Vis enkel innførsel

dc.contributor.authorChand, Shyam
dc.contributor.authorKnies, Jochen Manfred
dc.contributor.authorGeissler, Wolfram H.
dc.contributor.authorPlaza Faverola, Andreia Aletia
dc.contributor.authorThorsnes, Terje
dc.date.accessioned2024-05-15T07:10:59Z
dc.date.available2024-05-15T07:10:59Z
dc.date.issued2024-04-16
dc.description.abstractHydrocarbon gases formed from biotic and abiotic processes are released through the seafloor at different locations around the world. They have been widely observed directly in video and photo data, and indirectly on echosounder data. Even though biotic gas generation is a very common process, abiotic gas generation is limited to regions where serpentinization of ultramafic rocks occur. Indications of abiotic gas occurrences are therefore sparse and much speculated upon. Here, we investigated the Spitsbergen Transform Fault, the Molloy Ridge, the Molloy Deep, and the Molloy Transform Fault/Fracture Zone, (a transform fault-bounded pull-a-part region offshore western Svalbard) where both processes may be active. Multiple acoustic gas flares, ∼1,770 and ∼3355 m high above the seafloor (tallest ever recorded), were observed indicating active migration and seepage of hydrocarbons. The proximity to the mid oceanic ridge and the documented high heat flow suggests the influence of high temperatures on organic-rich sedimentary deposits. Deep seismic data and other geological information available indicate that the main source of gas could be from thermal cracking of either pre- or syn-rift source rock organic material, potentially mixed with methane from serpentinization of mantle rocks (peridotites). Correlation with seismic stratigraphy from Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Sites 910 and 912 on the adjacent Yermak Plateau suggests that the sedimentary source rocks may be present at the northern flank of the Molloy Ridge and within the deep graben along the Spitsbergen Transform Fault. The ∼3 km thick sedimentary succession in high heat flow zones within the transform fault and the active bounding faults allow generation and migration of hydrocarbons to the seafloor and sustains present day seepage.en_US
dc.identifier.citationChand S, Knies J, Geissler WH, Plaza Faverola A, Thorsnes T. Acoustic evidence of hydrocarbon release associated with the Spitsbergen Transform Fault, north of the Molloy Ridge, Fram Strait. Frontiers in Earth Science. 2024;12en_US
dc.identifier.cristinIDFRIDAID 2267830
dc.identifier.doi10.3389/feart.2024.1347252
dc.identifier.issn2296-6463
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10037/33558
dc.language.isoengen_US
dc.publisherFrontiers Mediaen_US
dc.relation.journalFrontiers in Earth Science
dc.rights.accessRightsopenAccessen_US
dc.rights.holderCopyright 2024 The Author(s)en_US
dc.rights.urihttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0en_US
dc.rightsAttribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)en_US
dc.titleAcoustic evidence of hydrocarbon release associated with the Spitsbergen Transform Fault, north of the Molloy Ridge, Fram Straiten_US
dc.type.versionpublishedVersionen_US
dc.typeJournal articleen_US
dc.typeTidsskriftartikkelen_US
dc.typePeer revieweden_US


Tilhørende fil(er)

Thumbnail

Denne innførselen finnes i følgende samling(er)

Vis enkel innførsel

Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
Med mindre det står noe annet, er denne innførselens lisens beskrevet som Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)