A review on integrated proxy techniques indicating the presence of sub-surface gas hydrates

Methane hydrates are a huge potential resource that could overturn the world energy balance. Various geophysical, geochemical, microbial indicators serve as a tool for studying subsurface methane fluxes and seep zones. Bottom simulating reflector (BSR) used to infer the presence of offshore methane hydrates is discussed. Geochemical data studies indicate methane enrichment and sulphate reduction around the globe. Lower chlorinity of pore water is considered as an indirect geochemical proxy of methane hydrates. Total organic carbon (TOC) analysis provides the clue for methane-rich seep zones. Deep-sea benthic foraminifera found in different marine settings including gas seepages, gas hydrates have great potential to reconstruct the past climate and oceanic changes owing to their wide distribution. The detection and assessment of gas hydrates are essential to evaluate future energy resources and environmental changes. Therefore the key intuition of the present review article is to make the reader understand the concept and background of the gas hydrates scenario and the implemented proxy techniques to infer the subsurface gas hydrates. [Received: January 11, 2021; Accepted: June 28, 2021]