Extensive methane-derived authigenic carbonates in the Irish Sea |
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Authors: | Alan Judd Peter Croker Louise Tizzard Carolyn Voisey |
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Institution: | (1) Alan Judd Partnership, High Mickley, Northumberland, NE43 7LU, UK;(2) Petroleum Affairs Division, Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Dublin 4, Ireland;(3) Ocean Research Group, School of Marine Science and Technology, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK;(4) Present address: Wessex Archaeology, Salisbury, SP4 6EB, UK;(5) Consultant, Troon, Ayrshire, KA10 6HR, UK |
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Abstract: | Extensive areas of methane-derived authigenic carbonate (MDAC) have been mapped in the Irish Sea. In the Irish Sector, 23
seabed mounds associated with the Codling Fault Zone were identified by multi-beam echo sounder mapping. Inspection by ROV-mounted
video showed that these mounds are rocky features rising 5–10 m above the normal seabed; sampling showed that they are comprised
of quartz grains bound together by carbonate cement, probably MDAC. Two separate locations have been mapped in the UK Sector.
At Texel 11, seabed mounds and a 6–8 m high cliff were mapped geophysically (MBES, SSS and seismic profiler surveys). Video
surveys showed that both the mounds and the cliff are rocky reefs colonised by a prolific fauna. Samples proved to be carbonate-cemented
sediments, and carbon isotope analysis (δ13C −41 to −46% PDB) showed that the cement was MDAC. Similar surveys of the Holden’s Reefs area proved the presence of similar
rocky reefs which are also cemented by MDAC. The total area covered by these two MDAC occurrences is estimated to be >500,000 m2. These MDAC occurrences are comparable in nature and formation to the ‘bubbling reefs’ of the Kattegat. As the bubbling reefs
are “seabed features formed by leaking gas”, one of the marine habitats identified by the European Commission’s Habitats Directive
as being sensitive and worthy of protection, it is suggested that the Irish Sea carbonate reefs should also be considered
as special habitats. |
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