Deep ocean bubble transport model coupled with multiple hydrate behavior characteristics

Abstract

AbstractSubmarine gas seepage is a widely observed process. In this study, a unified mechanistic model of bubble transport both inside and outside the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ) was developed. Multiple hydrate‐related behaviors were considered, including hydrate nucleation, hydrate film lateral spread, hydrate shell dynamic growth, hydrate dissolution and decomposition, and collapse and fracture deformation of hydrate‐coated bubbles. Using the proposed model, a series of simulation studies about bubble dissolution and rising fate were conducted. The results indicate that the formation of solid hydrates in the deep‐sea environment can provide a fairly effective barrier for the dissolution and shrinkage of bubbles, and the deeper the initial release water depth, the smaller the critical size of the bubble required for arriving at the water surface. Furthermore, the majority of gases released from the seafloor would be absorbed by the shallow oceanic layer, but larger bubbles could still pass through the water column to the atmosphere.