GAS HYDRATE EXPLORATION - ITS TECHNOLOGY-ENVIRONMENT INTERFACE IN THEWORLD AND JAPAN

Ice-like gas hydrates under deep ocean bottom and permafrost have been attracting vigorous attention of geologists and energy industries wor ld-wide in recent years. Such clathrate compounds are expected to beco me an environmentally sound, future source of energy. However, its res earch and development, if recklessly made, may cause such hazards as d isturbance of marine environment, additional green house effect due to methane escape into the atmosphere and so on. After glimpses at the w orld and Japanese histories of natural gas utilization and at the Jevo ns' law on economy of fuel, this paper will investigate the current st ate of technology-environment interface of deep ocean drilling to gas- hydrate-containing sediments. A tentative map of gas hydrate evidences around Japan Archipelago is shown. Finally, needs for disclosure of e mpirical data and extensive environmental assessment will be discussed in the context of new drilling and related technologies.