Methane fluxes and gas hydrates as well as seismic activity in the Okhotsk Sea

The research works of methane concentration in water column of the Okhotsk Sea from 1984 to 2005 were reviewed. And some regularities of methane distribution in water column in the North-East Sakhalin slope of the Okhotsk Sea were concluded.     

Problems of ecological and technical safety by exploration and production of natural gas hydrates

Gas hydrates-the firm crystal connections formed water (water, ice, water vapor) and low-molecular waterproof natural gases (mainly methane) whose crystal structure effectively compresses gas: each cubic meter of hydrate can yield over 160 m3 of methane.In present time exploitation of the Messoyahsk (Russia) and Mallik (Canada) deposits of gas hydrates in is conducted actively. The further perfection of prospecting methods in the field of studying gas hydrates containing sediments in round extent depends on improvement of geophysical and well test research, among which native-state core drilling is one of the major. Sampling native-state core from gas hydrates sediments keeping not only original composition, but structural-textural features of their construction.Despite of appeal of use gas hydrates as the perspective and ecologically pure fuel possessing huge resources, investigation and development of their deposits can lead to a number of the negative consequences connected with arising hazards for maintenance of their technical and ecological safety of carrying out. Scales of arising problems can change from local up to regional and even global.     

Problems of ecological and technical safety by exploration and production of natural gas hydrates

Gas hydrates-the firm crystal connections formed water （water, ice, water vapor） and low-molecu- lar waterproof natural gases （mainly methane） whose crystal structure effectively compresses gas： each cubic meter of hydrate can yield over 160 m^3 of methane. In present time exploitation of the Messoyahsk （Russia） and Mallik （Canada） deposits of gas hydrates in is conducted actively. The further perfection of prospecting methods in the field of studying gas hydrates containing sediments in round extent depends on improvement of geophysical and well test research, among which native-state core drilling is one of the major. Sampling nativestate core from gas hydrates sediments keeping not only original composition, but structural-textural features of their construction. Despite of appeal of use gas hydrates as the perspective and ecologically pure fuel possessing huge resources, investigation and development of their deposits can lead to a number of the negative consequences connected with arising hazards for maintenance of their technical and ecological safety of carrying out. Scales of arising problems can change from local up to regional and even global.     

Accumulation and exploration of gas hydrate in deep-sea sediments of northern South China Sea

The large deep-sea area from the southwestern Qiongdongnan Basin to the eastern Dongsha Islands,within the continental margin of northern South China Sea,is a frontier of natural gas hydrate exploration in China.Multiform of deep-sea sedimentations have been occurred since late Miocene,and sediment waves as a potential quality reservoir of natural gas hydrate is an most important style of them.Based on abundant available data of seismic,gravity sampling and drilling core,we analyzed the characteristics of seismic reflection and sedimentation of sediment waves and the occurrence of natural gas hydrate hosted in it,and discussed the control factors on natural gas hydrate accumulation.The former findings revealed the deep sea of the northern South China Sea have superior geological conditions on natural gas hydrate accumulation.Therefore,it will be of great significance in deep-sea natural gas hydrate exploration with the study on the relationship between deep-sea sedimentation and natural gas hydrate accumulation.     

AVO character research of natural gas hydrates in the East China Sea

Natural gas hydrates are considered as strategic resources with commercial potential in the 21st century. Obvious BSR characteristics will be shown on seismic profiles, if there exist natural gas hydrates. The AVO method is one of the methods which can be used to identify and forecast lithologic characteristics and fluid properties by using the relationship between Amplitude and Offset. AVO anomaly is one of the significant signs to check out whether or not there is free gas below the BSR, so it can be used to detect natural gas hydrates from the seismic profile. Considering the geological and geophysical characteristics of the Okinawa Trough and making use of the techniques mentioned above, we can conclude that the conditions there are favorable for the formation and concentration of natural gas hydrates. By analyzing the data collected from the study area, one can discover many different anomalous phenomena on the seismic profile which are related to the existence of natural gas hydrates. Preliminary estimation of the natural gas hydrates in the Okinawa Trough shows that the trough is rich in natural gas hydrates and may become a potential important resources exploration area.     

Focused fluid flow in the Baiyun Sag, northern South China Sea: implications for the source of gas in hydrate reservoirs

The origin and migration of natural gas and the accumulation of gas hydrates within the Pearl River Mouth Basin of the northern South China Sea are poorly understood. Based on high-resolution 2D/3D seismic data, three environments of focused fluid flow: gas chimneys, mud diapirs and active faults have been identified. Widespread gas chimneys that act as important conduits for fluid flow are located below bottom simulating reflections and above basal uplifts. The occurrence and evolution of gas chimneys can be divided into a violent eruptive stage and a quiet seepage stage. For most gas chimneys, the strong eruptions are deduced to have happened during the Dongsha Movement in the latest Miocene, which are observed below Pliocene strata and few active faults develop above the top of the Miocene. The formation pressures of the Baiyun Sag currently are considered to be normal, based on these terms: 1) Borehole pressure tests with pressure coefficients of 1.043–1.047; 2) The distribution of gas chimneys is limited to strata older than the Pliocene; 3) Disseminated methane hydrates, rather than fractured hydrates, are found in the hydrate samples; 4) The gas hydrate is mainly charged with biogenic gas rather than thermogenic gas based on the chemical tests from gas hydrates cores. However, periods of quiet focused fluid flow also enable the establishment of good conduits for the migration of abundant biogenic gas and lesser volumes of thermogenic gas. A geological model governing fluid flow has been proposed to interpret the release of overpressure, the migration of fluids and the formation of gas hydrates, in an integrated manner. This model suggests that gas chimneys positioned above basal uplifts were caused by the Dongsha Movement at about 5.5 Ma. Biogenic gas occupies the strata above the base of the middle Miocene and migrates slowly into the gas chimney columns. Some of the biogenic gas and small volumes of thermogenic gas eventually contribute to the formation of the gas hydrates.     

Dissolved oxygen distribution and O2 fluxes across the sea-air interface in East China Sea waters

This study on the sectional and vertical distribution of dissolved oxygen (DO) and the O₂ fluxes across the sea-air interface in East China Sea (ESC) waters shows that the waters were in steady state and that the difference of DO was great in upper and bottom waters in Apr. 1994; but that seawater mixing was strong and the difference of DO was small in upper and bottom waters in Oct. 1994. The above conclusions were specially obvious in continental shelf waters under 100 m. The DO maximum in subsurface layer waters appeared only at several stations and in general the DO in the waters decreased with depth. The horizontal distributions of O₂ fluxes across the sea-air interface appeared in stripes in Leg 9404 when most regions covered were supersaturated with O₂ seawater to air flux was large, and that on section No. 1 was 1.594 L/m²·d. The horizontal distribution of O₂ fluxes across the sea-air interface appeared lumpy in Leg 9410, when most regions covered were unsaturated with O₂·O₂ was dissolved from air to seawater, and the fluxes were 0.819 L/m²·d on section No. 1 in Leg 9310, 0.219 L/m²·d in Leg 9410. The main reasons for DO change in surface layer seawater were the mixture of upper and bottom layer water, and the exchange of O₂ across the sea-air interface. The variation of DO by biological activity was only 20% of total change of DO. Contribution No. 2716 from Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.     

Response of the South China Sea summer monsoon onset to air-sea heat fluxes over the Indian Ocean

We objectively define the onset date of the South China Sea (SCS) summer monsoon, after having evaluated previous studies and considered various factors. Then, interannual and interdecadal characteristics of the SCS summer monsoon onset are analyzed. In addition, we calculate air-sea heat fluxes over the Indian Ocean using the advanced method of CORARE3.0, based on satellite remote sensing data. The onset variation cycle has remarkable interdecadal variability with cycles of 16 a and 28 a. Correlation analysis between air-sea heat fluxes in the Indian Ocean and the SCS summer monsoon indicates that there is a remarkable lag correlation between them. This result has important implications for prediction of the SCS summer monsoon, and provides a scientific basis for further study of the onset process of this monsoon and its prediction. Based on these results, a linear regression equation is obtained to predict the onset date of the monsoon in 2011 and 2012. The forecast is that the onset date of 2011 will be normal or 1 pentad earlier than the normal year, while the onset date in 2012 will be 1-2 pentads later.     

Interannual variability of latent and sensible heat fluxes in the South China Sea

The South China Sea (SCS) is significantly influenced by El Nio and the Southern Oscillation (ENSO) through ENSO-driven atmospheric and oceanic changes.We analyzed measurements made from 1960 to 2004 to investigate the interannual variability of the latent and sensible heat fluxes over the SCS.Both the interannual variations of latent and sensible heat fluxes are closely related to ENSO events.The low-pass mean heat flux anomalies vary in a coherent manner with the low-pass mean Southern Oscillation Index ...     

Preliminary study on particulate organic carbon export fluxes in the Bering Sea

During the Second Chinese National Arctic Expedition (CHINARE) from July to September 2003, depth profiles of dissolved and particulate 234Th in upper water columns were collected at two stations of BR03 and BR24 in the Bering Sea. 234Th was sampled by using a traditional Fe(OH)3 co-precipitation technique, which is a reliable approach to 234Th measurement. We observed 234Th excess at station BR03 below the euphotic zone, which was possibly due to the intensive remineralization of particulate matter. Particulate organic carbon (POC) export fluxes were estimated from a one-dimensional irreversible steady state model of 234Th fluxes together with measurements of the POC/234Th ratio on the suspended particles. The POC export fluxes from the euphotic zone were 11.66 and 11.69 mmol C m-2 d-1 at BR03 and BR24 stations,respectively. The ratios of POC fluxes to primary production at the two stations were about 0.5 and 0.59, respectively, probably due to the presence of large phytoplankton (in particular diatoms).     

Research Progress of Seafloor Pockmarks in Spatio-Temporal Distribution and Classification

Seafloor pockmarks are important indicators of submarine methane seepages and slope instabilities.In order to promote the understanding of submarine pockmarks and their relationship with sediment instabilities and climate changes,here we summarize the research results of pockmarks in the spatio-temporal distributions and shaping factors.Most of pockmarks occur along active or passive continental margins during the last 25 kyr B.P..Circular and ellipse are the most common forms of pockmarks,whereas pockmarks in a special crescent or elongated shape are indicators of slope instabilities,and ring-shape pockmarks are endemic to the gas hydrate zones.Further researches should be focused on the trigger mechanism of climate changes based on the pockmarks in the high latitudes formed during the deglaciation periods,and the role of gas hydrates in the seafloor evolution should be elucidated.In addition,the feature of pockmarks at their early stage(e.g.,developing gas chimneys and gas driving sedimentary doming)and the relations between pockmarks and mass movements,mud diapirs could be further studied to clarify the influences of rapid methane release from submarine sediments on the atmospheric carbon contents.     

缅甸安达曼海弧后坳陷天然气成藏要素及成藏模式

缅甸安达曼海已成为中国石油企业的重要海外探区之一。受印度板块向欧亚板块和西缅甸微地块多期斜向俯冲的影响,该区先后经历了被动陆缘、过渡型陆缘及主动陆缘的演化阶段,盆地属性与油气成藏特征极为复杂。通过系统梳理安达曼海弧后坳陷的烃源岩、储盖层、圈闭、输导体系与油气生-运-聚匹配史等成藏要素,总结出该区油气成藏主控因素。结果表明:本区发育渐新统—下中新统、中中新统与上新统3套泥质烃源岩,前二者为成熟烃源岩,后者为生物气源岩;岛弧带上碳酸盐岩礁体与斜坡带上砂体的储集条件良好;斜坡带继承性古隆起之上的断背斜圈闭容积大;高角度张性断裂与连通性砂体分别构成以垂向、侧向为主的输导体系。结合油气成因、运移方式与圈闭类型的主要特征,建立了2种成藏模式:①中央凹陷带浅层生物气或混源气垂向运移断块圈闭成藏模式;②东部斜坡带、西部斜坡和岛弧带热解气侧向运移断背斜-岩性圈闭成藏模式。西部斜坡及岛弧带上的碳酸盐岩礁体和东部斜坡带继承性古隆起之上的大型断背斜是有利勘探目标。     

BIOGEOCHEMICAL BEHAVIOR OF NUTRIENTS AND THEIR FLUXES IN THE MINJIANG RIVER ESTUARY

IMRODUcTlONThe577km1ongMinjiangRiver,thelongestriverinFujianProvinceofChina,hasa6O992km2drainagebasin.Thewaterdischargeislarge(meaninyearsis198Om/s).TheannualrunofffromtheMinjiangRiveris5.84xlOlom,WhichismorethanthatoftheHuangheRiver,andranksthirdintheannualrunoffofmaorChineseriversWhang,l994).SimdentnutrientSfromtheMinjiangRivertotheseaisanarisa-ryconditionforthefonnationandcontinuingexistenceoftheMindongFisheryGroundandtheMihahongFisheryGround.Inthendingareaofriverwaterwithseaw…     

Seismic data processing approaches for the study of gas hydrates in the east China sea

A comprehensive study of the data profiles, including the 2D seismic data, single channel seismic data, shallow sections, etc., reveals that gas hydrates occur in the East China Sea. A series of special techniques are used in the processing of seismic data, which include enhancing the accuracy of velocity analysis and resolution, estimating the wavelet, suppressing the multiple, preserving the relative amplitude, using the DMO and AVO techniques and some special techniques in dealing with the wave impedance. The existence of gas hydrates is reflected in the subbottom profiles in the appearance of BSRs, amplitude anomalies, velocity anomalies and AVO anomalies, etc. Hence the gas hydrates can be identified and predicted. It is pointed out that the East China Sea is a favorable area of the gas hydrates resource, and the Okinawa Trough is a target area of gas hydrates reservoir.     

MOLAR RATIOS OF C, N, P OF PARTICULATE MATTER AND THEIR VERTICAL FLUXES IN THE YELLOW SEA

The vertical fluxes and molar ratios of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus of suspended particulate matter in the Yellow Sea were studied based on the analysis of suspended particulate matter,sediments and sinking particles obtained by use of moored sediment traps. The POC ： PON ratios indicate that most of the particulate organic matter in the Yellow Sea water column comes from marine life rather than the continent. The vertical fluxes of SPM, POC, PON and POP in the Yellow Sea are much higher than those in other seas over the world, and present a typical pattern in shallow epicontinental seas. The estimated residence time of the bioactive elements showed that the speed of the biogeochemical process of materials in the Yellow Sea is much shorter than that in the open ocean as there was high primary productivity in this region.     

Nutrient structure of the Taiwan Warm Current and estimation of vertical nutrient fluxes in upwelling areas in the East China Sea in summer

Based on field data for nutrients collected on the continental shelf of the East China Sea (ECS) during summer 2006, the structure and variations of nutrients in every water mass related to the Taiwan Warm Current (TWC) were analyzed. The supplementary effect of nutrient of upwelling on harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the ECS was also estimated, based on upwelling data. Then the maintenance contribution of nutrient of upwelling to HABs was assessed. The results showed that N/P ratio is fairly low in both surface and deep layers of the TWC, which possibly controls nutrient structure of the HABs-frequently-occuring areas. In upwelling areas, the rate of phosphate (PO₄-P) uptake exceeds that of nitrate (NO₃-N) of the TWC. The TWC may relieve PO₄-P limitation during the process of HABs. Furthermore, upwelling plays an important role in providing nutrients to HABs. After estimating nutrient fluxes (NO₃-N, PO₄-P, SiO₃-Si) in the upwelling areas along a typical section (S07), the results showed that the nutrient uptake rate is the greatest at 10–20 m below euphotic zone, sustaining the ongoing presence of HABs. The uptake rate of PO₄-P is the highest among dissolved inorganic nutrients. Therefore, upwelling is most likely the main source of PO₄-P supply to HABs.     

Gravity-driven sedimentation on the northwestern continental slope in the South China Sea: Results from high-resolution seismic data and piston cores

mODUCnONGravityflowsedimentationonthenorthwsterncontinentalsl0PeoftheSOuthChinaSea(SCS)are0fgreatinterestfromthescientificandengineeringP0intofview-Th0roughknOWedgofcontinentalsloPepmeessesanddepositionfeatUresispreregUisiteforhydID-carbenexploraion0fdeepwaerandforprotectionofoffhoredrineeopneeringstrUcbes(PlaifonnsandpiPelines)againstnaedhed.ManykindsofmassmovmentPIDCess-eswerefoUndtobeactiveonthen0rthernSCS(Damuth,l979;l98O).High-freqUency(3.5ffo)echo-chaIaCterInaPPingisawell…     

STUDY OF WATER—TRANSPORT THROUGH SOME MAIN STRAITS IN THE EAST CHINA SEA AND SOUTH CHINA SEA

OCCAM global ocean model results were applied to calculate the monthly water transport through 7 straits around the East China Sea(ECS)and the South china Sea(SCS).Analysis of the features of velocity profiles and their variations in the Togara Strait,Luzon Strait and Eastern Taiwan Strait showed that;1)the velocity profiles had striped pattern in the Eastern Taiwan Strait,where monthly flux varied from 22.4 to 28.1 Sv and annual mean was about 25.8 Sv;2)the profiles of velocity in the Togara Strait were characterized by core structure,and monthly flux varied from 23.3 to 31.4 Sv,with annual mean of about 27.9 Sv;3)water flowed from the SCS to the ECS in the Taiwan Strait,with maximum flux of 3.1 Sv in July and minimum of 0.9 Sv in November;4)the flux in the Tsushima Strait varied by only about 0.4 Sv by season and its annual mean was about 2.3 Sv;5)Kuroshio water flowed into the SCS in the Luzon Strait throughout the year and the velocity profiles were characterized by multi-core structure.The flux in the Luzon Strait was minimun in June(about 2.4 Sv)and maximum in February(about 9.0 Sv),and its annual mean was 4.8 Sv;6)the monthly flux in the Mindoro Strait was maximum in December(3.0 Sv)and minimum in June(Only 0.1 Sv),and its annual mean was 1.3 Sv;7)Karimata Strait water flowed into the SCS from May to August,with maximum in-flow flux of about 0.75 Sv in June and flowed out from September to April at maximum outflow flux of 3.9 Sv in January.The annual mean flux was about 1.35 Sv.     

Macrobenthic community structure and species composition in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea in jellyfish bloom

To understand the characteristics of macrobenthic structures and the relationship between environment and benthic assemblages in jellyfish bloom, we studied the macrobenthos and related environmental factors in the coastal waters of the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. Data were collected during two seasonal cruises in April and August of 2011, and analyzed with multivariate statistical methods. Up to 306 macrobenthic species were registered from the research areas, including 115 species of Polychaeta, 78 of Crustacea, 61 of Mollusca, 30 of Echinodermata, and 22 of other groups. Nine polychaete species occurred at frequencies higher than 25% from the sampling stations： Lumbrineris longifolia, Notomastus latericeus, Nin6e palmata, Ophelina acuminata, Nephtys oligobranchia, Onuphis geophiliformis, Glycera chirori, Terebellides stroemii, and Aricidea fragilis. Both the average biomass and abundance of macrobenthos are higher in August （23.8 g/m^2 and 237.7 ind./m^2） than those in April （11.3 g/m^2 and 128 ind./m^2）; the dissimilarity ofmacrobenthic structures among stations is as high as 70%. In terms of the dissimilarity values, we divided the stations into four clusters in spring and eight in summer. The ABC curve shows that the macrofauna communities in high jellyfish abundance were not changed. Canonical correspondence analysis showed that depth, temperature, median grain size, total organic carbon of sediment and total nitrogen in sediment were important factors affecting the macrozoobenthic community in the study area.