Abstract:

       As a  type of  new  energy resource, gas hydrate  is drawing more and more attention for   its cleanness and potential huge energy reserves, whilst the research on hydrate has been developed. However, scientists pay less attention on gas hydrate formation mechanism because relative data are poor. The gas hydrate formation mechanism of Shenhu area, which had been surveyed for nearly four years by Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, is discussed in this paper in the aspects of substance source, gas transporting conduit, conditions for formation etc. The results suggest that the huge source rocks formed in Paleocene period in Baiyun sag are the main substance source, and diapirs are the main conduit for fluid transportation upwards to form hydrates in the end, while the slip bodies developed broadly in Late Tertiary are the main spaces for gas hydrate accumulation. Finally, The conclusion is  drawn that Shenhu area is  a  better hydrate  prospecting area because of its  favorable conditions for gas hydrate  formation.

Key words: gas hydrate, diapir, Shenhu area, northern South China Sea