Tuning a physically-based model of the air–sea gas transfer velocity

Air–sea gas transfer velocities are estimated for one year using a 1-D upper-ocean model (GOTM) and a modified version of the NOAA–COARE transfer velocity parameterization. Tuning parameters are evaluated with the aim of bringing the physically based NOAA–COARE parameterization in line with current estimates, based on simple wind-speed dependent models derived from bomb-radiocarbon inventories and deliberate tracer release experiments. We suggest that A = 1.3 and B = 1.0, for the sub-layer scaling parameter and the bubble mediated exchange, respectively, are consistent with the global average CO₂ transfer velocity k. Using these parameters and a simple 2nd order polynomial approximation, with respect to wind speed, we estimate a global annual average k for CO₂ of 16.4 ± 5.6 cm h^?1 when using global mean winds of 6.89 m s^?1 from the NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis 1 1954–2000. The tuned model can be used to predict the transfer velocity of any gas, with appropriate treatment of the dependence on molecular properties including the strong solubility dependence of bubble-mediated transfer. For example, an initial estimate of the global average transfer velocity of DMS (a relatively soluble gas) is only 11.9 cm h^?1 whilst for less soluble methane the estimate is 18.0 cm h^?1.     

Organic geochemical identification of reservoir oil–gas–water layers in the Junggar Basin,NW China

The identification of reservoir oil–gas–water layers is a fundamental task in petroleum exploration and exploitation, but is difficult, especially in cases of complex hydrocarbon migration and accumulation. In such cases, hydrocarbon remigration and dysmigration take place very commonly, leading to the presence of residual or paleo-oil accumulations and layers, which cannot be easily identified or misinterpreted as oil layers by conventional logging and geophysical data. In this paper, based on a case study in the Luxi area of the central Junggar Basin, NW China, we seek to characterize such layers in terms of organic geochemistry. We suggest specific indicator parameters of organic geochemistry such as the chloroform bitumen content of reservoir extracts, which is usually >1.0% in oil layers. We explore the application of grains containing oil inclusions (GOI) (the ratio of mineral grains containing oil inclusions to the total number of mineral grains) for the identification of oil–gas–water layers in the Junggar Basin for the first time; this method has been used elsewhere. The maximum GOI values for the oil layers, oil–water layers, water layers and dry layers are >11%, 7%–11%, 6%–7% and <6%, respectively. In addition, gas layers and heavy-oil layers that are difficult to identify by conventional organic geochemical parameters were identified using biomarkers. The typical characteristics of the soluble reservoir bitumen in the gas layers include a much greater abundance of tricyclic terpanes (two times in general) relative to pentacyclic terpanes and a tricyclic terpane distribution of C₂₀ > C₂₁ > C₂₃. In contrast, the typical characteristic of the heavy-oil layers is the presence of 25-norhopanes in reservoir bitumen extracts. These specific indicators can be applied in the Junggar Basin and in similar settings elsewhere.     

Note on the CO2 air–sea gas exchange at high temperatures

The temperature dependency of ocean–atmosphere gas transfer velocities is commonly estimated in terms of Schmidt numbers, i.e. the ratio of kinematic viscosity to diffusivity. In numerical models least square regressions are used to fit the limited number of experimentally derived Schmidt numbers to a function of temperature. For CO₂ a well established fit can be found in the literature. This fit constitutes an integral part in standardized carbon cycle simulation projects (e.g. C4MIP, OC4MIP, Friedlingstein et al., 2006). However, the fit is valid only in the range where diffusivity measurements exist, i.e., from 0 to about 30 °C. In many climate warming simulations like e.g. the MPI contribution to the fourth Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Assessment Report (IPCC AR 4), sea surface temperatures largely exceed the validated range and approach or even reach the range, where the standard fits leave the physically meaningful range. Thus, this paper underlines the demand for new measurements of seawater diffusivities for CO₂ and other trace gases especially for the temperature range >30 °C.In this paper we provide improved fits for the temperature dependence of the Schmidt number. For carbon dioxide our fit is compared to the established fit under identical climate change simulations carried out with the 3D-carbon cycle model HAMOCC. We find that in many tropical and subtropical high temperature regions the established fit leads to unrealistically short adaption times of the surface water pCO₂ to altered atmospheric pCO₂. In regions where the local oceanic pCO₂ is not primarily controlled by the atmospheric boundary pCO₂ but by other processes such as biological activity, the atmosphere ocean pCO₂ gradient is clearly underestimated when using the established fit. The effect on global oceanic carbon uptake in a greenhouse world is rather small and the potential climate feedback introduced by this bias seems to be negligible. However, the bias will clearly gain in significance the more regions warm up to over 30 °C. On a regional scale, especially in coastal regions at low latitudes, the effect is not negligible and a different steady state is approached.     

Time–frequency spectral signature of Pelotas Basin deep water gas hydrates system

Pelotas Basin has the largest gas hydrate occurrence of the Brazilian coast. The reserves are estimated in 780 trillion cubic feet, covering an area of 45,000 km². In this work we apply spectral decomposition technique in order to better understand a gas hydrate deep water system, performing a continuous time–frequency analysis of seismic trace, where frequency spectrum is the output for each time sample of the seismic trace. This allows a continuous analysis on the effects of the geologic structures and lithology over frequency content of the seismic wave. Spectral anomalies found were interpreted as variations of hydrates concentration inside the Gas Hydrate Stability Zone (GHSZ), as well free gas accumulations beneath and Below the GHSZ and gas chimneys. We concluded that this technique has a good potential to assist seismic study of structures associated with gas hydrates accumulations.     

Atmospheric effects of the gas–dust plume of the Chelyabinsk meteoroid of 2013

We have performed a simulation of the convectively induced ascent of the gas–dust cloud formed during the atmospheric passage and explosion of the Chelyabinsk meteoroid. The acceleration, velocity, and rise of the gas–dust cloud have been described as functions of time and altitude. The time of dust settling in the atmosphere has been estimated. The results of calculations are in a close agreement with the observational data.     

Late Mesozoic–Cenozoic sedimentary basins of active continental margin of Southeast Russia: paleogeography,tectonics, and coal–oil–gas presence

Various settings took place during the Late Mesozoic: divergent, convergent, collisional, and transform. After mid-Jurassic collision of the Siberian and Chinese cratons, a latitudinal system of post-collision troughs developed along the Mongol-Okhotsk suture (the Uda, Torom basins and others), filled with terrigenous coal-bearing molasse.The dispersion of Pangea, creation of oceans during the Late Jurassic are correlated to the emergence of the East Asian submeridional rift system with volcano-terrigenous coal-bearing deposits (the Amur-Zeya basin). At that time, to the east there existed an Andean-type continental margin. Foreland (Upper Bureya, Partizansk, and Razdolny) and flexural (Sangjiang-Middle Amur) basins were formed along the margin of the rigid massifs during the Late Jurassic to Berriasian.During the Valanginian-mid-Albian an oblique subduction of the Izanagi plate beneath the Asian continent occurred, producing a transform margin type, considerable sinistral strike slip displacements, and formation of pull-apart basins filled with turbidites (the Sangjiang-Middle Amur basin).The Aptian is characterized by plate reorganization and formation of epioceanic island arcs, fore-arc and back-arc basins in Sakhalin and the Sikhote-Alin (the Alchan and Sangjiang-Middle Amur basins), filled with volcanoclastics.During the mid-Albian a series of terranes accreted to the Asian continental margin. By the end of the Albian, the East Asian marginal volcanic belt began to form due to the subduction of the Kula plate beneath the Asian continent. During the Cenomanian–Coniacian shallow marine coarse clastics accumulated in the fore-arc basins, which were followed by continental deposits in the Santonian–Campanian. From the Coniacian to the Maastrichtian, a thermal subsidence started in rift basins, and continental oil-bearing clastics accumulated (the Amur-Zeya basin).Widespread elevation and denudation were dominant during the Maastrichtian. This is evidenced by thick sediments accumulated in the Western Sakhalin fore-arc basin.During the Cenozoic, an extensive rift belt rmade up of a system of grabens, which were filled with lacustrine–alluvial coal–and oil-bearing deposits, developed along the East Asian margin.     

Documenting channel features associated with gas hydrates in the Krishna–Godavari Basin,offshore India

During the India National Gas Hydrate Program (NGHP) Expedition 01 in 2006 significant sand and gas hydrate were recovered at Site NGHP-01-15 within the Krishna–Godavari Basin, East Coast off India. At the drill site NGHP-01-15, a 5–8 m thick interval was found that is characterized by higher sand content than anywhere else at the site and within the KG Basin. Gas hydrate concentrations were determined to be 20–40% of the pore volume using wire-line electrical resistivity data as well as core-derived pore-fluid freshening trends. The gas hydrate-bearing interval was linked to a prominent seismic reflection observed in the 3D seismic data. This reflection event, mapped for about 1 km² south of the drill site, is bound by a fault at its northern limit that may act as migration conduit for free gas to enter the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ) and subsequently charge the sand-rich layer. On 3D and additional regional 2D seismic data a prominent channel system was imaged mainly by using the seismic instantaneous amplitude attribute. The channel can be clearly identified by changes in the seismic character of the channel fill (sand-rich) and pronounced levees (less sand content than in the fill, but higher than in surrounding mud-dominated sediments). The entire channel sequence (channel fill and levees) has been subsequently covered and back-filled with a more mud-prone sediment sequence. Where the levees intersect the base of the GHSZ, their reflection strengths are significantly increased to 5- to 6-times the surrounding reflection amplitudes. Using the 3D seismic data these high-amplitude reflection edges where linked to the gas hydrate-bearing layer at Site NGHP-01-15. Further south along the channel the same reflection elements representing the levees do not show similarly large reflection amplitudes. However, the channel system is still characterized by several high-amplitude reflection events (a few hundred meters wide and up to ~ 1 km in extent) interpreted as gas hydrate-bearing sand intervals along the length of the channel.     

Seismic imaging of a fractured gas hydrate system in the Krishna–Godavari Basin offshore India

Gas hydrate was discovered in the Krishna–Godavari (KG) Basin during the India National Gas Hydrate Program (NGHP) Expedition 1 at Site NGHP-01-10 within a fractured clay-dominated sedimentary system. Logging-while-drilling (LWD), coring, and wire-line logging confirmed gas hydrate dominantly in fractures at four borehole sites spanning a 500 m transect. Three-dimensional (3D) seismic data were subsequently used to image the fractured system and explain the occurrence of gas hydrate associated with the fractures. A system of two fault-sets was identified, part of a typical passive margin tectonic setting. The LWD-derived fracture network at Hole NGHP-01-10A is to some extent seen in the seismic data and was mapped using seismic coherency attributes. The fractured system around Site NGHP-01-10 extends over a triangular-shaped area of ∼2.5 km² defined using seismic attributes of the seafloor reflection, as well as “seismic sweetness” at the base of the gas hydrate occurrence zone. The triangular shaped area is also showing a polygonal (nearly hexagonal) fault pattern, distinct from other more rectangular fault patterns observed in the study area. The occurrence of gas hydrate at Site NGHP-01-10 is the result of a specific combination of tectonic fault orientations and the abundance of free gas migration from a deeper gas source. The triangular-shaped area of enriched gas hydrate occurrence is bound by two faults acting as migration conduits. Additionally, the fault-associated sediment deformation provides a possible migration pathway for the free gas from the deeper gas source into the gas hydrate stability zone. It is proposed that there are additional locations in the KG Basin with possible gas hydrate accumulation of similar tectonic conditions, and one such location was identified from the 3D seismic data ˜6 km NW of Site NGHP-01-10.     

Coincidence or not? Interconnected gas/fluid migration and ocean–atmosphere oscillations in the Levant Basin

A growing number of studies on shallow marine gas/fluid systems from across the globe indicate their abundance throughout geological epochs. However, these episodic events have not been fully integrated into the fundamental concepts of continental margin development, which are thought to be dictated by three elements: tectonics, sedimentation and eustasy. The current study focuses on the passive sector of the Levant Basin on the eastern Mediterranean continental margin where these elements are well constrained, in order to isolate the contribution of gas/fluid systems. Single-channel, multichannel and 3D seismic reflection data are interpreted in terms of variance, chaos, envelope and sweetness attributes. Correlation with the Romi-1 borehole and sequence boundaries constrains interpretation of seismic stratigraphy. Results show a variety of fluid- or gas-related features such as seafloor and subsurface pockmarks, volumes of acoustic blanking, bright spots, conic pinnacle mounds, gas chimneys and high sweetness zones that represent possible secondary reservoirs. It is suggested that gas/fluid migrate upwards along lithological conduits such as falling-stage systems tracts and sequence boundaries during both highstands and lowstands. In all, 13 mid-late Pleistocene sequence boundaries are accompanied by independent evidence of 13 eustatic sea-level drops. Whether this connection is coincidental or not requires further research. These findings fill gaps between previously reported sporadic appearances throughout the Levant Basin and margin and throughout geological time from the Messinian until the present day, and create a unified framework for understanding the system as a whole. Repetitive appearance of these features suggests that their role in the morphodynamics of continental margins is more important than previously thought and thus may constitute one of the key elements of continental margin development.     

Authigenic dolomites in the Eocene–Oligocene organic carbon-rich shales from the Polish Outer Carpathians: Evidence of past gas production and possible gas hydrate formation in the Silesian basin

Eocene–Oligocene dolomite concretions and beds from the Grybów and Dukla units of the Polish Outer Carpathians were studied. These rocks occur in the organic carbon-rich, marine and fine-grained deposits of hemipelagic or turbiditic origin. Mineralogic, elemental and stable C and O isotopic composition of the dolomites was determined. Results indicate that the rocks were formed by precipitation of predominantly Fe-rich dolomite cement close to the sediment-water interface prior to significant compaction. The main source of bicarbonate for dolomite formation was bacterial methanogenesis as evidenced by the high δ¹³C values up to 16.6‰. The main source of alkalinity was probably weathering of silicate minerals which might have also liberated Ca and Mg ions for the dolomites to form. The distribution of these dolomites indicates that microbial methane production was widespread in the Silesian basin. Moreover, formation of some dolomites in the Eastern part of the Dukla unit was probably associated with gas hydrates as suggested by the elemental and oxygen isotopic composition of dolomitic matrix. Therefore, the dolomites may serve as a proxy of areas where biogenic methane was produced, where the rocks had high hydrocarbon potential, and where hydrates could have existed.Detailed mineralogic and petrographic analyses allowed for the reconstruction of the diagenetic sequence and the evolution of pore fluids. Textural relationships between successive cement generations indicate that the central parts of the composite dolomite crystals experienced corrosion and that the latest ankerite cement filled the secondary intragranular cavities within those crystals. This observation shows that reconstructions of pore fluid evolution based on core-to-rim analyses of such composite crystals may lead to wrong interpretations. Septarian cracks developed in the dolomites are often filled with multistage cements. The earliest generations are ferroan dolomite and ankerite cements which precipitated within the cracks simultaneously to the ferroan dolomite and ankerite cements from the matrix of the dolomitic rocks which shows that septarian cracking occurred very early, during the final stages of concretionary formation. These cements were followed by the late-diagenetic precipitates, mainly quartz, kaolinite and blocky calcite. This calcite is commonly associated with bitumen which shows that it precipitated during or after oil migration in the decarboxylation zone.     

Multidisciplinary investigations exploring indicators of gas hydrate occurrence in the Krishna–Godavari Basin offshore, east coast of India

We report some main results of multidisciplinary investigations carried out within the framework of the Indian National Gas Hydrate Program in 2002–2003 in the Krishna–Godavari Basin offshore sector, east coast of India, to explore indicators of likely gas hydrate occurrence suggested by preliminary multi-channel seismic reflection data and estimates of gas hydrate stability zone thickness. Swath bathymetry data reveal new evidence of three distinct geomorphic units representing (1) a delta front incised by several narrow valleys and mass flows, (2) a deep fan in the east and (3) a WNW–ESE-trending sedimentary ridge in the south. Deep-tow digital side-scan sonar, multi-frequency chirp sonar, and sub-bottom profiler records indicate several surface and subsurface gas-escape features with a highly resolved stratification within the upper 50 m sedimentary strata. Multi-channel seismic reflection data show the presence of bottom simulating reflections of continuous to discrete character. Textural analyses of 76 gravity cores indicate that the sediments are mostly silty clay. Geochemical analyses reveal decreasing downcore pore water sulphate (SO₄ ²⁻) concentrations (28.7 to <4 mM), increasing downcore methane (CH₄) concentrations (0–20 nM) and relatively high total organic carbon contents (1–2.5%), and microbial analyses a high abundance of microbes in top core sediments and a low abundance of sulphate-reducing bacteria in bottom core sediments. Methane-derived authigenic carbonates were identified in some cores. Combined with evidence of gas-escape features in association with bottom simulating reflections, the findings strongly suggest that the physicochemical conditions prevailing in the study area are highly conducive to methane generation and gas hydrate occurrence. Deep drilling from aboard the JOIDES Resolution during 2006 has indeed confirmed the presence of gas hydrate in the Krishna–Godavari Basin offshore.     

Oil/gas–source rock correlations in the Dniepr-Donets Basin (Ukraine): New insights into the petroleum system

The Dniepr-Donets Basin (DDB) hosts a multi-source petroleum system with more than 200 oil and gas fields, mainly in Carboniferous clastic rocks. Main aim of the present study was to correlate accumulated hydrocarbons with the most important source rocks and to verify their potential to generate oil and gas. Therefore, molecular and isotopic composition as well as biomarker data obtained from 12 oil and condensate samples and 48 source rock extracts was used together with USGS data for a geological interpretation of hydrocarbon charging history.Within the central DDB, results point to a significant contribution from (Upper) Visean black shales, highly oil-prone as well as mixed oil- and gas-prone Serpukhovian rocks and minor contribution from an additional Tournaisian source. Devonian rocks, an important hydrocarbon source within the Pripyat Trough, have not been identified as a major source within the central DDB. Additional input from Bashkirian to Moscovian (?) (Shebelinka Field) as well as Tournaisian to Lower Visean rocks (e.g. Dovgal Field) with higher contents of terrestrial organic matter is indicated in the SE and NW part, respectively.Whereas oil–source correlation contradicts major hydrocarbon migration in many cases for Tournaisian to Middle Carboniferous reservoir horizons, accumulations within Upper Carboniferous to Permian reservoirs require vertical migration up to 4000 m along faults related to Devonian salt domes.1-D thermal models indicate hydrocarbon generation during Permo-Carboniferous time. However, generation in coal-bearing Middle Carboniferous horizons in the SE part of the basin may have occurred during the Mesozoic.     

Acoustical penetration and shear strength in gas‐charged sediment

Abstract

Methane concentrations and sediment shear strengths were measured in three foundation borings taken from areas of variable acoustical penetration in the Mississippi river delta front. Acoustically impenetrable or “turbid”; zones were associated with sedimentary methane concentrations above about 30 ml/liter, measured at atmospheric pressure. Sediments in the high‐gas, acoustically turbid zones demonstrated a smaller percentage increase in shear strength with depth than in zones of low gas concentration. The results indicate that a 3.5‐kHz system used for sub‐bottom profiles is unable to determine the thickness of gas‐charged sediments.     

Seabed morphology and gas venting features in the continental slope region of Krishna–Godavari basin,Bay of Bengal: Implications in gas-hydrate exploration

Increased oil and gas exploration activity has led to a detailed investigation of the continental shelf and adjacent slope regions of Mahanadi, Krishna–Godavari (KG) and Cauvery basins, which are promising petroliferous basins along the eastern continental margin of India. In this paper, we analyze the high resolution sparker, subbottom profiler and multibeam data in KG offshore basin to understand the shallow structures and shallow deposits for gas hydrate exploration. We identified and mapped prominent positive topographic features in the bathymetry data. These mounds show fluid/gas migration features such as acoustic voids, acoustic chimneys, and acoustic turbid layers. It is interesting to note that drilling/coring onboard JOIDES in the vicinity of the mounds show the presence of thick accumulation of subsurface gas hydrate. Further, geological and geochemical study of long sediment cores collected onboard Marion Dufresne in the vicinity of the mounds and sedimentary ridges shows the imprints of paleo-expulsion of methane and sulfidic fluid from the seafloor.     

Movement of large gas bubbles in unsaturated fine‐grained sediments

Abstract

Where undissolved gas occurs within fine‐grained marine sediments it usually takes the form of discrete bubbles that are much larger than the normal void spaces. The possibility of buoyancy‐induced movement of these relatively large bubbles must be included when considering the transport of gas through marine sediments. A theoretical analysis shows that, under static loading conditions, bubbles larger than a critical size should have sufficient buoyancy to move upward through a fine‐grained sediment stratum, whereas bubbles smaller than the critical size should remain fixed in position. The critical radius is directly proportional to sediment shear strength, and bubbles of a realistic size should move upward only in extremely weak sediments. Further theoretical analysis shows that the critical bubble size is reduced under cyclic loading conditions, but movement of typical‐sized bubbles should still be restricted to sediments of low shear strength. A simple laboratory experiment provides support for the conclusions of the theoretical analysis. The results indicate that buoyancy‐induced movement of relatively large gas bubbles in fine‐grained sediments is most likely to occur under storm loading conditions and is unlikely to occur at depths greater than a few meters below the seabed.     

Organic geochemical study of source rocks and natural gas and their genetic correlation in the eastern part of the Polish Outer Carpathians and Palaeozoic–Mesozoic basement

Geochemical characteristics of organic matter in the profiles of Dukla, Silesian, Sub-Silesian and Skole units of the Polish Outer Carpathians and of the Palaeozoic–Mesozoic basement in the Dębica-Rzeszów-Leżajsk-Sanok area were established based on Rock-Eval, vitrinite reflectance, isotopic and biomarker analyses of 485 rock samples. The Oligocene Menilite beds have the best hydrocarbon potential of all investigated formations within the Dukla, Silesian, and Skole units. The Ordovician, Silurian, Lower Devonian and locally Middle Jurassic strata of the Palaeozoic–Mesozoic basement are potential source rocks for oil and gas accumulated in Palaeozoic and Mesozoic reservoirs. Thirty one natural gas samples from sandstone reservoirs of the Lower Cretaceous-Lower Miocene strata within the Outer Carpathian sequence and eight from sandstone and carbonate reservoirs of the Palaeozoic–Mesozoic basement were analysed for molecular and isotopic compositions to determine their origin. Natural gases accumulated both in the Outer Carpathian and the Palaeozoic–Mesozoic basement reservoirs are genetically related to thermogenic and microbial processes. Thermogenic gaseous hydrocarbons that accumulated in the Dukla and Silesian units were generated from the Menilite beds. Thermogenic gaseous hydrocarbons that accumulated in the Sub-Silesian Unit most probably migrated from the Silesian Unit. Initial, and probably also secondary microbial methane component has been generated during microbial carbon dioxide reduction within the Oligocene Menilite beds in the Dukla Unit and Oligocene-Lower Miocene Krosno beds in the Silesian Unit. Natural gases that accumulated in traps within the Middle Devonian, Mississippian, Upper Jurassic, and Upper Cretaceous reservoirs of the Palaeozoic–Mesozoic basement were mainly generated during thermogenic processes and only sporadically from initial microbial processes. The thermogenic gases were generated from kerogen of the Ordovician-Silurian and Middle Jurassic strata. The microbial methane component occurs in a few fields of the Dukla and Silesian units and in the two accumulations in the Middle Devonian reservoirs of the Palaeozoic–Mesozoic basement.     

Service vessel activity in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico in support of the oil and gas industry using AIS data, 2009–2010

Offshore exploration and production in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico is supported by a large number of service vessels characterized by complex logistical patterns and demand points distributed across an expansive geographic area. No quantitative data on the spatial and temporal distributions of service vessel activity in the region is available due to the size, complexity and dynamics of the network. The purpose of this paper is to apply Automatic Identification System position data to quantify service vessel activity in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico from 2009 to 2010. A total of 1.1 million vessel arrivals and departures were recorded in 2009–2010, and in 2010, the number of vessel events increased by 40% due in part to the Macondo oil spill and cleanup response. Port-to-port movements comprise the majority of events and about 30% of activity relates to movements offshore. Port Fourchon, Venice, New Orleans, Sabine-Neches, and Lake Charles were the most active ports during the period. A detailed breakdown of vessel counts and the limitations of the analysis are outlined.     

Acoustic investigations of gas “flares” in the Sea of Okhotsk

The results of acoustic investigations of over 250 gas “flares” (GFs) located in the depth range of 160–1400 m in the vicinity of the northeastern slope of Sakhalin Island are presented. Pronounced features in the GFs distribution by the seabed’s depth have been identified, which allowed dividing them into four groups corresponding to four depth intervals. The number of GFs per seabed unit area decreases, and the power of the individual GFs increases with depth. The average methane flux per seabed unit of area has been estimated for each depth interval. It has been demonstrated that the total quantity of methane emitted from the seabed in the form of bubbles in the studied area is ∼0.1 million tons per year.     

The South Korea–Russia–Japan fisheries imbroglio

This paper chronicles and analyzes the political dispute that resulted when Russia gave South Korea permission to fish for saury in the Kurile area disputed by Russia and Japan. The dispute became a three-sided diplomatic wrangle and threatened to disrupt relations between the countries involved. In the resolution of the dispute, each side gained and lost both politically and economically. Given the difficult political relations in Northeast Asia, fisheries policy makers should consider the international political ramifications of their decisions.