Geophysical studies in western Canada and natural gas hydrate

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The proposed research is in two subjects: The first is understanding the processes responsible for earthquakes and mountain building in western Canada and elsewhere. The second is the occurrence and process of formation of natural marine gas hydrate, especially off western Canada. (1) In the past 10 years, very high precision GPS measurements have resulted in a revolution in our ability to detect and understand the short-term crustal strain buildup and release associated with earthquakes and the long-term deformation of mountain building. The deformation responsible for earthquakes in western Canada will be mapped through repeated campaign and continuous very high precision GPS measurements in SW British Columbia, the Queen Charlotte area, and in the Yukon. The study will include determining the forces that drive the deformation and the variations in the strength in the earth that respond to the deforming forces. (2) Marine gas hydrates are a frozen form of natural gas that occurs beneath the continental slope in some marine areas such as off Vancouver Island and in the arctic. It may provide a new source of clean energy, may play a role in climate change, and may be a hazard in conventional oil and gas exploration in deep water and in the arctic. The study will include marine surveys, and the analyses of data from the recently completed IODP drilling of hydrate off Vancouver Island.