Crustal processes sustain Arctic abiotic gas hydrate and fluid flow systems

The Svyatogor Ridge and surroundings, located on the sediment-covered western flank of the Northern Knipovich Ridge, host extensive gas hydrate and related fluid flow systems. The fluid flow system here manifests in the upper sedimentary sequence as gas hydrates and free gas, indicated by bottom sim...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scientific Reports
Main Authors: Waghorn, Kate Alyse, Vadakkepuliyambatta, Sunil, Plaza-Faverola, Andreia, Johnson, Joel E, Bünz, Stefan, Waage, Malin
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Nature Research 2020
Subjects:
VDP::Mathematics and natural science: 400::Geosciences: 450
VDP::Matematikk og Naturvitenskap: 400::Geofag: 450
Arctic
Knipovich Ridge
Svyatogor Ridge
Online Access:https://hdl.handle.net/10037/18754
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-67426-3
Description
Summary:The Svyatogor Ridge and surroundings, located on the sediment-covered western flank of the Northern Knipovich Ridge, host extensive gas hydrate and related fluid flow systems. The fluid flow system here manifests in the upper sedimentary sequence as gas hydrates and free gas, indicated by bottom simulating reflections (BSRs) and amplitude anomalies. Using 2D seismic lines and bathymetric data, we map tectonic features such as faults, crustal highs, and indicators of fluid flow processes. Results indicate a strong correlation between crustal faults, crustal highs and fluid accumulations in the overlying sediments, as well as an increase in geothermal gradient over crustal faults. We conclude here that gas generated during the serpentinization of exhumed mantle rocks drive the extensive occurrence of gas hydrate and fluid flow systems in the region and transform faults act as an additional major pathway for fluid circulation.

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