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Tectonic Uplift Destabilizes Subsea Gas Hydrate: A Model Example From Hikurangi Margin, New Zealand
Author(s) -
Burton Zachary F. M.,
Kroeger Karsten F.,
Hosford Scheirer Allegra,
Seol Yongkoo,
BurgreenChan Blair,
Graham Stephan A.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/2020gl087150
Subject(s) - geology , clathrate hydrate , tectonics , subsea , hydrate , tectonic uplift , petrology , paleontology , oceanography , chemistry , organic chemistry
Rising ocean temperatures and falling sea level are commonly cited as mechanisms of marine gas hydrate destabilization. More recently, uplift—both isostatic and tectonic—has been invoked. However, the effect of tectonic shortening and uplift on gas hydrate stability zone extent has not been validated via integrated computational modeling. Here, modeling along the Hikurangi margin of New Zealand illustrates the mechanism of tectonic uplift as a driver of gas hydrate destabilization. We simulate how tectonic uplift and shortening affect the presence and decrease the extent of a gas hydrate stability zone. We suggest that resultant gas hydrate destabilization in the marine realm may impact the global carbon cycle and oceanic chemistry over geologic time.