Extensive deep fluid flux through the sea floor on the Crimean continental margin (Black Sea)

The ANAXIPROBE/TTR-6 Cruise of the Russian R/V Gelendzhik in the summer of 1996 resulted in the discovery of a new area of extensive deep fluid flux through the sea floor on the lower Crimean continental margin, within the Sorokin Trough in the Black Sea. The study area is noted for the widespread development of acoustic anomalies in bottom and sub-bottom sediments indicating the presence of gas. Bottom sampling confirmed a high content of gas in the sediments, the presence of gas hydrates and other features normally associated with gas escape. These features include authigenic carbonates with a light carbon isotope composition and bacterial mats. The geochemical data indicate that the gas has in part a thermogenic origin.