Gas flow decline curves were generated utilizing a bench-scale reservoir to help validate and assess computer models of gas production from gas hydrate-bearing reservoirs. Reservoir depressurization experiments on synthetic methane gas hydrate were run at average conditions of 19.7 atm and 2.0/sup 0/C ( -0.4/sup 0/). The gas produced averaged 25.5 liters of methane standard temperature and pressure (STP) from 353.7 grams of hydrate over a 6.3-hour run. Flow decline curves were of two distinct types. The production variables for the curve types were nearly identical, in a statistical sense, and shared characteristics produced by dissociation of the gas hydrate within the reservoir. The length of time required to produce all the available gas from hydrate dissociating within the reservoir was directly related to the amount of hydrate in the reservoir and the amount of gas produced from the contained hydrate. Large volume decreases in the gas hydrates were noted after production by dissociation. This volume change could cause substantial alteration in the characteristics of an actual reservoir being produced from natural gas hydrates. 8 refs., 9 figs., 2 tabs.