Gas seeps in Lake Baikal—detection, distribution, and implications for water column mixing

Echo sounders served to locate a large number of shallow- and deepwater gas seeps at the bottom of all three basins of Lake Baikal during the years 2005 to 2008. A substantial proportion of the shallow gas seeps was located near the delta of the Selenga River, and at the Posolskii uplift. Deepwater gas seeps were recorded at the lake bed both inside and outside of areas where a bottom-simulating reflector was identified in seismic profiles. By monitoring the activity of gas emissions at the gas seeps, times of episodic gas ebullition could be distinguished from times of persistent gas bubble streams. A maximum gas flare height of more than 950 m above the bottom was recorded at the St. Petersburg mud volcano located in the central basin of Lake Baikal. Based on calculations from echo sounder data, the ascent velocity of gas bubbles reached 40 cm/s. In the area of gas seepage, there was a thick near-bottom layer, in which the gradient of water temperature was equal to the adiabatic gradient. This implies complete mixing of the water close to the lake bed, resulting from ascending gas bubbles released at seep sites. Analyses of vertical temperature profiles indicate possibly localized upwelling up to the lake surface when gas emissions are intensive.     

Variability of gas composition and flux intensity in natural marine hydrocarbon seeps

The relationship between surface bubble composition and gas flux to the atmosphere was examined at five large seeps from the Coal Oil Point seep field (Santa Barbara Channel, CA, USA). The field research was conducted using a flux buoy designed to simultaneously measure the surface bubbling gas flux and the buoy’s position with differential GPS, and to collect gas samples. Results show that the flux from the five seeps surveyed a total of 11 times ranged from 800–5,500 m³ day^?1. The spatial distribution of flux from the five seeps was well described by two lognormal distributions fitted to two flux ranges. The seafloor and sea surface composition of bubbles differed, with the seafloor bubbles containing significantly more CO₂ (3–25%) and less air (N₂ and O₂). At the sea surface, the mole fraction of N₂ correlated directly with O₂ (R ² = 0.95) and inversely with CH₄ (R ² = 0.97); the CO₂ content was reduced to the detection limit (<0.1%). These data demonstrate that the bubble composition is modified by gas exchange during ascent: dissolved air enters, and CO₂ and hydrocarbon gases leave the bubbles. The mean surface composition at the five seeps varied with water depth and gas flux, with more CH₄ and higher CH₄/N₂ ratios found in shallower seeps with higher flux. It is suggested that the CH₄/N₂ ratio is a good proxy for total or integrated gas loss from the rising bubbles, although additional study is needed before this ratio can be used quantitatively.     

冷泉系统甲烷气体渗漏的声学特征及潜在环境效应

The amount of methane leaked from deep sea cold seeps is enormous and potentially affects the global warming,ocean acidification and global carbon cycle. It is of great significance to study the methane bubble movement and dissolution process in the water column and its output to the atmosphere. Methane bubbles produce strong acoustic impedance in water bodies, and bubble strings released from deep sea cold seeps are called "gas flares"which expressed as flame-like strong backscatter in the water column. We characterized the morphology and movement of methane bubbles released into the water using multibeam water column data at two cold seeps. The result shows that methane at site I reached 920 m water depth without passing through the top of the gas hydrate stability zone(GHSZ, 850 m), while methane bubbles at site II passed through the top of the GHSZ(597 m) and entered the non-GHSZ(above 550 m). By applying two methods on the multibeam data, the bubble rising velocity in the water column at sites I and II were estimated to be 9.6 cm/s and 24 cm/s, respectively. Bubble velocity is positively associated with water depth which is inferred to be resulted from decrease of bubble size during methane ascending in the water. Combined with numerical simulation, we concluded that formation of gas hydrate shells plays an important role in helping methane bubbles entering the upper water bodies, while other factors, including water depth, bubble velocity, initial kinetic energy and bubble size, also influence the bubble residence time in the water and the possibility of methane entering the atmosphere. We estimate that methane gas flux at these two sites is 0.4×10~6–87.6×10~6 mol/a which is extremely small compared to the total amount of methane in the ocean body, however, methane leakage might exert significant impact on the ocean acidification considering the widespread distributed cold seeps. In addition, although methane entering the atmosphere is not observed, further research is still needed to understand its potential impact on increasing methane concentration in the surface seawater and gas-water interface methane exchange rate, which consequently increase the greenhouse effect.     

基于光学技术的水下气泡探测实验研究

热液/冷泉溢出含有硫化氢、甲烷、二氧化碳等化学成分的气泡。实验室模拟海底热液/冷泉资源溢出气泡环境搭建了实验平台,以甲烷气体为实验气体,在黑暗环境下用高速光电探测器对气泡后向散射光进行接收,用拉曼光谱仪实现甲烷气体气泡后向散射光的拉曼检测,并与计算拉曼光谱比较。由结果可知激光拉曼光谱可以探测到气泡后向散射光,并识别气泡中含有的气体成分。通过探测气泡成分,从而判定这些气泡是否来自海底热液/冷泉等甲烷资源溢出。这样的探测方式,探测准确率高,缓解探测深度,同时避免探测设备直接与海底资源直接接触而造成的寿命缩减,为将来的海洋探测与实际应用打下了良好的基础。     

南海北部莺歌海岭头岬近岸烃类渗漏喷口分布及气体地球化学

Natural hydrocarbon seeps in a marine environment are one of the important contributors to greenhouse gases in the atmosphere,including methane,which is significant to the global carbon cycling and climate change.Four hydrocarbon seep areas,the Lingtou Promontory,the Yinggehai Rivulet mouth,the Yazhou Bay and the Nanshan Promontory,occurring in the Yinggehai Basin delineate a near-shore gas bubble zone.The gas composition and geochemistry of venting bubbles and the spatial distribution of hydrocarbon seeps are surveyed on the near-shore Lingtou Promontory.The gas composition of the venting bubbles is mainly composed of CO_2,CH_4,N_2 and O_2,with minor amounts of non-methane hydrocarbons.The difference in the bubbles' composition is a possible consequence of gas exchange during bubble ascent.The seepage gases from the seafloor are characterized by a high CO_2 content(67.35%) and relatively positive δ~(13)C_(V_PDB) values(-0.49×10~(-3)-0.86×10~(-3)),indicating that the CO_2 is of inorganic origin.The relatively low CH_4 content(23%) and their negative δ~(13)C_(V-PDB) values(-34.43×10~(-3)--37.53×10~(-3)) and high ratios of C_1 content to C_(1-5) one(0.98-0.99)as well point to thermogenic gases.The hydrocarbon seeps on the 3.5 Hz sub-bottom profile display a linear arrangement and are sub-parallel to the No.1 fault,suggesting that the hydrocarbon seeps may be associated with fracture activity or weak zones and that the seepage gases migrate laterally from the central depression of the Yinggehai Basin.     

Geologic control of natural marine hydrocarbon seep emissions, Coal Oil Point seep field, California

High-resolution sonar surveys, and a detailed subsurface model constructed from 3D seismic and well data allowed investigation of the relationship between the subsurface geology and gas-phase (methane) seepage for the Coal Oil Point (COP) seep field, one of the world’s largest and best-studied marine oil and gas seep fields, located over a producing hydrocarbon reservoir near Santa Barbara, California. In general, the relationship between terrestrial gas seepage, migration pathways, and hydrocarbon reservoirs has been difficult to assess, in part because the detection and mapping of gas seepage is problematic. For marine seepage, sonar surveys are an effective tool for mapping seep gas bubbles, and thus spatial distributions. Seepage in the COP seep field occurs in an east–west-trending zone about 3–4 km offshore, and in another zone about 1–2 km from shore. The farthest offshore seeps are mostly located near the crest of a major fold, and also along the trend of major faults. Significantly, because faults observed to cut the fold do not account for all the observed seepage, seepage must occur through fracture and joint systems that are difficult to detect, including intersecting faults and fault damage zones. Inshore seeps are concentrated within the hanging wall of a major reverse fault. The subsurface model lacks the resolution to identify specific structural sources in that area. Although to first order the spatial distribution of seeps generally is related to the major structures, other factors must also control their distribution. The region is known to be critically stressed, which would enhance hydraulic conductivity of favorably oriented faults, joints, and bedding planes. We propose that this process explains much of the remaining spatial distribution.     

A highly concentrated region of cold hydrocarbon seeps in the southeastern Mediterranean Sea

In July 1999, we conducted a side-scan sonar survey in the southeastern Mediterranean Sea, between 300- and 800-m water depths approximately 30 nautical miles from the Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip. Examination of the sonar imagery revealed numerous acoustic targets, each on the order of a few meters and surrounded by small depressions. Subsequent visual inspection of two of these targets by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) revealed they were cold hydrocarbon seeps through which small bubbles of gas and shimmering fluids were emitted. Surrounding each cold seep were benthic communities of organisms. The ROV was used to gather video and still-camera imagery, map the surrounding microbathymetry, and collect samples of the seep structure and associated organisms. A sub-bottom profiler, which was attached to the ROV, was used to image the submerged structure of the second seep site. Further examination and analysis revealed that the seeps comprise hard deposits of calcium carbonate, and that the organisms are clams and polychaetes which are probably chemosymbiotic. The origin of the seep gas is hypothesized to be the natural decay of organic matter in the sapropel sediment, leading to the production of methane. Circulating fluids, which carry the dissolved gas through preferential pathways along small faults or bedding planes, percolate through the seafloor, precipitate calcium carbonate, release gas, and support the benthic organisms.     

Time series video analysis of bubble release processes at natural hydrocarbon seeps in the Northern Gulf of Mexico

This research quantifies the rate and volume of oil and gas released from two natural seep sites in the Gulf of Mexico: lease blocks GC600 (1200 m depth) and MC118 (850 m depth). Our objectives were to determine variability in release rates and bubble size at five individual vents and to investigate the effects of tidal fluctuations on bubble release. Observations with autonomous video cameras captured the formation of individual bubbles as they were released through partially exposed deposits of gas hydrate. Image processing techniques determined bubble type (oily, gaseous, and mixed: oily and gaseous), size distribution, release rate, and temporal variations (observation intervals ranged from 3 h to 26 d). A semi-automatic bubble counting algorithm was developed to analyze bubble count and release rates from video data. This method is suitable for discrete vents with small bubble streams commonly seen at seeps and is adaptable to multiple in situ set-ups. Two vents at GC600 (Birthday Candles 1 and Birthday Candles 2) were analyzed. They released oily bubbles with an average diameter of 5.0 mm at a rate of 4.7 bubbles s⁻¹, and 1.3 bubbles s⁻¹, respectively. Approximately 1 km away, within the GC600 seep site, two more vents (Mega Plume 1 and Mega Plume 2) were analyzed. These vents released a mixture of oily and gaseous bubbles with an average diameter of 3.9 mm at a rate of 49 bubbles s⁻¹, and 81 bubbles s⁻¹, respectively. The fifth vent at MC118 (Rudyville) released gaseous bubbles with an average diameter of 3.0 mm at a rate of 127 bubbles s⁻¹. Pressure records at Mega Plume and Rudyville showed a diurnal tidal cycle (24.5 h). Rudyville was the only vent that demonstrated any positive correlation (ρ = 0.60) to the 24.5 h diurnal tidal cycle. However, these observations were not conclusive regarding tidal effects on bubble release.     

Compositional variability and air-sea flux of ethane and propane in the plume of a large, marine seep field near Coal Oil Point, CA

Large quantities of methane (C1), ethane (C2), and propane (C3) emanate from shallow marine seeps near Coal Oil Point (COP), California. Concentrations of these gases were analyzed in the surface water down-current of the seep field over a 15-month period. The variable proportions of C1, C2, and C3 analyzed in gas bubbles emitted from 16 distinct seeps in the COP field encompass much of the variability found in the surface waters down-current. However, waters with disproportionate levels of C1 suggest the presence of additional C1 sources. Based on three spatial surveys, covering areas up to 280 km², C2 and C3 air-sea fluxes were estimated to be in the order of 3.7 and 1.4 μmol day^?1 m^?2, respectively. Only 0.6% of C2 and 0.5% of C3 in the dissolved plume originating from the COP seep field are transferred to the atmosphere in the study area, with the fate of the remainder uncertain.     

A new gas-tight isobaric sampler for hydrothermal fluids

A new gas-tight isobaric sampler for the collection of hydrothermal fluids venting at the seafloor has been designed, constructed, and tested at a ridge-crest vent site. The new device is constructed of chemically inert titanium, is gas-tight to 450 bar and can be used to sample fluids with temperatures up to 400°C. Compressed gas is used to maintain the sample at seafloor pressure before and during sample withdrawal onboard ship, allowing subsampling without degassing the fluid remaining in the sampler. This feature eliminates the need to collect separate gas-tight and major element samples since a single fluid sample can be analyzed quantitatively for major, trace, semi-volatile, and volatile components. The sampler fill rate is regulated to minimize entrainment of ambient seawater during collection of fluids from environments characterized by low fluid flow such as diffuse hydrothermal vents. In addition to deployment at the ridge-crest, the samplers can be used to collect gas-tight samples from other subseasurface environments such as hydrocarbon seeps, areas of methane-gas hydrate formation, cold seeps associated with serpentinites, regions of groundwater egress to the oceans, and the water column.     

Acoustic monitoring of gas emissions from the seafloor. Part I: quantifying the volumetric flow of bubbles

Three decades of continuous ocean exploration have led us to identify subsurface fluid related processes as a key phenomenon in marine earth science research. The number of seep areas located on the seafloor has been constantly increasing with the use of multi-scale imagery techniques. Due to recent advances in transducer technology and computer processing, multibeam echosounders are now commonly used to detect submarine gas seeps escaping from the seafloor into the water column. A growing number of en-route surveys shows that sites of gas emissions escaping from the seafloor are much more numerous than previously thought. Estimating the temporal variability of the gas flow rate and volumes escaping from the seafloor has thus become a challenge of relevant interest which could be addressed by sea-floor continuous acoustic monitoring. Here, we investigate the feasibility of estimating the volumetric flow rates of gas emissions from horizontal backscattered acoustic signals. Different models based on the acoustic backscattering theory of bubbles are presented. The forward volume backscattering strength and the inversion volumetric flow rate solutions were validated with acoustic measurements from artificial gas flow rates generated in controlled sea-water tank experiments. A sensitivity analysis was carried out to investigate the behavior of the 120-kHz forward solution with respect to model input parameters (horizontal distance between transducer and bubble stream, bubble size distribution and ascent rate). The most sensitive parameter was found to be the distance of the bubble stream which can affect the volume backscattering strength by 20 dB within the horizontal range of 0–200 m. Results were used to derive the detection probability of a bubble stream for a given volume backscattering strength threshold according to different bubble flow rates and horizontal distance.     

Distribution and expression of gas seeps in a gas hydrate province of the northeastern Sakhalin continental slope, Sea of Okhotsk

Multidisciplinary surveys were conducted to investigate gas seepage and gas hydrate accumulation on the northeastern Sakhalin continental slope (NESS), Sea of Okhotsk, during joint Korean–Russian–Japanese expeditions conducted from 2003 to 2007 (CHAOS and SSGH projects). One hundred sixty-one gas seeps were detected in a 2000 km² area of the NESS (between 53°45′N and 54°45′N). Active gas seeps in a gas hydrate province on the NESS were evident from features in the water column, on the seafloor, and in the subsurface: well-defined hydroacoustic anomalies (gas flares), side-scan sonar structures with high backscatter intensity (seepage structures), bathymetric structures (pockmarks and mounds), gas- and gas-hydrate-related seismic features (bottom-simulating reflectors, gas chimneys, high-amplitude reflectors, and acoustic blanking), high methane concentrations in seawater, and gas hydrates in sediment near the seafloor. These expressions were generally spatially related; a gas flare would be associated with a seepage structure (mound), below which a gas chimney was present. The spatial distribution of gas seeps on the NESS is controlled by four types of geological structures: faults, the shelf break, seafloor canyons, and submarine slides. Gas chimneys that produced enhanced reflection on high-resolution seismic profiles are interpreted as active pathways for upward gas migration to the seafloor. The chimneys and gas flares are good indicators of active seepage.     

Deep faults,heat flow and gas leakage in the northern Black Sea

A new heat flow map has been compiled for the Black Sea. Marine segments of interregional deep faults and marine regional deep faults have been traced in detail in the northern Black Sea. Gas seeps are situated in zones of deep faults. The potential role of these faults in the formation of gas leakage is evaluated. For the first time the spatial fault coincidence with gas release is clearly interpreted as being directly interrelated. As the gas is largely of deep origin, the seeps may be indicators of subsurface hydrocarbon accumulation.     

An enigmatic strong reflector on subbottom profiler records from the Black Sea—the top of shallow gas hydrate deposits

An anomalous strong, shallow reflector has been observed in several deep-tow subbottom profiler records in a region of the northern Black Sea characterised by seafloor fluid seeps, mud volcanoes, and the occurrence of gas hydrates. The digital data were processed using adapted seismic processing methods. Synthetic seismograms created to model representative traces from the observed profiles require anomalous alternations of acoustic properties in the upper sediments which can best be explained by interbedded layers of normal sediments and sediments with gas hydrates. The enigmatic strong reflector can be explained by constructive interference of reflections from five of these thin layers. It is proposed that the uppermost region of the gas hydrate stability zone here is represented by thinning layers of interbedded gas hydrates or layers with lower concentrations of gas hydrates.     

Experimental formation of massive hydrate deposits from accumulation of CH4 gas bubbles within synthetic and natural sediments

In order for methane to be economically produced from the seafloor, prediction and detection of massive hydrate deposits will be necessary. In many cases, hydrate samples recovered from seafloor sediments appear as veins or nodules, suggesting that there are strong geologic controls on where hydrate is likely to accumulate. Experiments have been conducted examining massive hydrate accumulation from methane gas bubbles within natural and synthetic sediments in a large volume pressure vessel through temperature and pressure data, as well as visual observations. Observations of hydrate growth suggest that accumulation of gas bubbles within void spaces and at sediment interfaces likely results in the formation of massive hydrate deposits. Methane hydrate was first observed as a thin film forming at the gas/water interface of methane bubbles trapped within sediment void spaces. As bubbles accumulated, massive hydrate growth occurred. These experiments suggest that in systems containing free methane gas, bubble pathways and accumulation points likely control the location and habit of massive hydrate deposits.     

High-resolution mapping of shallow gas accumulations and gas seeps in San Simón Bay (Ría de Vigo, NW Spain). Some quantitative data

San Simón Bay in the innermost part of the Ría de Vigo is characterized by an abundance of very shallow gas accumulations and methane seeps. During the expeditions of April–June–September 2004 within the Spanish-funded Gs2G project, detailed very high-resolution seismic and field investigations were carried out to study the shallow gas and the seeps. Direct gas fluxes also were measured from bubble streams. For the first time, the surface area and gas front depth of a shallow gas field has been mapped and quantified in the inner bay of Ría de Vigo. This field overlaps spatially with the distribution of Holocene mud within the bay. Seismic data show 3.6 km² affected by acoustic turbidity but this surface can be extended up to 9.5 km² of San Simón’s muddy subtidal area. Mounded turbidity superimposed on the main gas field has been mapped and characterized as anthropogenically (mussel rafts) mediated gas accumulations. Different acoustic anomalies have been identified and interpreted as being due to gas escapes from the present seabed sediment. The very high resolution of the seismic data makes it possible to identify a new type of seep, here named ‘acoustic smoke.’ A direct relationship can be observed between the gas front of accumulations and escape features, both acoustic seeps and pockmarks. The methane flux has been estimated from the subtidal environment in San Simón based on detected acoustic targets and direct measurements of current bubble flow. The total estimated methane flux from the seabed into the water column ranges from 10.1 to 48.8 t/year, and into the atmosphere from 7.0 to 34.2 t/year. The intertidal San Simón environment is also actively venting methane, as indicated by the presence of bubbling during high tide and white patches of Beggiatoa sp.     

Modeling of rising methane bubbles during production leaks from the gas hydrate sites of India

Natural gas hydrates is considered as a strategic unconventional clean hydrocarbon resource in the energy sector. Understanding the behavior of the rising methane gas bubbles during production leaks from the deep marine gas hydrate reservoirs well head is essential for environmental impact studies and to design environmental monitoring systems. Numerical model for quantitatively characterizing the vertical dissolution pattern of the wellhead released methane gas bubbles is analyzed for three potential gas hydrate locations in India. Simulation results indicate that the methane bubbles with diameter of 10?mm can transport methane gas till 650, 800, and 750?m from the seabed in the Krishna–Godavari(KG), Mahanadi and Andaman basins respectively. Results brought out that potential well head damage during methane hydrate production at 1050?m water depth could release up to 28?m³ of methane gas, in which 50% of the molar mass shall get dissolved within 40?m of water column from the seafloor.     

Multi-beam and seismic investigations of the active Haima cold seeps,northwestern South China Sea

To confirm the seabed fluid flow at the Haima cold seeps, an integrated study of multi-beam and seismic data reveals the morphology and fate of four bubble plumes and investigates the detailed subsurface structure of the active seepage area. The shapes of bubble plumes are not constant and influenced by the northeastward bottom currents, but the water depth where these bubble plumes disappear (630–650 m below the sea level) (mbsl) is very close to the upper limit of the gas hydrate stability zone in the water column (620 m below the sea level), as calculated from the CTD data within the study area, supporting the “hydrate skin” hypothesis. Gas chimneys directly below the bottom simulating reflectors, found at most sites, are speculated as essential pathways for both thermogenic gas and biogenic gas migrating from deep formations to the gas hydrate stability zone. The fracture network on the top of the basement uplift may be heavily gas-charged, which accounts for the chimney with several kilometers in diameter (beneath Plumes B and C). The much smaller gas chimney (beneath Plume D) may stem from gas saturated localized strong permeability zone. High-resolution seismic profiles reveal pipe-like structures, characterized by stacked localized amplitude anomalies, just beneath all the plumes, which act as the fluid conduits conveying gas from the gas hydrate-bearing sediments to the seafloor, feeding the gas plumes. The differences between these pipe-like structures indicate the dynamic process of gas seepage, which may be controlled by the build-up and dissipation of pore pressure. The 3D seismic data show high saturated gas hydrates with high RMS amplitude tend to cluster on the periphery of the gas chimney. Understanding the fluid migration and hydrate accumulation pattern of the Haima cold seeps can aid in the further exploration and study on the dynamic gas hydrate system in the South China Sea.     

Estimation of methane fluxes from bottom sediments of Lake Baikal

Methane bubble fluxes in gas flares from bottom sediments in Lake Baikal were estimated for the first time using hydroacoustic methods. Earlier work has demonstrated the occurrence of gas seeps both inside and outside of areas where bottom simulating reflectors were identified in seismic profiles. Fluxes ranged from 14 to 216 tons per year, with the flux for the entire area of the central and southern basins ranging from 1,400 to 2,800 tons per year. Comparison with other water bodies showed that fluxes from the most intensive Baikal flares were similar to those in the Norwegian and Okhotsk seas. Gas hydrates decompose at the lower boundary of the gas hydrate stability zone due to sedimentation. Calculation of the amount of methane produced due to sedimentation gave a total of between 2,600 and 14,000 tons per year for the central and southern basins of the lake. Based on rough estimation, the total flux from shallow- and deep-water gas seeps is similar to the amount of methane produced due to sedimentation. This suggests that gas hydrates possibly occupy much more than 10?% of the pore volume near the base of the gas hydrate stability zone, or that there are other reasons for gas hydrate dissociation and bubble flux from these bottom sediments.     

The quality factor of oscillating bubbles as an indication of gas content with particular reference to methane

There has been much interest in detecting the presence of methane gas in the ocean. Although methane exists predominantly as methane hydrate (a buoyant compound) in the deep ocean, recent computer simulations and anecdotal evidence have reported that these hydrates will decompose to produce methane bubbles in shallower waters. This paper describes how the quality factor Q of oscillating bubbles can be used to distinguish methane bubbles (Q=24) from the air bubbles (Q=34) which are ubiquitous near the ocean surface. Values of Q are reported for bubbles in water at atmospheric pressure containing air, carbon dioxide, argon, helium, methane and butane. Possible acoustic techniques for detecting and sizing methane bubbles in the ocean are discussed briefly.