Non-Fickian diffusion and the accumulation of methane bubbles in deep-water sediments.
Eur Phys J E Soft Matter
; 37(5): 45, 2014 May.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-24879327
In the absence of fractures, methane bubbles in deep-water sediments can be immovably trapped within a porous matrix by surface tension. The dominant mechanism of transfer of gas mass therefore becomes the diffusion of gas molecules through porewater. The accurate description of this process requires non-Fickian diffusion to be accounted for, including both thermal diffusion and gravitational action. We evaluate the diffusive flux of aqueous methane considering non-Fickian diffusion and predict the existence of extensive bubble mass accumulation zones within deep-water sediments. The limitation on the hydrate deposit capacity is revealed; too weak deposits cannot reach the base of the hydrate stability zone and form any bubbly horizon.
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MEDLINE
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En
Ano de publicação:
2014
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Article