Formation of Gas Hydrates at Deep Interior of the Earth and Their Dissipation to Near Surface Horizon
Figure 4
(a) Development of discontinuous creep from lower mantle to ground surface mainly due to mineral phase transformations and release of energy during earthquakes and tectonic movements. Rapidly ascending of micro-plumes and CH4 plasma bubbles create a continuous conduit path by interconnecting discontinuous creeps and fractures on their way. (b) The plasma bubble is thermally insulated by H2. Pressure suddenly drops from 135 GPa to <1 MPa at about 4000°C from the state of CMB. Plasma bubble enlarges its size occupying entire width of the narrow conduit. The outer skin of H2 shell surrounding the CH4 plasma is oxidized to H2O at higher levels. The hydrophobic CH4 is protected by quenched H2O. After entry of seafloor sediments H2O shell is get freeze slowly and form ice cage. Surrounding en-masse of coldwater and sediments at low temperature prevents escape of trapped CH4 inside the MH. Disc like CH4 rises up from the pockmark owing to confining pressure of water column.
