Methane Fluxes at the Water-Atmosphere Interface and Gas-Geochemical Anomalies in the Bottom Sediments in the Northwestern Part of the Sea of Japan

We present results of an integrated research into the spatial distribution of methane in the area of the northern closure of the Central Basin of the Sea of Japan and in the southern part of the Tatar Trough. Methane emissions have been revealed in the study area. The methane fluxes are distributed unevenly within the area (1 to 23 mol/(km(2).day)). The discrete high-frequency measurements and calculation of methane fluxes at the water-atmosphere interface, combined with the study of the content of natural gases and microbiologic parameters in sediment cores, allow us to explain the formation of local methane emission zones in the water area. Despite the great sea depths, there are sources and fluid-conducting zones that determine methane concentrations (exceeding the equilibrium ones) and high methane emissions from the water area. The data obtained provide new information and suggest the presence of deep gas sources, which determine gas dispersion in the bottom sediments, the methane content in the surface water layer, and the distribution of methane fluxes at the water-atmosphere interface in the study area. This study is part of the integrated program of geological and geophysical expeditionary research performed by V.I. Il'ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute (Vladivostok) in the northern part of the Sea of Japan.