DECOMPOSITION FRONT OF INTRA-PERMAFROST METASTABLE GAS HYDRATES INTO ICE AND GAS: MATHEMATICAL MODELING

The problem of the movement of the decomposition front of intra-permafrost metastable gas hydrate into ice and gas is considered. A mathematical model is formulated, an analytical solution is obtained, and various scenarios are investigated. Cases are examined where the triggers are a pressure drop below the critical value, a temperature rise above the critical value, or both simultaneously. Estimates are obtained for the propagation velocity of the gas hydrate destabilization front and the rates of methane discharge through the upper boundary of the formation.