Periodic Reporting for period 1 - TURBOMUD (Mud volcanism and turbidites occurrence as joint tools to identify paleoearthquakes in the Gulf of Cadiz and adjacent abyssal plains)
Período documentado: 2022-09-01 hasta 2024-08-31
Event stratigraphy, a relatively new branch of marine geology research, has rapidly expanded since its inception, helping to extend extreme events catalogues globally. Its contribution to detecting historical and geological extreme events has addressed one of the most pressing challenges in modern geology: understanding the recurrence of high-magnitude catastrophic natural hazards and improving our ability to predict them. By enhancing the characterization of these hazards—such as estimating the magnitude and recurrence intervals of major events—we can better mitigate the risks and implement effective prevention strategies for nearby populations.
The TURBOMUD proposal seeks to advance this knowledge for the Gulf of Cadiz (GoC) accretionary wedge, leveraging a vast dataset collected from recent and past expeditions in the region. The project introduces an innovative research approach that combines the study of mud volcanism and turbidite occurrences to better estimate seismic hazards in this convergent zone. Utilizing a variety of unique materials and data, including two long sediment cores obtained with the MeBo seafloor drill rig, several gravity cores, and data from bathymetric and seismic surveys, this study provided a comprehensive paleoseismological analysis of the GoC.
To analyze this data, the project employed several statistical techniques to assess the synchronicity of earthquake (EQ) related events. In a groundbreaking approach, the researcher planned to integrate classical turbidite study methods with those used to explore mud volcano episodicity, aiming to identify past extreme events. This novel combination of techniques will provide a more comprehensive understanding of seismic risk, offering an enhanced and more reliable means of assessing EQ hazards for the region.
In summary, the main research goals to be reached were the following: i) unravel the Ginsburg MV (largest such structure in the GoC) spatial and temporal evolution, in connection to changes of solid and fluid emissions at this site and to paleoearthquakes occurrence in the GoC, and ii) produce an event database based on event deposit and MV eruptions for the Cadiz Accretionary Prism and the adjacent Seine Abyssal Plain, parallelly establishing the recent seismic history of the SWIM lineaments. Both objectives have been reached and are some of the results are still being investigated through new data acquired towards the end of the fellowship.
The TURBOMUD proposal seeks to advance this knowledge for the Gulf of Cadiz (GoC) accretionary wedge, leveraging a vast dataset collected from recent and past expeditions in the region. The project introduces an innovative research approach that combines the study of mud volcanism and turbidite occurrences to better estimate seismic hazards in this convergent zone. Utilizing a variety of unique materials and data, including two long sediment cores obtained with the MeBo seafloor drill rig, several gravity cores, and data from bathymetric and seismic surveys, this study provided a comprehensive paleoseismological analysis of the GoC.
To analyze this data, the project employed several statistical techniques to assess the synchronicity of earthquake (EQ) related events. In a groundbreaking approach, the researcher planned to integrate classical turbidite study methods with those used to explore mud volcano episodicity, aiming to identify past extreme events. This novel combination of techniques will provide a more comprehensive understanding of seismic risk, offering an enhanced and more reliable means of assessing EQ hazards for the region.
In summary, the main research goals to be reached were the following: i) unravel the Ginsburg MV (largest such structure in the GoC) spatial and temporal evolution, in connection to changes of solid and fluid emissions at this site and to paleoearthquakes occurrence in the GoC, and ii) produce an event database based on event deposit and MV eruptions for the Cadiz Accretionary Prism and the adjacent Seine Abyssal Plain, parallelly establishing the recent seismic history of the SWIM lineaments. Both objectives have been reached and are some of the results are still being investigated through new data acquired towards the end of the fellowship.
At the start of the TURBOMUD project, a six-month secondment at the University of Innsbruck, Austria, was essential for the researcher to acquire state-of-the-art techniques needed to analyze the extensive data collected from core samples. During this time, the researcher gained expertise in multivariate statistical analysis and refined event-dating techniques using synchronicity testing. Following this secondment, Dr. Menapace moved to the Institute of Marine Sciences (ICM-CSIC) in Barcelona, Spain, where, with the guidance of his supervisor, Dr. Perea, he conducted the remaining analyses. This phase allowed him to acquire advanced seismic and bathymetric processing skills, which he applied to achieve the project’s objectives.
In the course of this research, more than ten eruptive events were identified and dated on the Ginsburg Mud Volcano (MV), reaching back to approximately 30,000 years BP (including both surficial and subsurficial events). Three of these eruptions were successfully correlated with known historical EQs, demonstrating that the MVs in the GoC are indeed sensitive to seismic activity. However, the study revealed that, at least in the Ginsburg MV case, the recurrence interval between eruptions is nearly double that of high-magnitude (Mw > 8) EQs. Additionally, the long core enabled the identification of nine authigenic paleo-seepage fronts just above the sulfate-methane transition zone through more than 400000 yr, documenting the history of gas seepage in the region and its correlation with global sea-level fluctuations. In the deeper part of the GoC, the Abyssal plain, the TURBOMUD project has provided novel insight on the origin and deposition of various types of turbidites, highlighting the plethora of mechanisms that fuel these mass transport deposits.
A major milestone in Dr. Menapace’s scientific career was his participation as the head of the sedimentology team on an international marine research expedition aboard the DV Joides Resolution. This expedition, developed as a secondary project with the support of the TURBOMUD project, provided valuable data and new insights into event stratigraphy along active margins. These findings will inform future projects, advancing our understanding of earthquake-triggered sedimentary processes in tectonically active regions.
The TURBOMUD project has communicated its results through several key scientific and public outreach platforms. The project’s findings have been showcased at prestigious international conferences. The results highlighted discoveries on mud volcano activity, EQ recurrence, and fluid flow in the GoC, providing crucial insights for the scientific community. The project shared findings through platforms like scientific blogs and educational sites, engaging the broader public on topics of marine geology, tectonics, and seismicity. These dissemination efforts have enhanced both scientific understanding and public awareness of seismic risk and cold seeps processes in active tectonic regions.
In the course of this research, more than ten eruptive events were identified and dated on the Ginsburg Mud Volcano (MV), reaching back to approximately 30,000 years BP (including both surficial and subsurficial events). Three of these eruptions were successfully correlated with known historical EQs, demonstrating that the MVs in the GoC are indeed sensitive to seismic activity. However, the study revealed that, at least in the Ginsburg MV case, the recurrence interval between eruptions is nearly double that of high-magnitude (Mw > 8) EQs. Additionally, the long core enabled the identification of nine authigenic paleo-seepage fronts just above the sulfate-methane transition zone through more than 400000 yr, documenting the history of gas seepage in the region and its correlation with global sea-level fluctuations. In the deeper part of the GoC, the Abyssal plain, the TURBOMUD project has provided novel insight on the origin and deposition of various types of turbidites, highlighting the plethora of mechanisms that fuel these mass transport deposits.
A major milestone in Dr. Menapace’s scientific career was his participation as the head of the sedimentology team on an international marine research expedition aboard the DV Joides Resolution. This expedition, developed as a secondary project with the support of the TURBOMUD project, provided valuable data and new insights into event stratigraphy along active margins. These findings will inform future projects, advancing our understanding of earthquake-triggered sedimentary processes in tectonically active regions.
The TURBOMUD project has communicated its results through several key scientific and public outreach platforms. The project’s findings have been showcased at prestigious international conferences. The results highlighted discoveries on mud volcano activity, EQ recurrence, and fluid flow in the GoC, providing crucial insights for the scientific community. The project shared findings through platforms like scientific blogs and educational sites, engaging the broader public on topics of marine geology, tectonics, and seismicity. These dissemination efforts have enhanced both scientific understanding and public awareness of seismic risk and cold seeps processes in active tectonic regions.
Scientific Exploitation
-Enhanced EQ Prediction Models: The refined EQ recurrence data and improved understanding of MV responses to seismic events contribute directly to models predicting EQ recurrence. These findings add depth to existing paleoseismological methods by integrating data from mud volcanoes.
-Advancements in Sedimentology and Event Stratigraphy: Through the project’s detailed analysis of turbidite and mud volcanism records, researchers can now explore new methodologies in event stratigraphy, providing a model for future studies of EQ-triggered sedimentary deposits. This could lead to further discoveries in other active margins worldwide, enhancing our global understanding of tectonic processes and subduction dynamics.
-Understanding Gas Seepage Patterns: The findings related to gas seepage history and its link to sea-level oscillations reveal new aspects of seabed fluid dynamics. This knowledge could inform further studies on methane release and its environmental implications, as well as contribute to our understanding of geochemical processes in marine environments.
Societal Implications
-Environmental Protection and Marine Conservation: The findings related to episodic gas seepage and its ties to global sea-level changes offer new insights into the environmental impacts of tectonic processes. Marine conservation policies, especially in areas designated as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), can use this information to safeguard ecosystems sensitive to gas emissions and seabed disturbances.
-Supporting Cross-Border Research Collaboration: The GoC is a transnational region, and the TURBOMUD results could foster collaborative research initiatives between European and neighbouring non-European countries. This shared data and knowledge can lead to coordinated efforts in seismic risk assessment, benefiting all nations bordering this tectonically active region.
-Enhanced EQ Prediction Models: The refined EQ recurrence data and improved understanding of MV responses to seismic events contribute directly to models predicting EQ recurrence. These findings add depth to existing paleoseismological methods by integrating data from mud volcanoes.
-Advancements in Sedimentology and Event Stratigraphy: Through the project’s detailed analysis of turbidite and mud volcanism records, researchers can now explore new methodologies in event stratigraphy, providing a model for future studies of EQ-triggered sedimentary deposits. This could lead to further discoveries in other active margins worldwide, enhancing our global understanding of tectonic processes and subduction dynamics.
-Understanding Gas Seepage Patterns: The findings related to gas seepage history and its link to sea-level oscillations reveal new aspects of seabed fluid dynamics. This knowledge could inform further studies on methane release and its environmental implications, as well as contribute to our understanding of geochemical processes in marine environments.
Societal Implications
-Environmental Protection and Marine Conservation: The findings related to episodic gas seepage and its ties to global sea-level changes offer new insights into the environmental impacts of tectonic processes. Marine conservation policies, especially in areas designated as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), can use this information to safeguard ecosystems sensitive to gas emissions and seabed disturbances.
-Supporting Cross-Border Research Collaboration: The GoC is a transnational region, and the TURBOMUD results could foster collaborative research initiatives between European and neighbouring non-European countries. This shared data and knowledge can lead to coordinated efforts in seismic risk assessment, benefiting all nations bordering this tectonically active region.