Outcropping Methane Gas Hydrates and Methane Seeps
Community Structure


     Van Dover et al. 2003 sought to classify the macro communities and their affect on the surrounding ecosystem at a methane plume. Using cores and dives in Alvin, a map showing faunal distribution was made.  Chemoautotrophic bacteria are the base level for this community, supporting communities of clams and mussels that in turn support a broader ecosystem including polychaetes, shrimps, urchins, etc.  Many of the species noted on the dives represent new species or new polymorphs of species (Van Dover et al. 2003).

Map of area explored in Alvin dive, showing the location of ODP holes and abundant faunal communities (Van Dover et al. 2003).

Close up of polychaete and shrimp grazing on top of a clam bed, demonstrating the faunal interactions and community development at the site.  Scale bar is 5 cm. (Van Dover et al. 2003).
Juvenile mussel beds growing on top of older  deceased mussel bed.  Bacterial mats are growing in the bottom right corner.  Scale bar is 10 cm.  (Van Dover et al. 2003).



Gas Hydrate: Introduction

Gas Hydrate: Sustainability

Gas Hydrate: Signal in Sediments

Gas Hydrate: Energy Source

Gas Hydrate: Locations

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