Open AccessA molecular recorder of methane hydrate destabilization
Author(s) -
Hinrichs KaiUwe
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
geochemistry, geophysics, geosystems
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.928
H-Index - 136
ISSN - 1525-2027
DOI - 10.1029/2000gc000118
Subject(s) - methane , geology , foraminifera , quaternary , clathrate hydrate , benthic zone , oceanography , structural basin , geochemistry , paleontology , hydrate , chemistry , organic chemistry
The magnitude and timing of temporal variation of δ 13 C recorded in benthic and planktic foraminifera from the Santa Barbara Basin strongly suggest episodic events of methane hydrate destabilization during the Late Quaternary [ Kennett et al. , 2000]. However, this and similar evidence from earlier in the geologic past are indirect and therefore not unambiguous. Here I report a direct geochemical response to elevated levels of methane in the Late Quaternary Santa Barbara Basin. Molecular paleontological data provide clear‐cut evidence for strongly elevated concentrations of methane in bottom waters at times coinciding with diagnostic foraminiferal assemblages and carbon isotopic compositions.