methane seepage

Methane in the ocean is often found trapped beneath the seafloor, stored in permeable layers or frozen in gas hydrates, or naturally released in places known as cold seeps. Cold seeps occur worldwide and release methane and other hydrocarbons into the ocean, significantly affecting its environment through complex, interconnected physical, chemical, and biological processes.

Cold seeps represent a vital component of the Earth's carbon cycle and offer significant opportunities for discovery, as they remain among the least explored and understood marine environments.

To truly grasp how cold seeps form, function, and change over time, scientists must combine information from different fields of study, analyzing data gathered at multiple times and locations. This thorough understanding is crucial to better predict how seeps influence the global environment and climate.

In our research, we use a variety of scientific methods to study how cold seeps function and evolve. We investigate methane emission areas via geophysical and sedimentological surveys, authigenic minerals known as methane-derived carbonates, and fascinating geological features called mud volcanoes. Evidence from past seep activity helps us piece together historical patterns of methane emission into the oceans. By comparing these patterns to current observations of active seep sites, we can better understand the relationship between seeps and the surrounding environment. Ultimately, our work aims to build reliable models that can predict future impacts related to cold seep activity.