The Scottish Oil Club

The Scottish Oil Club is a national forum for the presentation and discussion of views on the economic, industrial, technological and political aspects of petroleum and other energy resources.

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"Natural Methane Hydrates - Their Future Effect on The World"

David Long
Geophysics and Marine Geosciences
British Geological Survey

3rd March 2005
6:00 Arrival, Presentation Starts at 6:30
Note: 1/2 hour later than usual
Bookings Finalised by Friday 25th February
The British Geological Survey
Murchison House, West Mains Road, Edinburgh

• Link to Multi-map to BGS at King's Buildings Campus of University Edinburgh
• BSG's Site (King's Buildings Campus at University of Edinburgh

Click here for Adobe PDF version of the announcement (copy of the paper notification sent by postal mail).

Synopsis

The pressure and temperature conditions that cause hydrates to form in pipelines also occur naturally. These conditions are found in two main areas, in areas of permafrost and in deep water. Natural occurrences of hydrates have been found or inferred for most of the world's continental slopes and onshore in the Arctic where there is extensive permafrost. Hydrates are a potential resource because up to 164 cubic metres of methane is held in 1 cubic metre of methane hydrate. It has been claimed that globally hydrates contain twice as much carbon as all other fossil fuels combined.

Therefore methane hydrates an important aspect to bear in mind when considering a country's Exclusive Economic Zone.

However, they also pose a hazard to hydrocarbon operations in deepwater and they may be an important contributor to global climate change. Hazards include the de-stabilisation of existing hydrate due to warming induced by drilling or pumping of fluids, and the puncturing of a hydrate cap rock of a gas pocket below the zone where hydrate is stable. Also the hazards are due to drilling providing a conduit for deep gas to migrate to seabed through the hydrate stability zone forming hydrate around the riser or at the seabed interfering with the blow-out preventer. Because of their large volumes any release of methane (a greenhouse gas) from natural hydrates, by human activity or caused by climate change, may modify the atmosphere and cause further climate change. Also the destabilization of methane hydrates has been linked with many of the major submarine slides around the world.

Therefore even if they are not exploited as a resource, naturally occurring methane hydrates can impact on all of us.

Speaker

Following a degree in Geology from Leicester University and a degree in Engineering Geology and Geotechnics at Leeds, David Long  joined the British Geological Survey more than 25 years ago--initially as a member of the Engineering Geology group working onshore, but was soon involved in looking at geohazards offshore.  David has spent extensive time mapping the shallow geology of the North Sea and in the deeper water west of the UK, in addition to short periods overseas.  David has participated in many international cruises including the ODP drilling of the Amazon Fan.  David is member of the Offshore Site Investigation and Geotechnics committee of the Society of Underwater Technology holding several positions.

Arrangements

A programme of student dinner attendance is sponsored by Wood Mackenzie

Members and guests are invited to convene and register between 18:00 and 18.30 in the Conference Room for coffee/tea and biscuits. A pay bar is available. The presentation will commence at 18.30 and last for about 1 hour. 

During the evening (available from about 5:30 onwards) are BGS geological displays, samples, and other interesting memorabilia for viewing.

There will be an opportunity, both before and after the presentation, to view display boards describing oil related work of the British Geological Survey.

A Discussion Buffet Dinner (hot and cold buffet menu with vegetarian options) will follow the meeting commencing at about 20:15, cost £25.00 inclusive of wine and VAT.

Booking

Bookings finalised on Friday 25th February 2005.

Reply to: The Scottish Oil Club, 2 March Pines, Edinburgh EH4 3PF or by email to

All remittances by cheque or BACs transfer.  Please advise if you require an invoice.

BACS Bank of Scotland, 38 St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh EH2 2YR
Account Name: The Scottish Oil Club, Sort Code 80-41-21, Account Number: 00348827