Japan Discovers a "Fantastic Super Large Oil and Gas Field"?
On February 6, Japanese media reported that there is a mysterious rock in the scenic area of Goshima Coast in northern Ibaraki Prefecture. In 2020, a research team from Hokkaido University and Ibaraki University discovered traces of a large oil and gas field deep underground beneath this rock.
This discovery is based on the fact that the "layered carbonate concretions" widely distributed in Goshima Coast were formed by previously massive natural gas eruptions. Carbonate concrete is a rock mass formed by the solidification of calcium carbonate. The carbonate bodies in Goshima Coast contain at least 6 million cubic meters of carbonate, making it one of the largest carbonate reserves in the world.
The research team analyzed the carbon isotope composition in the carbonate and the trace gas components remaining inside. The results showed that most of the carbon in the carbonate came from natural gas produced deep underground.
It was formed about 16.5 million years ago. This was a time of intense geological activity, when the Japanese archipelago separated from the Eurasian continent and stretched towards the Sea of Japan.
It is said that tectonic movements caused cracks in the underground oil and gas fields, allowing natural gas to erupt from the seafloor for tens of thousands of years. At this time, microorganisms that used methane as energy became active, and methane-derived carbon gradually formed carbonates, creating the layered structure we see today. The existing carbonate is equivalent to at least about 7.3 billion cubic meters of methane gas.
However, considering weathering and erosion, it is highly likely that there is a giant gas field with an exploitable reserve of up to 95 billion cubic meters.
Crude oil is also considered in the estimate. This important discovery indicates the presence of a new type of oil and gas field previously unknown in Japan.
This result quickly enhanced the potential of underground resources along the coast of Ibaraki Prefecture. In the surrounding sea areas of Japan, three-dimensional seismic survey ships are conducting comprehensive underground surveys, and Goshima Coast is viewed as one of the important research targets for the future.
Goshima Coast is a record of ancient geological activities hidden behind its beautiful scenery, providing important clues for thinking about the future of Japan's resource exploration.
By developing the huge offshore oil and gas fields that may exist in Goshima Coast in the future, can Japan摆脱 the identity of a "resource-poor country" and become a resource-rich country?
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1856382532146187/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author.