Research progress and prospect of relationship between double bottom simulating reflector and the accumulation of gas hydrates

The double bottom simulating reflector (DBSR), which is important for the accumulation mechanism, distribution and enrichment characteristics as well as drilling and exploitation site optimization of gas hydrates, has become a new international research hotspot. The research on the DBSR abroad mainly focuses on the recognition, formation mechanism and the relationship with the accumulation of gas hydrates; nevertheless, the mechanism of DBSR is still ambiguous. Especially, the unification of DBSR with hydrates and free gases for carrying out the study of the dynamic accumulation of gas hydrates remains at the exploratory stage. Evidence of DBSR has been found in the South China Sea, but the research on them has been very insufficient and seriously lagged. Therefore, it is an urgent need to carry out the study of the recognition and depiction, the formation mechanism and controlling factors, the developing and evolution of DBSR and their relations with the dynamic accumulation of gas hydrates, as well as the effect of DBSR on the exploration and exploitation of multiple-type gas hydrates. The investigation of the relationship between DBSR and the dynamic accumulation of gas hydrates and establishment of the dynamic evolution models of the gas hydrate-free gas system will provide important scientific basis for the intensive research on the genetic mechanism, distribution regularities and geological evolution of the DBSR and gas hydrates. The research on reservioring theories as well as exploration and development of gas hydrates can also promote and develop the research.