Links between spatially heterogeneous pore water geochemistry, fluid
migration, and methane hydrate near a seafloor mound venting structure
on the south Chilean Margin (41°S)
Abstract
Pore water freshening (i.e., decreases in dissolved Cl) has been
documented in marine sediments along most active margins, with the
migration of deep fluids or methane hydrate dissociation often invoked
as sources of freshening in the sediment column. During D/V JOIDES
Resolution Expedition 379T in 2019, two new sites (J1005 and J1006) were
cored near ODP Site 1233 (41°S), adjacent to a seafloor mound venting
structure. The three sites are less than 10 km apart but show marked
differences in pore water chemistry and methane hydrate occurrence. The
extent of Cl decrease is a function of distance from the mound, with the
strongest freshening occurring at the closest site (J1006), which is the
only site where methane hydrate was observed. Methane fluxes follow the
same pattern, suggesting a common control. Increasing oxygen and
decreasing hydrogen isotopes point to deep mineral bound water as the
primary source of freshening near the mound, with fluids originating
~2.5 km below seafloor near the décollement. Secondary
influences from methane hydrate dissociation and ash diagenesis also
appear to influence regional pore water chemistry. The variability in
pore water freshening suggests that fluid migration and eventual
expulsion at the venting structure follows narrow pathways, likely along
faults within the forearc complex. The migration of deep, gas-charged
fluids may also support methane hydrate saturations greater than in situ
organic carbon diagenesis would allow, but nonetheless consistent with
geophysical estimates. Together, the data highlight an important link
between fluid migration and methane hydrate formation on the Chilean
Margin.