Éditeur(s) : Elsevier Science Bv
Résumé : Fluid escape structures on the Nile Deep Sea Fan were investigated during the MEDIFLUX MIMES expedition in 2004. Mud volcanoes, pockmarks and authigenic carbonate structures were surveyed for the first time with a high-resolution deep-towed 75 kHz sidescan sonar and a 2-8 kHz Chirp sediment echosounder. In combination with existing multibeam bathymetry and detailed seafloor in situ geological observations, these new data allowed detailed seep analyses. About 60 gas flares were detected acoustically in the water column from the sidescan sonar raw data at water depths from 770 to 1700 m. These gas flares coincide at the seabed with 1) the centres of the mud volcanoes where mud is also extruded, 2) the borders of the mud volcanoes where the emitted gases contribute to the precipitation of authigenic carbonates, and 3) to the edges of broad sheets of authigenic carbonates. Subsurface sediments are commonly disturbed by ascending fluids throughout the delta, with an abundance of seep-related carbonate structures on the seafloor. The feeder channels below mud volcanoes, similar to the gas conduits below the widespread carbonate crust structures and pockmarks, are relatively narrow and, for the vast majority of them, do not exceed a few metres in diameter. The seeps on the Nile Deep Sea Fan clearly follow lineations on the seafloor that we can relate to faults. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Marine Geology (0025-3227) (Elsevier Science Bv), 2010-09 , Vol. 275 , N. 1-4 , P. 1-19

Droits : 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00013/12457/9766.pdf
DOI:10.1016/j.margeo.2010.04.003
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00013/12457/

Éditeur(s) : The Oceanography Society
Résumé : Submarine hydrocarbon seeps are geologically driven "hotspots" of increased biological activity on the seabed. As part of the HERMES project, several sites of natural hydrocarbon seepage in the European seas were investigated in detail, including mud volcanoes and pockmarks, in study areas extending from the Nordic margin, to the Gulf of Cadiz, to the Mediterranean and Black seas. High-resolution seabed maps and the main properties of key seep sites are presented here. Individual seeps show ecosystem zonation related to the strength of the methane flux and distinct biogeochemical processes in surface sediments. A feature common to many seeps is the formation of authigenic carbonate constructions. These constructions exhibit various morphologies ranging from large pavements and fragmented slabs to chimneys and mushroom-shaped mounds, and they form hard substrates colonized by fixed fauna. Gas hydrate dissociation could contribute to sustain seep chemosynthetic communities over several thousand years following large gas-release events.
Oceanography (1042-8275) (The Oceanography Society), 2009-03 , Vol. 22 , N. 1 , P. 92-109

Droits : 2009 by The Oceanography Society. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to copy this article for use in teaching and research. Republication, systemmatic reproduction, or collective redistirbution of any portion of this article by photocopy machine, reposting, or other means is permitted only with the approval of The Oceanography Society. Send all correspondence to: info@tos.org or The Oceanography Society, PO Box 1931, Rockville, MD 20849-1931, USA.
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2009/publication-6387.pdf
DOI:10.5670/oceanog.2009.11
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/6387/

Éditeur(s) : Elsevier
Résumé : We report on a multidisciplinary study of cold seeps explored in the Central Nile deep-sea fan of the Egyptian margin. Our approach combines in situ seafloor observation, geophysics, sedimentological data, measurement of bottom-water methane anomalies, pore-water and sediment geochemistry, and Th-230/U dating of authigenic carbonates. Two areas were investigated, which correspond to different sedimentary provinces. The lower slope, at similar to 2100 m water depth, indicates deformation of sediments by gravitational processes, exhibiting slope-parallel elongated ridges and seafloor depressions. In contrast, the middle slope, at similar to 1650 m water depth, exhibits a series of debris-flow deposits not remobilized by post-depositional gravity processes. Significant differences exist between fluid-escape structures from the two studied areas. At the lower slope, methane anomalies were detected in bottom-waters above the depressions, whereas the adjacent ridges show a frequent coverage of fractured carbonate pavements associated with chemosynthetic vent communities. Carbonate U/Th age dates (similar to 8 kyr BP), pore-water sulphate and solid phase sediment data suggest that seepage activity at those carbonate ridges has decreased over the recent past. In contrast, large (similar to 1 km(2)) carbonate-paved areas were discovered in the middle slope, with U/Th isotope evidence for ongoing carbonate precipitation during the Late Holocene (since similar to 5 kyr BP at least). Our results suggest that fluid venting is closely related to sediment deformation in the Central Nile margin. It is proposed that slope instability leads to focused fluid flow in the lower slope and exposure of 'fossil' carbonate ridges, whereas pervasive diffuse flow prevails at the unfailed middle slope.
Marine Geology (0025-3227) (Elsevier), 2009-06 , Vol. 261 , N. 1-4 , P. 92-104

Droits : 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2009/publication-6586.pdf
DOI:10.1016/j.margeo.2008.10.008
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/6586/

Éditeur(s) : Academia Brasileira de Ciencias
Résumé : During the Geobrésil cruise of the R. V. Jean Charcot (1973) several marine geophysical lines, including bathymetry, magnetism, continuous seismic as well as sonobuoy profiles have been run across a deep marginal plateau extending on the southeastern Brazilian margin and known as the Sao Paulo Plateau. These data indicate the presence of a thick sedimentary cover (more than 4s DTT) on the upper slope and up to 3s DTT thick on the lower slope and rise. The entire slope is highly disturbed by salt diapiric structures mostly apparent between the 2 000-3 000 bathymetriclines and comparable to the ones described in the western Mediterranean sea. The Sao Paulo scarp, bordering the deep marginal plateau to the South-West, is believed to be a discontinuous and "en échelon» structure probably related to numerous and closely spaced early fracture zones. The overal structures Of two areas - the Sao Paulo and the Angolan margin - are briefly cOmpared and Preliminary results of DSDP holes 356 and 364 suggest a similar sedimentary history, during mesozoic times, for both margins. [NOT CONTROLLED OCR]
Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias (Academia Brasileira de Ciencias), 1976 , Vol. 48 , N. Supp. , P. 187-198

Droits : Academia Brasileira de Ciencias
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/1976/publication-4990.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/4990/

Éditeur(s) : Springer
Résumé : Two highly active mud volcanoes located in 990-1,265 m water depths were mapped on the northern Egyptian continental slope during the BIONIL expedition of R/V Meteor in October 2006. High-resolution swath bathymetry and backscatter imagery were acquired with an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV)-mounted multibeam echosounder, operating at a frequency of 200 kHz. Data allowed for the construction of similar to 1 m pixel bathymetry and backscatter maps. The newly produced maps provide details of the seabed morphology and texture, and insights into the formation of the two mud volcanoes. They also contain key indicators on the distribution of seepage and its tectonic control. The acquisition of high-resolution seafloor bathymetry and acoustic imagery maps with an AUV-mounted multibeam echosounder fills the gap in spatial scale between conventional multibeam data collected from a surface vessel and in situ video observations made from a manned submersible or a remotely operating vehicle.
Marine Geophysical Researches (0025-3235) (Springer), 2008-12 , Vol. 29 , N. 4 , P. 275-290

Droits : 2008 Springer. Part of Springer Science+Business Media
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/2008/publication-6395.pdf
DOI:10.1007/s11001-009-9063-3
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/6395/

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Société géologique de France
Résumé : National audience
The late Lower to Middle Permian Panjal Traps (NW Himalaya, India-Pakistan) represent the greatest magmatic province erupted on the northern Indian platform during the Neotethys opening. New geochemical and isotopic analyses were performed on basalts from the eastern borders of the traps (SE Zanskar-NW Spiti area) in order to characterize this volcanism, to discuss its compositional variations in comparison to Panjal counterparts and its relationships with the opening of Neotethys. Lavas show features of tholeiitic low-Ti (< 1.6%) continental flood basalts with LREE, Th enrichments and Nb-Ta negative anomalies. Trace element ratios combined with {varepsilon}Ndi values (–3.6 to +0.9) and high Pb isotopic ratios suggest that these tholeiitic basalts were derived from an OIB-like mantle contaminated at various degrees by a continental crust component. Previous geochemical features are broadly similar to those of the coeval Panjal volcanic sequences identified westwards (Ladakh, Kashmir and Pakistan). Present geochemical constraints obtained for the Panjal Traps basalts suggest they originated from rapid effusion of tholeiitic melts during opening of the Neotethys Ocean. Similar magmatism implying an OIB-type reservoir is contemporaneously recognized on and along the adjacent Arabian platform. Both Indian and Arabian Permian volcanics were emplaced during coeval syn-rift to post rift transition. These Lower to Middle Permian south Neotethyan continental flood magmatism are regarded as associated to a passive rifting. In this scheme, OIB-type isotopic signature would be related either to a melting episode of syn-rift up-welling mantle plumes or to a melting of a regional abnormally hot and enriched mantle.
EISSN: 1777-5817

insu-00338862
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-00338862
DOI : 10.2113/gssgfbull.179.4.383

Éditeur(s) : The American Asscoiation of Petroleum Geologists
Résumé : Several marine geophysical profiles off the southern part of the Niger delta reveal the presence of diapiric structures beneath the continental slope and rise. The origin of the diapiric material appears to be deep in the sedimentary section and is believed to be of Aptian-Albian age. If this hypothesis is correct, the presence of evaporite basins, known between angola and Gabon, can be extended as far north as the Niger delta. [NOT CONTROLLED OCR]
The American Asscoiation of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin (The American Asscoiation of Petroleum Geologists), 1973-09 , Vol. 57 , N. 9 , P. 1672-1678

Droits : The American Asscoiation of Petroleum Geologists
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/1973/publication-5119.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/5119/

Éditeur(s) : Geological Society of America
Résumé : The landward termination of Walvis Ridge consists of two east-trending basement ridges of probable basaltic composition enclosing a relatively important sedimentary basin. East of long. 10° E., the southern ridge disappears under the sediments of the continental margin. The trends of the basement ridges are in good agreement with the inferred direction of initial opening. Since its formation, the Walvis Ridge has probably dammed sediment coming from the south. The proposed identification of layer A, a very strong horizon over which the reflectors are nearly undisturbed, may indicate that no major tectonic phase has affected this area since the shift of the pole of opening for the south Atlantic in Late Cretaceous-early Tertiary time. [NOT CONTROLLED OCR]
Geological Society of America Bulletin (Geological Society of America), 1974 , Vol. 85 , P. 619-632

Droits : Geological Society of America
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/1974/publication-5147.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/5147/

Éditeur(s) : Société Géologique de France
Résumé : Numerous data obtained during recent marine geophysical surveys have been compiled together in order to present the structural framework of Niger Delta and adjacent areas. Seismic reflection results show that the delta slope is characterized by intense diapiric deformations and that the overall structure of the delta is fairly comparable to the structures of the Gulf Coast province margin or of Angolan margin. Seismics as well as gravity and magnetic measurements indicate the existence in the vicinity of the Niger delta of two oceanic trends apparently related to an early phase of opening of the South Atlantic. Both trends can tentatively be correlated on land with the major structures known in the southern and northern Benue trough. A comparion between the whole area (Niger Delta and Benue trough) and another intracratonic chain-the Pyrenees mountains - is briefly discussed. [NOT CONTROLLED OCR]
J. Min. Geol. (Société Géologique de France), 1976 , Vol. 13 , N. 1 , P. 12-28

Droits : Société Géologique de France
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/1976/publication-5171.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/5171/

Éditeur(s) : Springer
Résumé : The main structural features of the continental margin off West Spitzberg are outlined. Seaward the Atka ridge has acted like a dam for the eastward-flowing sediments and thus helped to build up a large sedimentary basin, narrowing towards the North. Magnetic and seismic data show that the Atka Valley is probably an active accretion rift valley. These results are in good agreement with the last hypothesis on the opening of the Norwegian Sea. During the Pliocene, a tectonic event may have affected Atka ridge and modified the subsequent sedimentation. [NOT CONTROLLED OCR]
L'étude de plusieurs profils de sismique réflexion, magnétisme et gravimétrie a permis de dégager les grands traits de la structure de la marge continentale à l'ouest du Spitzberg. Cette marge est représentée au niveau du talus continental par un bassin sédimentaire dont la largeur se réduit en allant vers le Nord. Ce bassin est limité à l'Ouest par les premiers contreforts de la dorsale d'Atka qui a joué un rôle de barrage pour les apports sédimentaires. Les données de la sismique réflexion et du magnétisme indiquent que la vallée d'Atka est sans doute une zone actuelle d'expansion. Ces résultats sont en bon accord avec le modèle récent d'ouverture de la mer de Norvège. De plus, la dorsale d'Atka semble avoir subi au pliocène un réajustement ayant modifié les processus sédimentaires au niveau de la marge. [OCR NON CONTRÔLE]
Marine Geophysical Researches (Springer), 1975 , Vol. 2 , N. 3 , P. 215-229

Droits : Springer
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/1975/publication-5439.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00000/5439/

HERMES Newsletter, 2007 , N. 7 , P. 4

Droits : HERMES 2008
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00185/29669/28041.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00185/29669/28071.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00185/29669/

Résumé : The MEDECO Leg 2 cruise followed the MEDECO Leg 1 cruise that had crossed the Mediterranean Sea from the west to the east to study benthic communities of the Var canyon, deep corals found on the Calabrian Margin and cold seep ecosystems of the Mediterranean Ridge. The main objective of the MEDECO Leg 2 cruise was to study and compare, using a multidisciplinary approach, the structure and dynamics of deep-sea ecosystems at various active cold seep sites from the Nile deep sea fan and the Calabrian Arc, in the Eastern Mediterranean sea. During MEDECO Legs 1 & 2, a multiscale strategy was promoted to integrate (1) a high resolution cartography of geological structures (km2 scale), (2) a detailed mapping, including video imagery, of smaller-scale areas (scale 100 to 300 m2), (3) the physical, chemical and sedimentary characteristics of the habitat (multiscale), (4) the structure and functioning of faunal communities, including microbes, in terms of composition, diversity and biomass (multiscale), (5) small scale studies of interactions between organisms and their environment (scale < m2), (6) detailed ecophysiological studies at the organism scale on invertebrates. The use of the ROV “Victor 6000” and of various equipments for in situ and ex situ observations and measurements has helped reaching our objectives. The MEDECO cruise represented the key-Mediterranean cruise of the HERMES project “Hotspot Ecosystem Research on the Margins of European Seas” (P.I. P. Weaver, NOC-Southampton). The cruise was organized to follow the objectives of the HERMES program to better understand the functioning of deep ecosystems of the continental margins aiming at obtaining: (1) the description and quantification of the natural drivers (geological, hydrological, chemical factors) that control the distribution of ecosystems on margins; (2) the characterization and quantification of biodiversity, from bacteria to megafauna, as well as the knowledge of ecosystem functioning; (3) the study of ecosystems dynamics including the biology/physiology of key-species. Specific objectives. Colonization experiments conducted in the frame of two European programs, Diwoo and Chemeco, have given the opportunity to recover the fauna installed in the devices deployed during the Bionil cruise (2006) and to deploy new ones at the same site located in the pockmark area of the central province of Nile deep sea fan.

Droits : 2008 Insu, Cnrs, Locean
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00134/24550/22583.pdf
http://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00134/24550/