Fault-controlled gas escapes in the shelf sediments of the Saros Gulf, NE Aegean Sea

Abstract

High-resolution marine seismic reflection studies on the eastern shelf of the Saros Gulf have revealed the presence of gas-charged sediments across a narrow submarine valley incised by the Ganos Fault along the North Anatolian Fault system. Quaternary sediments, accumulated during glacial and interglacial periods through transgressional and progradational units, were controlled by glacio-eustatic sea-level fluctuations and tectonic deformation. The transgressional units made of upward-fining deposits created seals at their tops to form gas accumulation pockets. Conversely, the progradational units appear heavily eroded at their top, which is unfavorable for gas accumulation. The sediment’s gas accumulation features include enhanced reflections, acoustic blanking (or blanket), acoustic turbidity, acoustic curtain, and acoustic columns. In contrast, the gas escape features consist of acoustic plumes, cloudy turbidity, domes, and pockmarks. Their concentration along the Ganos Fault indicates that active deformation, punctuated by large magnitude earthquakes, has played an essential role in their formation, storage, and seep. Understanding these interactions may provide valuable contributions to hydrocarbon explorations and early-warning strategies against earthquake risk.