Stability of Thermogenic Gas Hydrate in the Gulf of Mexico: Constraints on Models of Climate Change

摘要: Thermogenic (structure II) gas hydrate is abundant on the Gulf of Mexico continental slope because hydrocarbon gases from a deep, hot subsurface petroleum system vent prolifically to sea floor in regions low temperatures and high pressures that are within stability zone (GHSZ). The distribution controlled by geologic structure. Molecular distributions venting hydrate-bearing sediments show decomposition not significant comparison flux system. Structure II commonly encountered, contains C 1 -C 5 hydrocarbons crystallize relatively unaltered gases. Most surficial structure sites (0-6 m) studied ∼540-1930 m water depth range stable, thought be accumulating considerable sediment prolific, ongoing gas. Bacterial methane also Mexico. A leaky larger contributor thermogenic greenhouse ocean atmosphere Mexico, decomposition. Gas crystallization sequesters large volumes sediments, deforming soft proposed as an agent stabilizes or dampens climatic change under present regime.