Research progress on natural gas hydrate accumulation in shallow marine layers

In the process of accelerating the global transition towards a low-carbon energy framework, natural gas hydrates, as a clean energy source with enormous energy potential, have become a core research area in the energy field. In the accelerated global move towards a low-carbon energy framework, natural gas hydrates, as a clean energy source with enormous energy potential, have become a core research area in the energy field. In particular, shallow marine natural gas hydrates have garnered significant interest due to their shallow depth, easy mining, sensitive to environmental conditions, and other attributes. In this study, we reviewed the latest research findings on the characteristics of shallow marine natural gas hydrate systems and examined the critical factors that influence their formation, including geological processes, gas sources, migration pathways, and reservoir properties. We also clarified the distribution characteristics of typical shallow natural gas hydrate deposits in the world and explored their critical roles of play in the oceanic carbon cycling and the shaping of deep-sea ecosystems. Furthermore, we discussed the promising prospects for the commercial development of shallow natural gas hydrates, and looked ahead the future research ideas and plans, to highlight this special potential energy resource and enhance the societal awareness and interest in the industrial exploitation of natural gas hydrates.