During several dives on the Okeanos Explorer Gulf of Mexico 2017 expedition, we found low relief, sediment-covered mounds that may contain a core of gas hydrate mixed with sediment and carbonate rock. The mounds probably form as the underlying gas supply builds up a hydrate deposit beneath and on the seafloor. This mound found during Dive 17 has exposed hydrate just below the peak and a bubble stream visible in the center of the photo.
Sediment-covered Mound
Image courtesy of the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, Gulf of Mexico 2017.
During several dives on the Okeanos Explorer Gulf of Mexico 2017 expedition, we found low relief, sediment-covered mounds that may contain a core of gas hydrate mixed with sediment and carbonate rock. The mounds probably form as the underlying gas supply builds up a hydrate deposit beneath and on the seafloor. This mound found during Dive 17 has exposed hydrate just below the peak and a bubble stream visible in the center of the photo. Download larger version (jpg, 889 KB).
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