Abstract
Over the past 15 years, massive gas hydrate deposits have been studied extensively in Joetsu Basin, Japan Sea, where they are associated primarily with active gas chimney structures. Our research documents the discovery of spheroidal microdolomite aggregates found in association with other impurities inside of these massive gas hydrates. The microdolomites are often conjoined and show dark internal cores occasionally hosting saline fluid inclusions. Bacteroidetes sp. are concentrated on the inner rims of microdolomite grains, where they degrade complex petroleum-macromolecules present as an impurity within yellow methane hydrate. These oils show increasing biodegradation with depth which is consistent with the microbial activity of Bacteroidetes. Further investigation of these microdolomites and their contents can potentially yield insight into the dynamics and microbial ecology of other hydrate localities. If microdolomites are indeed found to be ubiquitous in both present and fossil hydrate settings, the materials preserved within may provide valuable insights into an unusual microhabitat which could have once fostered ancient life.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 1876 |
Journal | Scientific Reports |
Volume | 10 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 5 Feb 2020 |
Keywords
- carbon cycle
- marine biology
- marine chemistry
- HIGH METHANE FLUX
- EASTERN MARGIN
- CARBONATES
- OXYGEN-ISOTOPE
- COMMUNITIES
- MARINE-SEDIMENTS
- DOLOMITE
- JOETSU BASIN
- DIVERSITY
- ISOTOPE FRACTIONATION
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Profiles
-
Stephen Bowden
- School of Geosciences, Geology and Geophysics - Senior Lecturer
- Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences
Person: Academic