Geological evolution and analysis of confirmed or suspected gas hydrate localities. Volume 2. Baltimore Canyon Trough and environs - US East Coast

This document is Volume 2 of a series of reports entitled ''Geological Evolution and Analysis of Confirmed or Suspected Gas Hydrate Localities.'' Volume 2 provides an analysis of the ''Baltimore Canyon Trough and Environs - US East Coast.'' The report presents a geological description of the Baltimore Canyon Trough region, including regional and local structural settings, geomorphology, geological history, stratigraphy, and physical properties. Included also is a discussion of bottom simulating acoustic reflectors, sediment acoustic properties, distribution of hydrates within the sediments, and the relation of hydrate distribution to other features such as salt diapirism. The formation and stabilization of gas hydrates in sediments are discussed in terms of phase relations, nucleation, and crystallization constraints, gas solubility, pore fluid chemistry, inorganic diagenesis, and sediment organic content. A depositional analysis of the area is discussed in order to better understand the thermal evolution of the locality and to assess the potential for thermogenic hydrocarbon generation. 117 refs., 31 figs., 8 tabs.