Articles | Volume 17, issue 8
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-923-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-923-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
05 Aug 2026
Research article |
| 05 Aug 2026
| 05 Aug 2026
Gas migration and slope instability in the Danube Fan: insights from integrated OBS-MCS seismic analysis
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, RD Marine Geodynamics, Kiel, Germany
Anke Dannowski
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, RD Marine Geodynamics, Kiel, Germany
Jörg Bialas
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, RD Marine Geodynamics, Kiel, Germany
Felix Gross
Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Institute of Geosciences, Kiel, Germany
Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Centre for Ocean and Society, Kiel, Germany
Jasper Hoffmann
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, RD Marine Geodynamics, Kiel, Germany
Alfred-Wegener-Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research Sylt, Department Coastal Ecology, List, Germany
Dirk Klaeschen
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, RD Marine Geodynamics, Kiel, Germany
Christian Berndt
GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, RD Marine Geodynamics, Kiel, Germany
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In this study, we used active-source seismic data to investigate crustal anisotropy in a 45 Ma old segment of the Nazca Plate. We identified a strong twofold anisotropic pattern in the upper crust, with fast wave propagation in E–W direction. The anisotropy decreases with depth and is best explained by fractures associated with horst and graben structures. Our results highlight how tectonic deformation impacts seismic properties and anisotropic structure of oceanic crust.
Henriette M. Kolling, Markus Kienast, Peter Matzerath, Julia Gottschalk, Stephanie Kienast, Daniel A. Frick, Felix Gross, Jack Wharton, David Thornalley, and Ralph R. Schneider
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We studied past ocean conditions on the Scotian Shelf to understand how warm Gulf Stream waters reached this region in the past. Using chemical signals preserved in microscopic shells from seafloor sediments, we reconstructed sea surface temperature and salinity over the last 8,500 years. We found repeated warm-water intrusions during the mid to late Holocene, similar in strength to those observed today, providing important context for modern ocean warming.
Gesa Franz, Marion Jegen, Max Moorkamp, Christian Berndt, and Wolfgang Rabbel
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Our study focuses on the correlation of two geophysical parameters (electrical resistivity and density) with geological units. We use this computer-aided correlation to improve interpretation of the Earth’s formation history along the Namibian coast and the associated formation of the South Atlantic Ocean. It helps to distinguish different types of sediment cover and varieties of oceanic crust, as well as to identify typical features associated with the breakup of continents.
Damian L. Arévalo-Martínez, Amir Haroon, Hermann W. Bange, Ercan Erkul, Marion Jegen, Nils Moosdorf, Jens Schneider von Deimling, Christian Berndt, Michael Ernst Böttcher, Jasper Hoffmann, Volker Liebetrau, Ulf Mallast, Gudrun Massmann, Aaron Micallef, Holly A. Michael, Hendrik Paasche, Wolfgang Rabbel, Isaac Santos, Jan Scholten, Katrin Schwalenberg, Beata Szymczycha, Ariel T. Thomas, Joonas J. Virtasalo, Hannelore Waska, and Bradley A. Weymer
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Groundwater flows at the land–ocean transition and the extent of freshened groundwater below the seafloor are increasingly relevant in marine sciences, both because they are a highly uncertain term of biogeochemical budgets and due to the emerging interest in the latter as a resource. Here, we discuss our perspectives on future research directions to better understand land–ocean connectivity through groundwater and its potential responses to natural and human-induced environmental changes.
Yueyang Xia, Dirk Klaeschen, Heidrun Kopp, and Michael Schnabel
Solid Earth, 13, 367–392, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-367-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-367-2022, 2022
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Geological interpretations based on seismic depth images depend on an accurate subsurface velocity model. Reflection tomography is one method to iteratively update a velocity model based on depth error analysis. We used a warping method to estimate closely spaced data-driven depth error displacement fields. The application to a multichannel seismic line across the Sunda subduction zone illustrates the approach which leads to more accurate images of complex geological structures.
Felix N. Wolf, Dietrich Lange, Anke Dannowski, Martin Thorwart, Wayne Crawford, Lars Wiesenberg, Ingo Grevemeyer, Heidrun Kopp, and the AlpArray Working Group
Solid Earth, 12, 2597–2613, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2597-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2597-2021, 2021
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The Ligurian Sea opened ~30–15 Ma during SE migration of the Calabrian subduction zone. Using ambient seismic noise from stations on land and at the ocean bottom, we calculated a 3D shear-velocity model of the Ligurian Basin. In keeping with existing 2D studies, we find a shallow crust–mantle transition at the SW basin centre that deepens towards the northeast, Corsica, and the Liguro-Provençal coast. We observe a separation of SW and NE basins. We do not observe high crustal vP/vS ratios.
Martin Thorwart, Anke Dannowski, Ingo Grevemeyer, Dietrich Lange, Heidrun Kopp, Florian Petersen, Wayne C. Crawford, Anne Paul, and the AlpArray Working Group
Solid Earth, 12, 2553–2571, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2553-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2553-2021, 2021
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We analyse broadband ocean bottom seismometer data of the AlpArray OBS network in the Ligurian Basin. Two earthquake clusters with thrust faulting focal mechanisms indicate compression of the rift basin. The locations of seismicity suggest reactivation of pre-existing rift structures and strengthening of crust and uppermost mantle during rifting-related extension. Slightly different striking directions of faults may mimic the anti-clockwise rotation of the Corsica–Sardinia block.
Yueyang Xia, Jacob Geersen, Dirk Klaeschen, Bo Ma, Dietrich Lange, Michael Riedel, Michael Schnabel, and Heidrun Kopp
Solid Earth, 12, 2467–2477, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2467-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2467-2021, 2021
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The 2 June 1994 Java tsunami earthquake ruptured in a seismically quiet subduction zone and generated a larger-than-expected tsunami. Here, we re-process a seismic line across the rupture area. We show that a subducting seamount is located up-dip of the mainshock in a region that did not rupture during the earthquake. Seamount subduction modulates the topography of the marine forearc and acts as a seismic barrier in the 1994 earthquake rupture.
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Short summary
This study investigates gas hydrate distribution in the Danube Fan, NW Black Sea. Using seismic data and drilling results, we analysed the structure, composition, and gas content of underconsolidated sediments. Gas hydrates are present in low concentration and patchy distribution. Free gas is trapped beneath the hydrate stability zone. The area shows signs of past slope failures linked to weak sediments and gas accumulation. The study provides insights into how gas hydrate systems evolve.
This study investigates gas hydrate distribution in the Danube Fan, NW Black Sea. Using seismic...
