Geological and Geochemical Evidence for Massive Dissociation of Gas Hydrate in the Geological History

Abstract

Abstract:

Gas hydrates as an important agent for climate change occur worldwide on the continental slopes and in permafrost regions. Based upon the study of the geology and geochemistry of the great geologic transitions, the dissociation of gas hydrates has been considered to probably result in global catastrophic events in the geological history. This idea is supported by global and relatively shortlived negative carbon isotope excursions, methane-derived carbon isotope values (especially δ¹³C<-40‰) in carbonate sediments, carbonate dissolution, the biomarkers indicative of methane release, high accumulation rates of biogenic barite, an unusual suite of sedimentary structures and textures similar to those of cold seep carbonates, submarine sediment failures and crystal fans (e.g. aragonite). However, the“hypothesis”remains controversial and the proposed evidence has their limitations; therefore, we need further research.

Key words: geological history, gas hydrates, methane release, geological and geochemical evidence

CLC Number:

P736.4

WANG Qin-Xian, CHEN Duo-Fu. Geological and Geochemical Evidence for Massive Dissociation of Gas Hydrate in the Geological History[J]. Geoscience, 2010, 24(3): 552-559.

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