The evidence for the existence of methane seepages in the northern South China Sea:abnormal high methane concentration in bottom waters

YIN Xi-jie; ZHOU Huai-yang; YANG Qun-hui; WANG Hu; CHEN Jian

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Article Navigation > Haiyang Xuebao > 2008 > 30(6): 69-75

YIN Xi-jie, ZHOU Huai-yang, YANG Qun-hui, WANG Hu, CHEN Jian. The evidence for the existence of methane seepages in the northern South China Sea:abnormal high methane concentration in bottom waters[J]. Haiyang Xuebao, 2008, 30(6): 69-75.

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The evidence for the existence of methane seepages in the northern South China Sea:abnormal high methane concentration in bottom waters

1.
Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China;Graduate School, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
2.
Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China;State Key Laboratory of Marine Geology, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
3.
Marine Geology and Environment Open Laboratory, Third Institute of Oceanography, State Oceanic Administration, Xiamen 361005, China

Received Date: 2008-03-25
Rev Recd Date: 2008-07-11

Abstract

Abstract

The methane concentration of water samples at five stations collected by the CTD rosette water sampler in the area of southwestern Dongsha Islands and the Xisha Trough, respectively, was analyzed by the gas-stripping method on aboard ship.It shows abnormal high methane concentrations in near bottom water samples at three stations.In the southwestern Dongsha Islands area, the methane concent rations of 4.25 and 10.64 nmol/dm³ occur in near bottom water samples at Stas E105A and E106, respectively.In the Xisha Trough area, the high methane concentrations of 5.17, 8.48 and 8.70 nmol/dm³ in water depths of 1.750, 1.900 and 2.050 m, respectively, have been observed at Sta E413.It is believed that the abnormal high methane concentrations are generated from the leakage of methane from sediments.Combining with previous geophysical and geochemical data from these two areas, this was probably related to the submarine gas hydrate decomposition and cold seep system.In May 2007, gas hydrate samples were successfully obtained by the drilling in Shenhu sea area located in the southwestern Dongsha Islands area.It is called for further drilling surveys to confirm the existence of gas hydrate and cold seep system in the Xisha Trough as early as possible.
- gas hydrates,
- bottom sea waters,
- methane plume

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References(33)

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