A two-dimensional model of the methane cycle in a sedimentary accretionary wedge

Abstract

Abstract. A two-dimensional model of sediment column geophysics and geochemistry has been adapted to the problem of an accretionary wedge formation, patterned after the margin of the Juan de Fuca plate as it subducts under the North American plate. Much of the model description was given in a companion paper about application of the model to a passive margin setting; here we build on that formulation to simulate the deformation of the sediment wedge as it approaches the subduction zone. The active margin configuration of the model shares sensitivities with the passive margin configuration, in that sensitivities to organic carbon deposition and respiration kinetics, and to vertical bubble transport and redissolution in the sediment, are stronger than the sensitivity to ocean temperature. The active margin simulation also shows a sensitivity to plate subduction velocity, with higher plate velocities producing less hydrate per meter of coastline than slower velocities or the passive margin configuration. However, the local hydrate concentrations, as pore volume saturation, are higher in the active setting than the passive, as generally observed in the field.