Grain-size characteristics of fine-grained sediments and association with gas hydrate saturation in Shenhu Area, northern South China Sea

•Distinct grain size characteristics of fine-grained gas/non-gas hydrate-bearing sediments are documented.•Correlation between grain-size parameters and gas hydrate saturation is presented.•Increased coarse fraction/particle size favours reservoir property by improving initial permeability.•Seismic and C-M patterns indicate fine-grained turbidites as potential favored host for gas hydrate.