Widespread occurrence of methane seeps in deep-water regions of Krishna-Godavari basin, Bay of Bengal

Drilling/coring activities during NGHP-Expeditions 01 and 02 discovered significant gas hydrate deposits in the Krishna-Godavari (KG) basin, a proven petroliferous basin located along eastern continental margin of India. Active paleo-cold seeps are also reported from deep waters (>1000 m), indicating methane venting episodes KG basin. In present study, we analyzed geophysical data acquired onboard RV Sindhu Sadhana to study spatial distribution flares offshore Twenty-two were observed water-column images at seafloor depths ranging 638 m 1960 m. All except one detected within stability zone (GHSZ), which occurs beyond 700–720 water depths. Most seem terminate these depths, that bubbles might be coated with thin skin. Seabed sampling flare regions shows presence chemosynthetic communities shallow hydrates 2–4 mbsf. The is not random tends align toe-thrust zones shale diapiric mounds. These compressive structures formed due tectonism have provided an environment conducive for formation flares/cold seeps. analysis high-resolution seismic across chimneys faults, facilitated migration deep-seated fluid/gas through GHSZ. Focused fluid flow fault perturbation + seawater phase curve salinity increase owing continuous most likely mechanisms explain migration.