate drilling schemes can be implemented in the Mohe Basin and similar terrestrial areas.