Remote sensing detection of natural gas hydrate resources in Qinghai-Tibet plateau

A remote sensing detection method for natural gas hydrate (NGH) has been introduced in this paper. Appropriate remote sensing images, such as ETM+, ASTER and Quickbird were selected, image features from visible, shortwave infrared to thermal infrared bands were analyzed, surface temperature was inverted, and then direct/indirect remote sensing signs of NGH were searched in combination with field investigation and the previous data, comprehensive interpretation of all images was conducted. The research results show that in NGH prospect areas of Qinghai-Tibet plateau there are several remote sensing interpretation signs including high temperature anomalies near the ground surface(especially over water bodies) and mud volcano, a large number of bubbles and tan sediment in marsh water, and carbonatization, clayization. The research will be helpful for further large-scale remote sensing survey of NGH and delineation of the target areas.