Variations in BSR depth due to gas hydrate stability versus pore pressure

In the last years, the interest of the scientific community about gas hydrates has increased from many points of view. In addition, the oil companies are strongly interested about the gas hydrate hazard for human offshore manufactures. In this context, it is very important to improve the knowledge about the relationship between hydrate stability and overpressure condition below the bottom simulating reflector (BSR). Theoretical studies suggest that the base of the hydrate stability is affected by overpressure condition, water depth and geothermal gradient. The results of this study can be used to re-interpret the considerations of previous studies about the disagreement between the theoretical and seismic BSR depth. Finally, an accurate analysis of the BSR nature and pore pressure condition is required to improve the reliability of the gas-phase estimation for gas hydrate and free gas exploitation.