Reports: AC8
45015-AC8 Multi-Channel Seismic Analysis of Gas Hydrate and Related Geological Structure in Northwestern Gulf of Mexico
During FY2008, two students worked on the project and both made substantial progress in the interpretation of seismic data. Idris Murad, a graduate student in the Department of Geology and Geophysics, studied seismic data in the Garden Banks and Keathley Canyon leaseblock areas (south of Louisiana). Leslie Nemazi, a graduate student in the Department of Oceanography, examined data in the Alaminos Canyon and Port Isabel leaseblock areas (offshore of south Texas). Both students have followed a similar interpretation path, mapping the depth to the top of the salt layer that is ubiquitous in the region. Both have also mapped faults; although, unambiguous correlation of faults across multiple seismic lines has been hampered by significant changes in the faults over short length scales relative to the spacing of the lines (~ 3 km). In addition, both have charted the locations of apparent fluid escape features, whose complete mapping is hampered by the fact that they are typically smaller than the track line spacing. Despite these difficulties, it is possible to look at regional differences in both faulting and fluid escape features.
Murad defended his M.S. thesis during the fall of CY 2008 and departed for his home country of Turkey in January 2009. Communications with him have been minimal since then (this is not unexpected as he was returning to do his required military service). At this time it is unclear whether he will be able to publish his study results or whether the PI will need to take on this duty.
The other student, Leslie Nemazi, has made excellent progress on her study and at the time of this report, she is writing her M.S. thesis. Nemazi has mapped the to of salt through her study area, has characterized faults, and has searched for evidence of gas and bottom simulating reflectors (BSR). She finds evidence of widespread gas but BSR are few and discontinuous. Nemazi’s goal is to write her thesis into a manuscript to be submitted for publication.
An extension was requested for the grant to allow Nemazi to finish her M.S. studies and writing and submit her study for publication.
