Abstract：In this paper the theory utilizing near sea-bottom DC resistivity sounding method to explore gas hydrate and the apparent resistivity response characteristic were introduced,near sea-bottom DC resistivity response could be simulated by applying burial point electrical current source.The simulation results show that the existence of gas hydrate could cause change in near sea-bottom DC sounding apparent resistivity.The further calculation indicates that the relative change rate of apparent resistivity for the 10 meter thick gas hydrate layer can reach 2%,while for the 100 meter thick gas hydrate layer,the change rate of apparent resistivity could reach 10%.The simulation results for dipole-dipole sounding device,quadrupole sounding device and three-pole sounding device show that the resolution of dipole-dipole sounding device for gas hydrate is higher than that of symmetry quadrupole sounding device.At the same time the mutual dispose relation of the electrodes and the distance from electrode array to sea bottom have great impact on the shape of apparent resistivity curves,but the impact which is caused by gas hydrate on relative change of apparent resistivity is small.Therefore application of near sea-bottom DC resistivity sounding method in conducting gas hydrate exploration is a feasible.
