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Bubbles have begun pluming out of the sea floor near where the epicenter of the earthquake that hit New Zealand earlier this month.
Bubbles have begun pluming out of the sea floor near where the epicenter of the earthquake that hit New Zealand earlier this month.
The phenomena was found in Whalers Bay by Matt Foy and Connor Stapley and it is believed they have been caused by the magnitude 7.8 quake.
Dr Matthew Hughes says the bubbles are likely dissolved gases in the sea floor which have become exposed by new cracks in the rock, and are now venting to the surface.
He says its very much like any other geologically active part of New Zealand.
The bubbles are a combination of several different gases, but the strong smell likely comes from hydrogen sulfide.
Comment: Here's a small sample we've collected of other recent natural outgassing related events:
- Scientists find new, strange 'methane bubbles' in field on Russian island
- Methane outgassing from Arctic lakes faster than ever
- 20 foot high flames spew continuously from borehole in Madhya Pradesh, India
- Mysterious burning crack in the earth releases gas in Chimborazo, Ecuador
- Condamine River's mysterious bubbling methane intensifying in Queensland, Australia
- Frozen methane bubbles trapped under Canadian lake ignited with a match
It is likely that outgassing of methane, hydrogen sulfide (and other natural gases) is coming up from deep below the earth's surface. See also:SOTT Exclusive: The growing threat of underground fires and explosions