Quantitative Simulation of Gas Hydrate Formation and Accumulation with 3D Petroleum System Modeling in the Shenhu Area, Northern South China Sea

Gas hydrates have been considered as a new energy that could replace conventional fossil resources in the future because of their high density, environmental friendliness, and enormous reserves. To further analyze potential distribution gas hydrate stability zones (GHSZ) formation system Shenhu area South China Sea (SCS), 3D petroleum simulation model (PSM) was built from seismic interpretations all available geological data. Based on thermal calibration model, evolution GHSZ, hydrocarbon generation migration, accumulation were simulated for first time area. Thermal shows methane source originated shallow biogenic deep thermogenic gas. Most areas are dominated by gas, while, only about 3% derived Enping Formation rock contributed to within few southeast. The migrated vertically into GHSZ through connecting faults, mud diapir, and/or chimney form hydrate. rocks Wenchang Formation, source, began enter main window at 28.4 Ma. generate oil 25 Ma 16 on. Since 5.3 Ma, most generated window, shallower parts east still which had lasted until now. Hanjiang, Yuehai, Wanshan formations different periods, respectively. Qionghai 0.3 Other results show developed mainly during Quaternary Neogene (Wanshan Formation) is thicker southern thinner northern part with positive correlation water depth. Starting 11.6 Hanjiang south gradually expanded north cover study Yuehai Formation. From 1.8 on, covered entire At same time, disappeared change temperature pressure. present, has disappeared, while two development. fundamentally controlled space-time coupling between expulsion GHSZ. verified drilling matching rate 84%. This successfully conducted PSM technology it provides important guidance other SCS.