Gas seeps

Usage

Active gas seeps on the continental shelf are commonly associated with underlying oil and gas reservoirs, trapped gas under gas hydrates, serpentinization of ultramafic rocks, and the dissociation of gas hydrate itself. The spatial distribution of the gas seeps appears to correlate with geological structures in rocks below the seabed, e.g., faults which can serve as conduits for upward moving gas. Methane is the main gas component in Norwegian gas seeps. Methane oxidation at the seafloor triggers the formation of methane-derived carbonate crusts, which give evidence for extensive gas seepage in the past. Chemosynthetic microbial communities are commonly associated with seeps and form special habitats together with the carbonate crusts. Methane seepage has been proposed to contribute significantly to the global carbon budget and when associated with dissociation of gas hydrates may give rise to potential geohazards. The data set can be used for purposes such as defining environmentally sensitive areas, habitat mapping, studies for quantification of gas seeps, and evaluation of seabed stability.

Theme: Geology

In scope of Inspire Directive: No

DOK according to KMD-definitions: No

In scope of Norway digital agreement: Yes

Land-use plans subject to law (PBL): No

In scope of the Geodata Act: No

Mareano: Yes

Ecological Base Map: No

Modellbaserte vegprosjekter: No

DOK-status

DOK-status: Proposal

DOK-status date approved:

Updated: 5/8/2026 4:43:33 AM

Geodatalov status

Product information

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