SPATIAL-TEMPORAL REGULARITIES OF METHANE DISTRIBUTION IN THE WATER COLUMN OF THE SEA OF AZOV

This paper summarizes the results of numerous expeditions conducted in the Azov Sea, with the aim to establish spatial and temporal patterns of distribution of methane concentrations in the water column. Special attention is paid to the study of the contribution of different natural and anthropogenic factors and processes in shaping the spatial and temporal distribution of methane concentrations. An important part of work performed is the study of the mechanisms of formation of methane in the "bottom sediments water column atmosphere", in barrier of the mixing zones "river sea" and also in the transition from coastal to open sea areas. The whole complex of works performed shows that the distribution of methane concentrations in the water column in space and in time is controlled mainly by the intensity of its formation in the bottom sediments, which in turn depends on the quantity and lability of organic matter in bottom sediments, the content in water of dissolved oxygen and water temperature. An important factor is wind mixing that significantly reduces the emission of methane in the system "water atmosphere" and, consequently, reducing its concentrations and their homogenization in the water column of the sea.