Detection of Methan Leakage to the Arctic Shelf from Decomposing Gas Hydrate

Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, Moss Landing CA

Investigators

Abstract

The objective of the project is to document methane leakage to the Arctic Shelf near the MacKenzie River Delta and Tuktoyktuk Peninsula from gas hydrates decomposition. Decomposition is occurring due to thermal change on the Arctic Shelf by with warmer water resulting from sea level rise. Simultaneously, heat flow from below may also be helping to dissociate the base of the hydrate zone. Much of this seeping methane in the sediments may be oxidized by anaerobic bacteria and thus not reach the seafloor, or be trapped until overpressure rapidly releases the methane via hydro-fractures and/or sediment plugs. Funds are provided to carry out an 18-day cruise to collect vibracores, side-scan images and water-column samples and the subsequent hydrocarbon and stable-isotopic analyses and C-14 dating fro chronology.