Gas hydrate system and resource potential of the continental margin of the Bellingshausen Sea to the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula

Based on the geological environment of the continental margin of the Bellinsgauzen Sea and the presence of natural gas hydrate proxies, such as BSR and the rapid accumulation of sediments from the upper reaches, it is inferred that the region has excellent conditions for natural gas hydrate accumulation. According to the drilling data and seismic profiles of the Leg 178 of the ODP Pacific Drilling Program, formation conditions of natural gas hydrates in the study area are analyzed according to sedimentation, gas source, heat flow field and key time of accumulation. The accumulation conditions of natural gas hydrates are predicted by the comprehensive anomaly map and the comprehensive accumulation system table of the study area. It is predicted that the gas hydrate accumulation area along the sea margin off the Antarctic Peninsula is mainly located on the continental rise of Drift 7, most probably in the stratigraphic units Ⅰ and Ⅱ, from Holocene to late Pliocene (0~2.1 Ma). Volumetric method is used to calculate the amount of natural gas hydrate resources, which are very large. The results may provide a good reference to the future investigation and research of natural gas hydrates in the Antarctic region.