by Dave Jackson

Created on: July 03, 2010   Last Updated: August 04, 2011

BP found more than they bargained for in the Gulf - a mega pocket of highly pressurized methane gas. The worst environmental disaster in U. S. history has been unleashed on the Gulf coast. Now, millions of lives may be at risk from a deadly methane eruption.

Fueled by secrecy - fear, anxiety and suspicion are escalating. A devastating eruption of methane gas, buried deep beneath the sea floor, could absolutely decimate the region. Even worse, this eruption could inundate the low lying coast line with a tsunami. [1]

High Risk Area for Methane and Blowouts

The extreme methane risk was well-known before drilling commenced. Geologists warned oil companies working in the area that massive pockets of methane gas exist. The risk for a blowout and methane explosion was considered to be extremely high. [1]

BP chose to drill an ultra deep well directly above such a pocket - this one as large as 20 miles in diameter.

Discoveries of natural gas are, of course, an important part of exploration. But the pressures of these methane pockets were predicted to be far higher than current technology can deal with. Typical well head pressures are in the 1,500 pounds per square inch range. [2] Geologists warned that gas pressures in this area could range between 30,000 and 70,000 psi. [6]

No drilling equipment can handle this amount of pressure. Given the extreme risks (and benefits) involved with drilling in this location, BP is keeping a tight lid on data regarding pressures and drilling depth. There is speculation that the drilling went to at least 30,000 feet - far deeper than the 18,500 foot drilling permit allowed. Even more speculation exists that BP was following Russia's lead in searching for highly controversial "abiotic oil", since biogenic oil and gas should not exist below the 15,000 foot level. [6]

Evidence for a Serious Methane Gas Threat

The threat of a methane gas explosion in the Gulf has been attributed to fear mongering. Is there any evidence to these claims? Robotic submarines are returning some very alarming video footage of methane gas hazards. Cracks and fissures are opening up on the sea floor over an area of several miles. A number of "pock marks" have appeared on the sea floor as far as 20 miles away from the original Macondo blow out. Oil and methane gas are escaping from areas that have never even been drilled.

Frighteningly, these fissures appear to be growing and connecting with each other. The methane pock marks are growing in size. Even worse, the weakened

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