Massive production of abiotic methane during subduction evidenced in metamorphosed ophicarbonates from the Italian Alps

Abstract

Alteration of ultramafic rocks plays a role in hydrocarbon production, but little is known about this process at depth. Here, the authors provide evidence that alteration of carbonated ultramafic rocks at high-pressures are an important source of abiotic methanogenesis with implications for deep C mobility.