Gulf of Mexico hydrocarbon seep communities: VI. Patterns in community structure and habitat |
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Authors: | I. Rosman MacDonald Norman L. Guinasso Jr. James F. Reilly James M. Brooks W. Russell Callender Steve G. Gabrielle |
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Affiliation: | (1) Geochemical and Environmental Research Group, Texas A&M University, 10 South Graham Rd., 77840 College Station, TX, USA;(2) Enserch Exploration Inc., 1601 Elm St. Suite 1200, 75201 Dallas, TX, USA;(3) Department of Geology, Texas A&M University, 77843 College Station, TX, USA;(4) U.S. Navy, 1 Cranwood Rd., 06339 Ledyard, CT, USA |
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Abstract: | Communities of chemosynthetic fauna that depend on seeping oil and gas have been found in the Gulf of Mexico at approximately 45 sites between 88°W and 95°W and between the 350 and 2,200 m isobaths. Investigations suggest that the number of sites and the range of occurrence will increase with additional exploration. The dominant fauna consist of species within four groups: tube worms, seep mussels, epibenthic clams, and infaunal clams. These species co-occur to some degree, but tend to form assemblages dominated by a single group. Community development is closely coupled to the geological and geochemical processes of seepage. |
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