Spatial changes in gas transport and sediment stiffness influenced by regional stress: Observations from piezometer data along Vestnesa Ridge, eastern Fram Strait

Gas transport through sediments to the seabed and seepage occurs via advection through pores, faults, and fractures, and as solubility driven gas diffusion. The pore pressure gradient is a key factor in these processes. Yet, in-situ measurements for quantitative studies of fluid dynamics and sediment deformation in deep ocean environments remain scarce. In this study, we integrate piezometer data, geotechnical tests, and sediment core analyses to study the pressure regime that controls gas transport along the Vestnesa Ridge in the eastern Fram Strait. The data show a progressive westward decrease in induced pore pressure (i.e., from c. 180 to c. 50 kPa) upon piezometer penetration and undrained shear strength of the sediments, interpreted as a decrease in sediment stiffness. In addition, the data suggest that the upper c. 6 m of sediments may be mechanically damaged due to variations in gas diffusion rates and exsolution. Background pore pressures are mostly at hydrostatic conditions, but localized excess pore pressures (i.e., up to 10 kPa) exist and point towards external controls. When analyzed in conjunction with observations from geophysical data and sediment core analyses, the pore pressure data suggest a spatial change from an advection dominated to a diffusion dominated fluid flow system, influenced by the behavior of sedimentary faults. Understanding gas transport mechanisms and their effect on fine-grained sediments of deep ocean settings is critical for constraining gas hydrate inventories, seepage phenomena and sub-seabed sediment deformations and instabilities.Key PointsThis study documents in-situ pore pressure measurements along the gas charged Vestnesa sedimentary ridge in the eastern Fram Strait.Integrated piezometer and calypso core analyses indicate spatial variations in sediment stiffness and localized excess pore pressures.Gas transport and sub-seabed sediment stiffness are interrelated and affected by sea-level changes and fault behavior.Plain Language SummarySeafloor methane seepage occurs persistently in response to pressure changes. The scarcity of sub-seabed pressure data limits our understanding of the mechanisms of methane release. Here we document observations from 4 days monitoring of pressure and temperature within the upper 10 m of sediment at a seepage site in the Fram Strait. The survey extends for 60 km between the continental shelf off west-Svalbard and the mid-ocean ridge. The data show that the geothermal gradient increases and that sub-seabed sediments become softer and more susceptible to deformation as they approach the mid-ocean ridge. When analyzed in conjunction with cross-disciplinary data it seems plausible that the changes in sediment properties are associated with an increase in the amount of dissolved methane transported to the seafloor. We suggest that changes in the geological setting have resulted in the locking of fractures that would otherwise allow the release of trapped methane to the ocean. Trapped gas in the sediment pores is pumped by tides and causes damages beneath the seafloor. This study is an important step in understanding the mechanisms involved in the transport of methane into the ocean, with implications for climate research, assessment of geological hazards and alternative energy resources