Sedimentary deformation relating to episodic seepage in the last 1.2 million years: a multi-scale seismic study from the Vestnesa Ridge, eastern Fram Strait

Seafloor hydrocarbon seepage is a natural fluid release process that occursworldwide on continental shelves, slopes, and in deep oceanic basins. The Vestnesa sedimentary ridge in the eastern Fram Strait hosts a deep-water gas hydrate system that became charged with hydrocarbons similar to 2.7Ma and has experienced episodic seepage along the entire ridge until a few thousand years ago, when seepage activity apparently ceased in the west but persisted in the east. Although it has been documented that faults and fractures play a key role in feeding the seepswith thermogenic gases, themechanisms controlling seepage periodicity remain poorly understood. Here we integrate highresolution P-cable 3D seismic and Chirp data to investigate the spatial and temporal evolution of high-resolution fractures and fluid flow features in the west of the Vestnesa Ridge. We characterize sediment deformation using a fracture density seismic attribute workflow revealing two highly deformed stratigraphic intervals and associated small-scale pockmarks (<20m diameter). Chronostratigraphic constraints from the region show that these two highly deformed intervals are influenced by at least three major climatic and oceanic events during the last 1.2 million years: the Mid-Pleistocene Transition (similar to 1.25-0.7Ma), the penultimate deglaciation (similar to 130 ka) and the last deglaciation (Heinrich Stadial 1: similar to 16 ka). These periods of deformation appear associated with seismic anomalies potentially correlated with buried methane-derived authigenic carbonate and have been sensitive to shifts in the boundary of the free gas-gas hydrate interface. Our results show shifts (up to similar to 30m) in the depth of the base of the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ) associated with major changes in ocean bottom water temperatures. This ocean-driven effect on the base of the GHSZ since the Last Glacial Maximum coincides with the already highly deformed Mid-Pleistocene Transition sedimentary interval and likely enhanced deformation and gas leakage along the ridge. Our results have implications for understanding how glacial cycles impact fracture formation and associated seepage activity.

Automated summary

This study investigates the spatial and temporal evolution of fractures and fluid flow features in the west of the Vestnesa Ridge. It reveals two highly deformed stratigraphic intervals and associated small-scale pockmarks. These periods of deformation are associated with seismic anomalies potentially correlated with buried methane-derived authigenic carbonate.