Gas hydrate system of the South Shetland Islands Continental Margin: a potential contributor to Southern Ocean methane emissions?

Abstract

Gas hydrates (GHs) are susceptible to climate-induced perturbations such as changes in sea level and temperature and may provide feedback to such perturbations. The occurrence of GHs in the Pacific margin of the Antarctic Peninsula (PAP) is well known from seismic data, including a Bottom Simulating Reflector (BSR). Such BSR is widespread between Elephant and King George Is in water depths between 1000-3000 m. Previous studies in the area assessed the geothermal gradient from the BSR depth (~31°C/km±3.15 MAD) assuming the GH is in equilibrium. However, nearby heat flow determinations suggest that GHs are not in equilibrium, as the derived geothermal gradient is significantly higher (~97°C/km±36.4 MAD). Thus, the BSR is 100-400 m deeper than the theoretical Base of the GH Stability Zone (BGHSZ) in the area. Overpressure resulting from rapid sedimentation or tectonic stresses cannot explain alone the observed depth of the BSR, as it cannot balance for the thermal conditions at such depths. Vertical movements of tectonic and/or glacial-isostatic origin could be only partially responsible for the mismatch between observed BSR and theoretical BGHSZ depths. Hence, a better knowledge of the thermal regime of the PAP is needed to assess the dynamics of the GH system. A research cruise in 2024 aims to constrain better the dynamics of the GH system of the PAP using geophysical imaging and heat flow measurements. The cruise will also assess the potential export of methane into the ocean using a suite of geochemical indicators in sediments, pore waters and the water column