Transient seafloor venting on continental slopes from warming‐induced methane hydrate dissociation

Darnell, K. N.; Flemings, P. B.

doi:10.1002/2015GL067012

Transient seafloor venting on continental slopes from warming‐induced methane hydrate dissociation

Journal Article · Tue Dec 29 23:00:00 EST 2015 · Geophysical Research Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/2015GL067012· OSTI ID:1402313

Darnell, K. N. ^[1]; Flemings, P. B. ^[2]

Department of Geological Sciences University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA, Institute for Geophysics University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
Department of Geological Sciences University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA, Institute for Geophysics University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA, Bureau of Economic Geology University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA

Abstract

Methane held in frozen hydrate cages within marine sediment comprises one of the largest carbon reservoirs on the planet. Recent submarine observations of widespread methane seepage may record hydrate dissociation due to oceanic warming, which consequently may further amplify climate change. Here we simulate the effect of seafloor warming on marine hydrate deposits using a multiphase flow model. We show that hydrate dissociation, gas migration, and subsequent hydrate formation cangenerate temporary methane venting into the ocean through the hydrate stability zone. Methane seeps venting through the hydrate stability zone on the eastern Atlantic margin may record this process due to warming begun thousands of years ago. Our results contrast with the traditional view that venting occurs only updip of the hydrate stability zone.

View Accepted Manuscript (Publisher)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

OSTI ID:: 1402313

Journal Information:: Geophysical Research Letters, Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters Journal Issue: 24 Vol. 42; ISSN 0094-8276

Publisher:: American Geophysical Union (AGU)Copyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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