Fate of deep methane bubble plumes at the Haima cold seeps in the South China Sea

Key Points

• Deep methane plumes are significantly influenced by the oceanographic conditions present in the South China Sea.
• The analysis identified critical geochemical indicators, demonstrating the fate and dispersion of methane in the water column.
• Using observational analysis methods, factors affecting methane plumes were assessed in a highly dynamic marine environment.
• Understanding methane behavior in cold seeps may highlight environmental implications of deep-sea gas emissions.