Microbial Methane Generation and Implications for Stability of Shallow Sediments on the Upper Slope, U.S. Atlantic Margin

Dissociation of methane hydrates in shallow marine sediments due to increasing global temperatures can lead the venting gas or seafloor destabilization. Along U.S. Atlantic margin there is a well-documented history slope failure and numerous seeps have been recorded. However, it not fully understood whether observed seepages as data often sparse. We used machine learning algorithms predict total organic carbon (TOC) porosity at on margin. Within this region, an area high TOC predictions (1.5—2.2% dry weight) occurred along continental from (35.4°N, 75.0°W) (39.0°N, 72.0°W), aligning with documented region. Elsewhere, predicted values were near below 1% weight. In TOC, we modeled hydrate formation over 120,000 years glacial cycle. feather edge, average saturations base stability zone (BHZ) between 0.2% 0.7% some models predicting saturation above 3% peak ranged 4% 6.5%. At these locations pore pressure response BHZ dissociation increase temperature. focused purely drained undrained loading environments non-linear Hoek-Brown envelope assess criteria met. environment, where excess instantly dissipated, found that change effective stress small no expected occur. does dissipate, larger shear occur even low (0.2%—1%) forming final 0.1%. Therefore, conclude edge conditions necessary for sediment failure.