Mud volcanoes and gas hydrates in the Anaximander mountains (Eastern Mediterranean Sea)

Detailed multibeam, sedimentological, and geophysical surveys provide ample new data to confirm that the Anaximander Mountains (Eastern Mediterranean) are an important area for active mud volcanism and gas hydrate formation. More than 3000 km of multibeam track length was acquired during two recent missions and 80 gravity and box cores were recovered. Morphology and backscatter data of the study area have better resolution than previous surveys, and very detailed morphology maps have been made of the known targeted mud volcanoes (Amsterdam, Kazan and Kula), especially the Amsterdam “crater” and the related mud breccia flows. Gas hydrates collected repeatedly from a large area of Amsterdam mud volcano at a sub-bottom depth of around 0.3–1.5 m resemble compacted snow and have a rather flaky form. New gas hydrate sites were found at Amsterdam mud volcano, including the mud flow sloping off to the south. Gas hydrates sampled for the first time at Kazan mud volcano are dispersed throughout the core samples deeper than 0.3 m and display a ‘rice’-like appearance. Relative chronology and AMS dating of interbedded pelagic sediments (Late Holocene hemipelagic, sapropel layer S1 and ash layers) within the mud flows indicate that successive eruptions of Kula mud volcano have a periodicity of about 5–10 kyrs. New mud volcanoes identified on the basis of multibeam backscatter intensity were sampled, documented as active and named “Athina” and “Thessaloniki”. Gas hydrates were sampled also in Thessaloniki mud volcano, the shallowest (1264 m) among all the active Mediterranean sites, at the boundary of the gas hydrate stability zone. Biostratigraphical analyses of mud breccia clasts indicated that the source of the subsurface sedimentary sequences consists of Late Cretaceous limestones, Paleocene siliciclastic rocks, Eocene biogenic limestones and Miocene mudstones. Rough estimations of the total capacity of the Anaximander mud volcanoes in methane gas are 2.56–6.40 km³.     

Tectonically-driven mud volcanism since the late Pliocene on the Calabrian accretionary prism,central Mediterranean Sea

Mud volcanoes recently discovered on the offshore Calabrian Arc are investigated at two sites 60 km apart, in water depths of 1650--2300 m, using swath bathymetry, 2D&3D multichannel seismic and cores. The seabed and subsurface data provide information on their formation and functioning in relation to tectonic activity during the rapid Plio-Quaternary advance of the accretionary prism. Fore-arc extension and thrust-belt compression are seen to have involved two main phases of activity, separated by a regional unconformity recording a mid-Pliocene (3.5–3.0 Ma) tectonic reorganization. The two sites of mud volcanism lie in contrasting tectonic settings (inner fore-arc basin vs central fold-and-thrust belt) and record differing forms of seabed extrusive activity (twin mud cones and a caldera vs a broad mud pie). At both sites, subsurface data show that mud volcanism took place throughout the second tectonic phase, since the late Pliocene; differing forms of mud extrusion were accompanied by subsidence to form depressions beneath and within extrusive edifices up to 1.5 km thick. The basal subsidence depressions point to sources within the succession of thrusts underlying the inner to central Arc, consistent with microfossils within cored mud breccias from both sites that are derived from strata as old as Late Cretaceous.     

A predictive numerical model for potential mapping of the gas hydrate stability zone in the Gulf of Cadiz

This paper presents a computational model for mapping the regional 3D distribution in which seafloor gas hydrates would be stable, that is carried out in a Geographical Information System (GIS) environment. The construction of the model is comprised of three primary steps, namely: (1) the construction of surfaces for the various variables based on available 3D data (seafloor temperature, geothermal gradient and depth-pressure); (2) the calculation of the gas function equilibrium functions for the various hydrocarbon compositions reported from hydrate and sediment samples; and (3) the calculation of the thickness of the hydrate stability zone. The solution is based on a transcendental function, which is solved iteratively in a GIS environment.The model has been applied in the northernmost continental slope of the Gulf of Cadiz, an area where an abundant supply for hydrate formation, such as extensive hydrocarbon seeps, diapirs and fault structures, is combined with deep undercurrents and a complex seafloor morphology. In the Gulf of Cadiz, the model depicts the distribution of the base of the gas hydrate stability zone for both biogenic and thermogenic gas compositions, and explains the geometry and distribution of geological structures derived from gas venting in the Tasyo Field (Gulf of Cadiz) and the generation of BSR levels on the upper continental slope.     

Seismic and structural characterization of fluid escape pipes using 3D and partial stack seismic from the Loyal Field (Scotland,UK): A multiphase and repeated intrusive mechanism

The potential for fluid leakage from sub-surface reservoirs has important implications for CO2 storage, hydrocarbon reservoirs and water resources. Understanding the genesis, morphology, fluid flow mechanisms and extent of fluid escape from reservoirs allows for better risking of geological resources and storage potential. Here we describe in detail the structures of fluid escape pipes from the Loyal Field, observed from a 3D full and partial stack seismic dataset. The seismic imagery suggests that the fluid escape pipes are rooted at least in the main Paleocene reservoir and by-pass the reservoir seal to cross the post Lista Formation overburden up to the intra-Neogene units. The pipes extend for a few hundred meters to a few kilometres and show varying shape and structure from blow-out structures to incipient mud volcanoes. A detailed analysis of the seismic characteristics observed both from main baseline and partial stack data allows a division of the pipes into two families: (1) seeps and pipes following structural discontinuities and (2) pipes unrelated to the pre-existing structural features. The pipes internal seismic response, the reflector termination of the main conduits and the distribution of stacked bright reflectors suggest an upward migration mechanism (during pipe birth and development), requiring a cyclic switching from non-Darcy hydrofracturing (during overpressure) to Darcy flow lateral migration (during low-pressure stage).     

锂同位素地球化学及其在热液活动研究中的应用

在前人研究资料及成果的基础上,探讨了海底热液活动区锂和锂同位素地球化学组成及应用前景。与海底热液活动相伴的锂元素是海洋锂库的重要来源。海底热液系统中各部分锂及其同位素组成具有显著差异,热液流体中锂含量为20~1 421μmol/kg,δ7Li值为 2.6‰~ 11.6‰;孔隙水中锂含量为9.0~5 720μmol/kg,δ7Li值为 4.5‰~ 43.7‰;热液活动区沉积物中锂含量为(4.8~76)×10-6,δ7Li值为-4.31‰~ 9.36‰;风化玄武岩中锂含量为(6.97~75.5)×10-6,δ7Li值为 7.5‰~ 13.7‰;高温变质玄武岩中锂含量为(0.60~4.61)×10-6,δ7Li值为-2.1‰~ 4.8‰。因此,锂及其同位素组成能提供热液系统中有关水-岩反应、水-沉积物反应、物质来源及流体循环的信息,是洋壳岩石蚀变及海底热液循环非常有效的指示剂。热液系统锂及其同位素组成能预测海底水岩比率,是海底热液矿床规模预测的有效参数。     

椒江河口浮泥的分布和调整

应用光学和声学泥沙剖面监测系统,进行1991、1994和1995年3个航次的椒江河口最大混浊带纵横剖面和时间剖面观测.在受控于潮流和径流对比条件的周期性调整基础上,椒江河口浮泥层还表现出非主流聚集趋向和洼地聚集趋向,促使最大混浊带保持对边界条件十分敏感的泥沙储库.     

Integrated hydroacoustic flares and geomechanical characterization reveal potential hydrocarbon leakage pathways in the Perth Basin,Australia

Geoscience Australia (GA) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) conducted a marine survey including monitoring hydroacoustic flares in order to understand the natural leakage pathways in the offshore northern Perth Basin. 186 hydroacoustic contacts were encountered and classified and thirty two were interpreted as possible seeps or expulsion of gases from the subsurface. The contacts were typically distributed above areas of interpreted subsurface faulting. In the survey site Da (15 km²), nine probable seeps and sixteen other contacts were interpreted and are aligned with a fault segment (A2) interpreted on 2D seismic reflection data. The segment A2 is part of a major N–NNW trending fault system intersecting the sedimentary sequence from the near seabed to the Permian units, including the Kockatea Shale source rock located in the oil window. Evaluation of the stress state on the fault segment A2 suggests that it is not critically stressed and therefore not likely prone to reactivation and dilation and vertical leakage under the modelled stress field. We propose that fault segment A2 acts as a baffle delimiting a migration pathway in the wall rock and permitting hydrocarbons generated from the source rock to overcome capillary entry pressures of the overlying marginal seals. The interpreted seeps could therefore be associated with intraformational vertical migration in the wall rock focused by the faults.     

马里亚纳海沟挑战者深渊初期多金属氧化物的 矿物学、地球化学特征及其成因环境研究

对大洋27航次在西太平洋马里亚纳海沟挑战者深渊获取的3个多金属氧化物样品进行了X射线矿物衍射分析、穆斯堡尔谱分析及地球化学元素分析,研究其矿物、地球化学特征差异。结果表明,所取样品处于多金属氧化物发育的初始阶段,具有独特的矿物地球化学特征:(1)相较于太平洋CC区及中太平洋海盆获取的多金属结核样品,本研究样品的矿物组成中含有异常高的石英、斜长石以及黏土矿物,而水羟锰矿和钙锰矿含量较低。(2)样品中铁相矿物主要为正方针铁矿(91.6%),另含少量纤铁矿(8.4%),推测是纤铁矿向更加稳定的正方针铁矿衍变的结果。(3)由于样品中深海黏土组分以及氧化物核心物质的混入,加上吸附金属氧化物时间较短,导致SiO₂和Al₂O₃含量均高于正常结核,而Fe、Mn、Cu、Co、Ni等其余金属元素含量较低。(4)由于形成时间较短,样品中稀土元素含量相对较低,ΣREE仅约为0.4×10^-3(一般太平洋CC区及中太平洋结核中稀土含量均大于1.0×10^-3);加之海水氧化还原作用的降低以及研究区海底热液活动的影响,Ce元素未表现出多金属结核中常见的正异常。     

楚科奇海及其邻近海域表层沉积物的元素地球化学特征

北极地区不仅具有丰富的矿产资源,而且在全球变化研究中具有极为重要的地位[1],同时由于其极端环境下的物理、化学作用与中低纬度有较大的差别,导致了这里的海洋地球化学过程的特殊性,因此在基础理论研究中也扮演着十分重要的角色.1999年中国首次北极科学考察对位于北冰洋的楚科奇海及其邻近海域进行了沉积物取样,开展了地球化学研究,并已取得了部分成果[2～4].     

The spatial,temporal and volumetric analysis of a large mud volcano province within the Eastern Mediterranean

This paper documents and describes through the use of 3D seismic data a prolific mud volcano province within the Eastern Mediterranean. As many as 386 mud volcanoes were mapped within the post-salt succession of the western slope of the Nile Cone, offshore Egypt, using high resolution 3D seismic data. The mud volcanoes within this field display significant geometrical variability in diameter (c. 550 m to c. 5660 m), height (c. 25 m to c. 510 m) and volume (c. 0.1 km³ to c. 3.3 km³) and lie at depths ranging from c. > 6000 m subsea to c. 3100 m at the seafloor. A close spatial relationship between mud volcanoes and base-salt depressions and regions of anomalous thinning within the immediate pre-salt succession, combined with documented core samples taken from mud volcanoes within this region present a powerful argument for a pre-salt source of mud. 3D seismic interpretation and volumetric analysis of these mud volcanoes and their source region permit the definition and quantification of their depletion zones. A conceptual model for a dynamic liquefaction and sediment withdrawal process is proposed whereby mud is fed into a central conduit as the depletion zone propagates radially and episodically outwards resulting in a the formation of a concentric depletion zones. Prolonged mud volcanism within this region over the last ∼5.3 Ma implies the potential for long lived pre-salt overpressure and continued mud volcanism following the catastrophic hydrodynamic impact of the Messinian Salinity Crisis. It is suggested that the scale of mud volcanism means that this region should be considered as among the largest mud volcano provinces in the world.     

Distributing the bigeye conservation burden in the western and central pacific fisheries

The Western and Central Pacific Ocean is home to the world's most productive tuna fisheries, with the majority of tuna catches occurring inside the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of the region's developing coastal States. It is important that these fisheries are managed effectively throughout their range, both within and between EEZs and on the high seas. Unrestrained exploitation in a particular EEZ or on the high seas has the potential to significantly impact on catches elsewhere with potentially devastating consequences for developing coastal States, some of which have few alternate resources. The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) was established in 2004 to manage the region's highly migratory tuna fisheries. However, the WCPFC has since repeatedly failed to adopt conservation and management measures that are sufficient to meet the WCPFC's conservation and sustainable use objectives. This paper analyses catch data from the WCPFC and suggests that the weak position of bigeye (in a strategic political context), the unwillingness of members to compromise their interests and the lack of a transparent framework for distributing the burden of conservation are key factors in the WCPFC's failure to adopt sufficiently strong conservation and management measures.     

Deep crustal structure and rheology of the Gascoyne volcanic margin,western Australia

Interpretation of deep seismic reflection data across the Gascoyne Margin reveals six distinct seismic facies units related to the tectono-magmatic breakup history. On the outer Exmouth Plateau four large scale units are identified: (1) an extensively block-faulted upper crust; (2) a middle-crustal unit of discontinuous, undulatory reflectors; (3) a reflection-free deep crustal unit; and (4) a lower-crustal band of low-frequency, high-amplitude reflectors. Two additional units are found near the continent-ocean boundary (COB); (5) seaward-dipping reflectors (SDR); and (6) landward-dipping reflectors in the lower crust below the SDR. The lower-crustal high-reflectivity band, located near the top of a high-velocity unit (V_p > 7 kms^–1), is interpreted as magmatic underplating. There is a spatial correlation between the underplated area and the presence of extensive upper-crustal block-faulting and intrusive rocks in the shallow crust. The undulatory middle-crustal reflector unit is also only identified in the outer plateau area, and is interpreted as a zone in which the upper-crustal faults terminate. The inner parts of the margin consist of a deep basin showing little upper-crustal faulting and no evidence of middle crustal deformation or underplating. Theoretical modeling of the effect of rifting and magmatic underplating on crustal strength profiles suggests that the brittle-ductile transition may migrate at least 5 km upwards during several million years after the underplating event. Based on the seismic interpretation and crustal strength modeling we propose that the seismic structure of the outer Exmouth Plateau is severely modified by a transient change in the crustal rheological structure associated with magmatic underplating.     

Grain size, geochemistry, magnetic susceptibility: Proxies in identifying sources and factors controlling distribution of metals in a tropical estuary, India

The aim of this study is to understand the various sources and factors controlling the abundance and distribution of the metals through the analyses of selected metals (iron, manganese, chromium, copper, zinc and cobalt), sand, silt, clay, organic carbon and magnetic susceptibility of the surface sediments of Zuari estuary in three different seasons. Total suspended matter (TSM) concentration and salinity of near surface and bottom waters were also measured. The study undertaken for three seasons, based on 18 selected stations all along the estuary, indicated that the concentration of most of the metals were comparatively higher during pre-monsoon than in monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Further, along the length of the estuary, high concentrations were observed at lower middle and lower estuary and also at few stations at the upstream end. Salinity, distribution of TSM, size of the sediment, organic matter, geomorphological setup, fresh water input from land and release of industrial waste within the estuary played a role in distribution and concentration of metals. Magnetic measurements indicated the dominance of haematite like minerals and helped in understanding the source and depositional processes.     

Composition and geochemistry of clay sediments offshore the northeastern Sicilian coast (Southeastern Tyrrhenian Sea,Italy)

Grain-size, mineralogical and chemical analyses were carried out on fine fraction of sediments collected in the Gulfs of Patti and Milazzo, two borderland basins in the Southern Tyrrhenian extending offshore the northeastern Sicilian coast.     

西北冰洋表层沉积物黏土矿物分布特征及物质来源

西北冰洋表层沉积物黏土矿物分析结果显示其黏土矿物组成的区域分布和变化具有明显的规律性:从楚科奇海到北冰洋深水区,随着水深的增加,蒙皂石和高岭石含量增高,绿泥石和伊利石含量降低。自西往东,伊利石结晶度值降低,化学指数升高。根据Q型聚类分析获得的黏土矿物组合特征,结合周缘陆地的地质背景、河流及洋流情况,对研究区进行了黏土矿物组合分区,讨论了其黏土矿物来源。楚科奇海表层沉积物黏土矿物组合在靠近阿拉斯加一侧海域以Ⅰ类为主,靠东西伯利亚海一侧主要有Ⅱ类、Ⅲ类和Ⅳ类,中部主要为Ⅵ类,主要是西伯利亚和阿拉斯加的火山岩、变质岩以及一些含高岭石的沉积物以及古土壤等,经风化、河流搬运入海,在北太平洋的3股洋流及西伯利亚沿岸流的作用下沉积形成的。西北冰洋深水区表层沉积物的黏土矿物组合以Ⅰ类和Ⅴ类为主,表明其沉积物来源为欧亚陆架和加拿大北极群岛周缘海域的海冰沉积和大西洋水体的搬运以及加拿大马更些河的河流物质输入。     

Organic geochemistry and petroleum potential of Early Cretaceous Garau Formation in central part of Lurestan zone,northwest of Zagros,Iran

Deposition of organic rich black shales and dark gray limestones in the Berriasian-Turonian interval has been documented in many parts of the world. The Early Cretaceous Garau Formation is well exposed in Lurestan zone in Iran and is composed of organic-rich shales and argillaceous limestones. The present study focuses on organic matter characterization and source rock potential of the Garau Formations in central part of Lurestan zone. A total of 81 core samples from 12 exploratory wells were subjected to detailed geochemical analyses. These samples have been investigated to determine the type and origin of the organic matter as well as their petroleum-generation potential by using Rock-Eval/TOC pyrolysis, GC and GCMS techniques. The results showed that TOC content ranges from 0.5 to 4.95 percent, PI and Tmax values are in the range of 0.2 and 0.6, and 437 and 502 °C. Most organic matter is marine in origin with sub ordinary amounts of terrestrial input suggesting kerogen types II-III and III. Measured vitrinite reflectance (Rrandom%) values varying between 0.78 and 1.21% indicating that the Garau sediments are thermally mature and represent peak to late stage of hydrocarbon generation window. Hydrocarbon potentiality of this formation is assessed fair to very good capable of generating chiefly gas and some oil. Biomarker characteristics are used to provide information about source and maturity of organic matter input and depositional environment. The relevant data include normal alkane and acyclic isoprenoids, distribution of the terpane and sterane aliphatic biomarkers. The Garau Formation is characterized by low Pr/Ph ratio (<1.0), high concentrations of C27 regular steranes and the presence of tricyclic terpanes. These data indicated a carbonate/shale source rock containing a mixture of aquatic (algal and bacterial) organic matter with a minor terrigenous organic matter contribution that was deposited in a marine environment under reducing conditions. The results obtained from biomarker characteristics also suggest that the Garau Formation is thermally mature which is in agreement with the results of Rock-Eval pyrolysis.     

In situ cone penetration tests at the active Dashgil mud volcano,Azerbaijan: Evidence for excess fluid pressure,updoming, and possible future violent eruption

Active mud volcanism is a global phenomenon that represents a natural hazard by self-igniting eruptions and the continuous emission of methane gas in both marine and continental settings. Mud domes are often found in compressional tectonic settings such as the Caucasus orogenic wedge. Dashgil mud volcano, the most prominent of >200 features in Azerbaijan, has erupted vigorously in historic times. For several years, we have observed variations in the activity of Dashgil dome, including transients in methane flux, build-up of extrusive mud cones on the main feature, and flexural polygonal cracks adjacent to the main crater lake and new mud cones. In spring 2007, we carried out in situ CPTU (Cone Penetration Testing with Pore Pressure measurement) experiments in the crestal area of Dashgil. Our data suggest that the central portion of the crater lake, which hosts the conduit for gas (and possible mud) ascent, shows both low sediment shear strength (<5–20 kPa) and excess pore fluid pressures between 15 and 30 kPa supra-hydrostatic at 1 m sub-bottom depth. In situ cone resistance as a measure for undrained shear strength is as low as 150 kPa in the conduit, whereas the mud is found rather stiff in all other testing locations (300–700 kPa, probably a result of deeply buried shales of the Maikop formation parts of which now liquefy and ascend). Pore pressure is low in the centre of the conduit, probably because of rapidly migrating gas. It increases to 30 kPa at the lake bottom and deep flank, then decreases upslope on the lake flank, and reaches hydrostatic values at the crater rim. From the overpressured region beneath the fluid-filled crest of Dashgil dome, combined with the other observations, we suspect to currently witness an ongoing period of updoming. The presence of sintered mudstones from explosive eruptions in 1908 and 1928 (and most likely before) suggests that a similar violent activity may occur in the near future.     

Zircon U-Pb geochronology,Hf isotopes,and geochemistry constraints on the age and tectonic affinity of the basement granitoids from the Qiongdongnan Basin,northern South China Sea

Studies in the northern South China Sea(SCS) basement remain important for understanding the evolution of the Southeast Asian continental margin. Due to a thick cover of sediments and scarce borehole penetration, little is known about the age and tectonic affinity of this basement. In this study, an integrated study of zircon U-Pb geochronology, Hf isotopes, and whole-rock major and trace elements on seven basement granitoids from seven boreholes of Qiongdongnan Basin has been carried out. New z...     

Shallow gas and fluid migration in the northern Arafura Sea (offshore Northern Australia)

A variety of shallow gas indicators and fluid migration pathways have been interpreted from new sub-bottom profiler, multibeam bathymetry, side-scan sonar, and echo-sounder data together with geochemical analyses of sampled sediments from the northern Arafura Sea, offshore Northern Australia. This study provides new geological data and a seismic stratigraphy of the youngest units in the Money Shoal Basin, in an area that has not been closely studied in over 30 years. The shallow gas indicators include pockmarks, low frequency enhanced reflectors and acoustic blanking. These indicators are supported by gas within shallow cores. Geochemistry indicates that this gas has a microbial origin but deeper fluid movement is also suggested by the presence of interpreted hydrocarbon slicks based on synthetic aperture radar data. A region of likely hydrocarbon seepage is indicated by the clear coincidence of shallow gas indicators with an area of increased faulting and a zone of poor quality seismic data (recognised on conventional seismic data), together with anomalies (interpreted on remote-sensing data) aligned with mapped deep structures.     

Source and magmatic evolution of ocean island basalts from the Pohnpei Island,Northwest Pacific Ocean: Insights from olivine geochemistry

The compositional variability of ocean island basalts (OIBs) is thought to reflect partial melting of a lithologically-heterogeneous mantle source dominated by ...