Geotechnical Properties of Core Samples Recovered from Seabed Ground in East Nankai Trough

To produce methane gas from methane hydrate safely and without damaging the environment, we need to address many wide-ranging environmental issues. One is to assess seabed deformation during methane gas production. We are investigating if deformation of seabed ground occurs during the production of methane gas from methane hydrate. Geotechnical properties of seabed ground have significant effects on deformation behavior. Soil samples were recovered from the East Nankai Trough where there is expected to be a large amount of methane hydrate, based on the extensive distribution and high amplitude BSRs. This paper presents the geotechnical properties of samples based on the results of laboratory tests. Soil index tests, consolidation tests and triaxial compression tests were conducted to obtain the geotechnical parameters that are necessary for a deformation analysis of seabed ground in deep seas.