Gas Hydrates in the southern Jalisco subduction zone as evidenced by bottom simulating reflectors in Multichannel Seismic Reflection Data of the 2002 BART/FAMEX campaign

Abstract

Evidence, in the form of bottom simulating reflectors (BSRs), for gas hydrates is observed on a multichannel seismic reflection profile in the continental slope area of the southern Jalisco Subduction Zone, off Manzanillo, Mexico. The reflectors are found at 0.4 sec (two-way travel time) below the seafloor reflector and extend for about 7 km along the profile. This result along with previous results in the northern part of the Jalisco Subduction Zone suggests that gas hydrates may exist in the continental slope region of the entire Jalisco Subduction Zone, however, more seismic reflection data needs to be collected to verify this assertion.