Methane dynamics in gas chimneys linking geochemical and microbial methane cycling in the Ulleung basin.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Gas chimneys in marine sediments act as conduits for methane (CH₄) migration and influence geochemical and microbial processes. The sulfate-methane transition zone (SMTZ), where CH₄ is oxidized and sulfate (SO₄^2-) is reduced, plays a key role in carbon cycling. Temperate continental margins, such as the Ulleung Basin in the East Sea of Korea, are particularly sensitive to environmental changes that may influence methane flux and hydrate stability. We analyzed sediment cores from chimney (Sites P03, P04) and non-chimney (Site P01) structures to examine how CH₄ flux and hydrate dynamics shape SMTZ depth and microbial communities.

Results

Geochemical analyses showed that the SMTZ was located deeper at the non-chi

SUBMITTER: Han D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12777270 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature