Open AccessIndications of a link between seismotectonics and CH 4 release from seeps off Costa Rica
Author(s) -
Mau Susan,
Rehder Gregor,
Arroyo Ivonne G.,
Gossler Jürgen,
Suess Erwin
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
geochemistry, geophysics, geosystems
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.928
H-Index - 136
ISSN - 1525-2027
DOI - 10.1029/2006gc001326
Subject(s) - geology , petroleum seep , seismotectonics , induced seismicity , submarine pipeline , tectonics , fault (geology) , transect , continental margin , seismology , oceanography , ecology , methane , biology
Measurements of CH 4 concentrations in the bottom water during two discrete sampling periods in subsequent years above different cold seeps at the Pacific margin off Costa Rica indicate large‐scale variations of CH 4 release. CH 4 is emitted from mud extrusions and a slide scar at 1000–2300 m water depth. Maximum CH 4 concentrations were found to be lower above all investigated sites in autumn 2003 than in autumn 2002 although seep sites are up to 300 km apart. Tidal and current changes were observed but found to apply only to individual seep sites. Increased seismic activity connected to the moment magnitude ( M W ) 6.4 earthquake offshore Costa Rica in June 2002 could have had an impact on all seep sites and thereby caused an increase in CH 4 emission. This is supported by the largest variations of CH 4 concentration found above mud extrusions located above faults likely more strongly affected by tectonic movements. Even though our data indicate a relation between seismicity and CH 4 seepage, the relation is not proven, and future work is needed to comprehensively test this hypothesis.