Dating submarine landslides using the transient response of gas hydrate stability

Abstract Submarine landslides are prevalent on the modern-day seafloor, yet an elusive problem is constraining the timing of slope failure. Herein, we present a novel technique for constraining the age of submarine landslides without sediment core dating. Underneath a submarine landslide in the Orca Basin, Gulf of Mexico, in 3D seismic data we map an irregular bottom simulating reflection (BSR), which mimics the geometry of the pre-slide seafloor rather than the modern bathymetry. Based on the observed BSR, we suggest that the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ) is currently adjusting to the post-slide sediment temperature perturbations. We apply transient conductive heat flow modeling to constrain the response of the GHSZ to the slope failure, which yields a most likely age of ~8 ka demonstrating that gas hydrate systems can respond to slope failures even on the millennia timescales. We also provide an analytical approach to rapidly determine the age of submarine slides at any location.

Download Full-text

Design and Test of a MEMS Accelerometer Array for Submarine Landslide Displacement Monitoring

Marine Technology Society Journal ◽

10.4031/mtsj.55.1.7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 55 (1) ◽

pp. 5-16

Author(s):

Yongqiang Ge ◽

Jiawang Chen ◽

Chen Cao ◽

Jiamin He ◽

Yan Sheng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gas Hydrate ◽

Integrated Circuit ◽

Slope Failure ◽

Circuit Board ◽

Measurement Unit ◽

Physical Model Test ◽

Submarine Landslides ◽

Micro Electro Mechanical Systems ◽

Mems Accelerometer ◽

The Difference

AbstractSubmarine landslides in gas hydrate areas are a significant geo-hazard that can cause considerable damage. The processes and mechanism of submarine landslides caused by gas hydrate dissociation are not clearly understood. Therefore, we designed a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometer array to study and monitor the deep displacement of submarine landslides. The MEMS accelerometer array consists of several gravity acceleration-sensing units that are protected and positioned using a flexible circuit board and elastic steel tape, such that all the units are connected to an Inter-Integrated Circuit (IIC) communication bus. By sensing the three-axis tilt angles, the direction and magnitude of the displacement for a measurement unit can be calculated; then, the overall displacement of the array is calculated as the difference in the displacements from the initial values. To ensure the accuracy of the tilt angle and displacement calculation, the calibration and verification test of the single MEMS sensor and sensor array is conducted. The MEMS accelerometer array is verified with respect to its principle and arrangement by a laboratory physical model test, and the initial experimentation demonstrated the capacities of the monitoring system for collecting real-time and in-situ information about the dynamic process and propagation of slope failure.

Download Full-text

Arctic megaslide at presumed rest

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/srep38529 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 6 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Wolfram H. Geissler ◽

A. Catalina Gebhardt ◽

Felix Gross ◽

Jutta Wollenburg ◽

Laura Jensen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gas Hydrates ◽

Gas Hydrate ◽

Seismic Data ◽

Slope Failure ◽

Slope Instability ◽

Stability Zone ◽

Gas Reservoir ◽

Methane Seepage ◽

Failure Event ◽

Hydrate Stability

Abstract Slope failure like in the Hinlopen/Yermak Megaslide is one of the major geohazards in a changing Arctic environment. We analysed hydroacoustic and 2D high-resolution seismic data from the apparently intact continental slope immediately north of the Hinlopen/Yermak Megaslide for signs of past and future instabilities. Our new bathymetry and seismic data show clear evidence for incipient slope instability. Minor slide deposits and an internally-deformed sedimentary layer near the base of the gas hydrate stability zone imply an incomplete failure event, most probably about 30000 years ago, contemporaneous to or shortly after the Hinlopen/Yermak Megaslide. An active gas reservoir at the base of the gas hydrate stability zone demonstrate that over-pressured fluids might have played a key role in the initiation of slope failure at the studied slope, but more importantly also for the giant HYM slope failure. To date, it is not clear, if the studied slope is fully preconditioned to fail completely in future or if it might be slowly deforming and creeping at present. We detected widespread methane seepage on the adjacent shallow shelf areas not sealed by gas hydrates.

Download Full-text

A New Type of Device Used on Submarine Landslides Monitoring

Volume 6A: Ocean Engineering ◽

10.1115/omae2020-18302 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Yongqiang Ge ◽

Jiawang Chen ◽

Chen Cao ◽

Qiaoling Gao ◽

Peihao Zhang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Gas Hydrate ◽

Slope Failure ◽

Measurement Unit ◽

Laboratory Model ◽

Landslide Monitoring ◽

Submarine Landslides ◽

Micro Electro Mechanical Systems ◽

Mems Accelerometer ◽

New Type ◽

Gravity Acceleration

Abstract Submarine landslides in gas hydrate areas are a significant geo-hazard that can cause considerable damage to offshore infrastructures, dramatically change the marine environment and seriously threaten human lives and property. Gas and gas hydrate disassociation was considered to be a main factor inducing submarine landslide. However, the processes and mechanism of submarine landslides caused by gas and gas hydrate dissociation are not clearly understood. Therefore, we design a Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) accelerometer array to study and monitor the deep displacement of submarine landslides. The MEMS accelerometer array consists of several gravity acceleration-sensing units that are connected to an I2C-communication bus. By sensing the three-axis tilt angles, the direction and magnitude of the displacement for a measurement unit can be calculated. In the end, the laboratory model test was designed to verify the operation of the device in landslide monitoring, which demonstrated the capacities of the monitoring system for collecting real-time and in-situ information during the slope failure.

Download Full-text

Diverse gas composition controls the Moby-Dick gas hydrate system in the Gulf of Mexico

Geology ◽

10.1130/g49310.1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Alexey Portnov ◽

A.E. Cook ◽

S. Vadakkepuliyambatta

Keyword(s):

Gulf Of Mexico ◽

Gas Hydrate ◽

Seismic Data ◽

Gas Composition ◽

The West ◽

Moby Dick ◽

Basin Scale ◽

Bottom Simulating Reflection ◽

Marine Basins ◽

Hydrate Stability

In marine basins, gas hydrate systems are usually identified by a bottom simulating reflection (BSR) that parallels the seafloor and coincides with the base of the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ). We present a newly discovered gas hydrate system, Moby-Dick, located in the Ship Basin in the northern Gulf of Mexico. In the seismic data, we observe a channel-levee complex with a consistent phase reversal and a BSR extending over an area of ~14.2 km2, strongly suggesting the presence of gas hydrate. In contrast to classical observations, the Moby-Dick BSR abnormally shoals 150 m toward the seafloor from west to east, which contradicts the northward-shallowing seafloor. We argue that the likely cause of the shoaling BSR is a gradually changing gas mix across the basin, with gas containing heavier hydrocarbons in the west transitioning to methane gas in the east. Our study indicates that such abnormal BSRs can be controlled by gradual changes in the gas mix influencing the shape of the GHSZ over kilometers on a basin scale.

Download Full-text

Evaluation of gas hydrate-bearing sediments below the conventional bottom-simulating reflection on the northern slope of the South China Sea

Interpretation ◽

10.1190/int-2016-0219.1 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 (3) ◽

pp. SM61-SM74 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Jinqiang Liang ◽

Zijian Zhang ◽

Pibo Su ◽

Zhibin Sha ◽

Shengxiong Yang

Keyword(s):

South China Sea ◽

South China ◽

Gas Hydrate ◽

The South China Sea ◽

Northern Slope ◽

Stability Zone ◽

Shenhu Area ◽

Free Gas ◽

Bottom Simulating Reflection ◽

Hydrate Stability

The continuous bottom-simulating reflection (BSR) is commonly considered to mark the base of gas hydrate stability zone. Below this depth, gas hydrate gives away to free gas or water filling with pore spaces of sediments. We integrated and analyzed seismic data collected in 2008, and logging-while-drilling (LWD) data and coring results acquired by the Fugro Voyager in 2015 in the Shenhu area on the northern slope of the South China Sea. Based on seismic and well-log correlation, a BSR with typical characteristics of gas hydrates and free gas was identified at 237 m, below the mudline (BML). However, LWD data reveal a 63 m thick hydrate layer from 205 to 268 m BML. Increases in resistivity and velocity at 262 m BML indicate that gas hydrate is likely presented below the BSR. The observed pore-water freshening with depth and infrared image of core samples are consistent with geophysical interpretation. Seismic and well interpretations reveal continuous, discontinuous, and pluming BSRs in the Shenhu area. The continuous BSR indicates the base of the methane gas hydrate stability zone, and structure II gas hydrate is likely presented below the BSR. Deep thermogenic fluid locally entrapped within shallow-buried sediments may reinforce gas-hydrate accumulations near the discontinuous and pluming BSRs. We conclude that seismic responses of structure II gas hydrate can be distinct from structure I gas hydrate. Understanding the seismic characterizations of structures I and II will help in the evaluation of gas-hydrate reservoirs and inferring the presence of deep thermogenic reservoirs.

Download Full-text

Authigenic carbonates from the Cascadia subduction zone and their relation to gas hydrate stability

Geology ◽

10.1130/0091-7613(1998)026<0647:acftcs>2.3.co;2 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 26 (7) ◽

pp. 647 ◽

Cited By ~ 289

Author(s):

Gerhard Bohrmann ◽

Jens Greinert ◽

Erwin Suess ◽

Marta Torres

Keyword(s):

Subduction Zone ◽

Gas Hydrate ◽

Cascadia Subduction Zone ◽

Authigenic Carbonates ◽

Hydrate Stability

Download Full-text

Inhibition of conductive heat flow by magnetic constriction in the corona and transition region: Dependence on the shape of the constriction

Solar Physics ◽

10.1007/bf00157300 ◽

1985 ◽

Vol 99 (1-2) ◽

pp. 79-99 ◽

Cited By ~ 11

Author(s):

J. F. Dowdy ◽

R. L. Moore ◽

S. T. Wu

Keyword(s):

Heat Flow ◽

Transition Region ◽

Conductive Heat ◽

Conductive Heat Flow

Download Full-text

Estimates of conductive heat flow through bottom-simulating reflectors on the Hikurangi and southwest Fiordland continental margins, New Zealand

Marine Geology ◽

10.1016/s0025-3227(97)00073-x ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 141 (1-4) ◽

pp. 209-220 ◽

Cited By ~ 68

Author(s):

John Townend

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Heat Flow ◽

Continental Margins ◽

Conductive Heat ◽

Bottom Simulating Reflectors ◽

Conductive Heat Flow ◽

Flow Through

Download Full-text

Numerical simulation of submarine landslide and generated tsunamis : Application to the Mayotte seismo-volcanic crisis

10.5194/egusphere-egu21-2854 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Pablo Poulain ◽

Anne Le Friant ◽

Rodrigo Pedreros ◽

Anne Mangeney ◽

Andrea Filippini ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ground Deformation ◽

Numerical Models ◽

Morphological Data ◽

Submarine Landslides ◽

Submarine Slide ◽

Seismic Swarms ◽

Submarine Slides ◽

High Resolution Bathymetry ◽

The Impact ◽

The Waves

Since May 2018, Mayotte island has experienced an important seismic activity linked to the on-going sismo-volcanic crisis. The epicenters of the seismic swarms are located between 5 and 15 km east of Petite Terre for the main swarm, and 25 km east of Petite Terre for the secondary swarm. Although variations in the number of earthquakes and their distribution have been observed since the start of the eruption in early July 2018 [Lemoine A.(2020), Cesca et al.(2020)], a continuous seismicity persists and could generate several earthquakes of magnitudes close to M4 widely felt by the population. This recurrent seismicity could weaken the steep submarine slopes of Mayotte, as highlighted by the high resolution bathymetry data collected during the MAYOBS cruise in May 2019 (Feuillet et al.,submitted) and trigger submarine landslides with associated tsunamis.To address the hazards associated with such events, we analyzed morphological data to define 8 scenarios of potential submarine slides with volumes ranging from 11,25.106 to 800.106 m3 and we simulate the landslide dynamics and generated waves. We use two complementary numerical models: (i) the code HYSEA to simulate the dynamic of the submarine granular flows and the water wave generation, and (ii) the Boussinesq FUNWAVE- TVD model simulate the waves propagation and the inundation on Mayotte. The effect of the time at which the models are coupled is investigated.The most impacting submarine slide scenarios are located close to Petite Terre at a shallow depth. They can locally generate a sea surface elevation more than a meter in local areas especially at Petite Terre. The various simulations show that parts of the island are particularly sensitive to the risk of tsunamis. Indeed, some scenarios that does not cause significant coastal flooding still seems to cause significant hazards in these exposed areas. The barrier reef around Mayotte has a prominent role in controlling the wave propagation towards the island and therefore reducing the impact on land. It should be noted that the arrival of tsunamis on the coastline is not necessarily preceded by a retreat from the sea and the waves can reach the coasts of Mayotte very quicky (few minutes).&#160;Cesca, S., Letort, J., Razafindrakoto, H.N.T.&#160;et al.&#160;Drainage of a deep magma reservoir near Mayotte inferred from seismicity and deformation.&#160;Nat. Geosci.&#160;13,&#160;87&#8211;93 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41561-019-0505-5Feuillet, N, Jorry, S. J., Crawford, W, Deplus, C. Thinon, I, Jacques, E. Saurel, J.M., Lemoine, A., Paquet, F., Daniel, R., Gaillot, A., Satriano, C., Peltier, A., Aiken, C., Foix, O., Kowalski, P., Laurent, A., Beauducel, F., Grandin, R., Ballu, V., Bernard, P., Donval, J.P., Geli, L., Gomez, J. Guyader, V., Pelleau, P., Rinnert, E., Bertil, D., Lemarchand, A., Van der Woerd, J.et al. (in rev). Birth of a large volcano offshore Mayotte through lithosphere-scale rifting, Nature.Anne Lemoine, Pierre Briole, Didier Bertil, Agathe Roull&#233;, Michael Foumelis, Isabelle Thinon, Daniel Raucoules, Marcello de&#160;Michele, Pierre Valty, Roser Hoste&#160;Colomer, The 2018&#8211;2019 seismo-volcanic crisis east of Mayotte, Comoros islands: seismicity and ground deformation markers of an exceptional submarine eruption,&#160;Geophysical Journal International, Volume 223, Issue 1, October 2020, Pages 22&#8211;44,&#160;https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggaa273

Download Full-text

Time Constraints on Seepage Through Fractured Regions on the Vestnesa Ridge off the W-Svalbard Coast

10.5194/egusphere-egu21-11489 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Hariharan Ramachandran ◽

Andreia Plaza-Faverola ◽

Hugh Daigle ◽

Stefan Buenz

Keyword(s):

Fluid Flow ◽

Effective Stress ◽

Gas Hydrate ◽

Fluid Pressure ◽

Fracture Network ◽

The Arctic ◽

Stability Zone ◽

Methane Seepage ◽

Carbonate Formation ◽

Hydrate Stability

Evidences of subsurface fluid flow-driven fractures (from seismic interpretation) are quite common at Vestnesa Ridge (around 79&#186;N in the Arctic Ocean), W-Svalbard margin. Ultimately, the fractured systems have led to the formation of pockmarks on the seafloor. At present day, the eastern segment of the ridge has active pockmarks with continuous methane seep observations in sonar data. The pockmarks in the western segment are considered inactive or to seep at a rate that is harder to identify. The ridge is at ~1200m water depth with the base of the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ) at ~200m below the seafloor. Considerable free gas zone is present below the hydrates. Besides the obvious concern of amount and rates of historic methane seeping into the ocean biosphere and its associated effects, significant gaps exist in the ability to model the processes of flow of methane through this faulted and fractured region. Our aim is to highlight the interactions between physical flow, geomechanics and geological control processes that govern the rates and timing of methane seepage.For this purpose, we performed numerical fluid flow simulations. We integrate fundamental mass and component conservation equations with a phase equilibrium approach accounting for hydrate phase boundary effects to simulate the transport of gas from the base of the GHSZ through rock matrix and interconnected fractures until the seafloor. The relation between effective stress and fluid pressure is considered and fractures are activated once the effective stress exceeds the tensile limit. We use field data (seismic, oedometer tests on calypso cores, pore fluid pressure and temperature) to constrain the range of validity of various flow and geomechanical parameters in the simulation (such as vertical stress, porosity, permeability, saturations).Preliminary results indicate fluid overpressure greater than 1.5 MPa is required to initiate fractures at the base of the gas hydrate stability zone for the investigated system. Focused fluid flow occurs through the narrow fracture networks and the gas reaches the seafloor within 1 day. The surrounding regions near the fracture network exhibit slower seepage towards the seafloor, but over a wider area. Advective flux through the less fractured surrounding regions, reaches the seafloor within 15 years and a diffusive flux reaches within 1200 years. These times are controlled by the permeability of the sediments and are retarded further due to considerable hydrate/carbonate formation during vertical migration. Next course of action includes constraining the methane availability at the base of the GHSZ and estimating its impact on seepage behavior.

Download Full-text