Abstract:

According to the analysis of seismic profile and bathymetry, some mud volcanoes or mud diapir structures were found in the west slope of the south Okinawa Trough. Bottom simulating reflector (BSR), polarity reversion, amplitude blanking zone and velocity anomaly express on the seismic profile DMS01-5, which indicate occurrence of gas hydrate related to mud volcanoes. Studies on gas hydrate related to mud volcanoes become more and more remarkable. Not only can gas hydrate form around the central part of the mud volcano but it can form at the peripheral part of the mud volcano. The development of mud volcanoes in the west of Okinawa Trough was due to the high sedimentary rate during glacial stage, overpressure of the strata and active faults. Methane-bearing fluid could form gas hydrate deposits around the mud volcano.

Key words: mud volcano, mud diapir structure, gas hydrate, East China Sea