SHOCK WAVE MODEL OF THE CRATER FORMATION AND OTHER CAUSES OF EXPLOSIVE METHANE RELEASE

Abstract

Model to explain the crater formation at the Yamal Peninsula and methane release on the Bennett Island is proposed. The reason causing these phenomena consists in the shock wave impact on permafrost gas hydrates deposits. Gas hydrates break up as the shock wave of an earthquake on an icequake common in their deposits area passes through them. Origin of crater or volcano formation on the Bennett Island appears to need a series of earthquakes (shock waves).

Keywords

• gas hydrates
• methane release
• earthquake