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Geological investigation of pockmarks in the Scanner Pockmark SCI area 2015

Abstract

This report is the product of a desk study by the British Geological Survey (BGS) for JNCC. This study focussed on the pockmarks found in Scanner Pockmark SCI area, and looks at evidence of gas seepage and specific factors that influence the formation and exposure of methane-derived authigenic carbonate (MDAC) structures within the pockmarks.

Data collected by Cefas during cruise CEND19x/12, provided the main dataset for this study. The multibeam dataset collected was used to semi-automatically map and characterise the morphology of the pockmarks. The information extracted from the mapped pockmarks was then compared to the information extracted from previous surveys. Backscatter data and side scan sonar data was used to characterise the nature of the seafloor, in particular the presence of methane-derived authigenic carbonate (MDAC). The study confirmed changes in the volume of sediment infill of the pockmark but no clear sediment source was identified.

Resource type Publication

Topic category Environment

Reference date 2015·08·01

Citation
Gafeira, J. & Long, D. 2015. Geological investigation of pockmarks in the Scanner Pockmark SCI area, JNCC Report No. 570, JNCC, Peterborough, ISSN 0963-8091.

Lineage
This report is the product of a desk study to compare the JNCC 2012 multi-beam/side-scan dataset from the Scanner and Braemar pockmarks areas in the northern North Sea, with similar historic datasets, noting morphological change.

Responsible organisation
Communications, JNCC publisher

Limitations on public access No limitations

Use constraints Available under the Open Government Licence 3.0

Metadata date 2020·02·25

Metadata point of contact
Communications, JNCC

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