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Atmospheric science
George Mason University
Events

11 Sep (GEOL) Peter Flemings, Methane Hydrates, Basin Analysis

Sep 11, 2025, 4:30 - 5:30 PM

Peter Flemings, UT Austin

Title: Deepwater Methane Hydrates and the Carbon Cycle

Time: Thu, 11 Sep, 4:30pm

Location: Exploratory 1309 and via Zoom (for link, email lhinnov@gmu.edu)

Host: Linda Hinnov

 

ABSTRACT: 5-22% of Earth’s mobile carbon is sequestered in gas hydrates. In the deep ocean, this hydrate is locked in a layer beneath the seafloor where the temperature is low and pressure high. We drilled, cored, and made downhole measurements to the base of this layer in the deepwater Gulf. We find that the methane concentration increased with depth, reaching saturation (the limit of solubility for methane) at 147 meters. The gas composition is microbial. We interpret that rapid microbial consumption of labile carbon in the shallow section results in shallow hydrate formation. This hydrate is buried with time and recycled at the base of the hydrate stability zone into permeable sandstone reservoirs.

 

Sept 11 GEOL Seminar

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