Spatial mapping of dissolved methane using an in situ sensor in Puget Sound

Limnology and Oceanography Methods
By: , and 

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Abstract

Release of methane, as gas bubbles or in the dissolved phase, from the seafloor has been observed in coastal waters (< 200 m) and deep ocean basins (> 1000 m). Methane dissolution within the water column affects the geochemistry of the surrounding water, leading to localized oxygen loss and potential escape to the atmosphere, particularly from shallower sites. Traditional methods for detecting and quantifying dissolved methane rely on collecting discrete water samples for ship- or land-based ex situ analysis and post processing. Here, we report on the use of a reduced response time, in situ methane sensor, the Sensor for Aqueous Gases in the Environment (SAGE), for detecting and quantifying dissolved methane concentrations in a wide range of seafloor environments. During a Fall 2022 research cruise on the R/V Thomas G. Thompson in Puget Sound, SAGE was integrated onto a towed conductivity/temperature/depth rosette and deep-sea camera system with live-stream 1 Hz telemetry and used to spatially map the concentration of methane approximately 1 m above the seafloor. The site had been previously identified as an active methane plume field characterized by gas bubbles, fluid venting, and a faulted seabed. The widespread background dissolved concentration of methane measured by SAGE was 83 nM, and a range of 78–670 nM was observed throughout the survey. The results highlight the capacity of SAGE to map the spatial and temporal variability of dissolved methane concentrations in situ and to identify and localize sites of variable methane emissions from the seafloor.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Spatial mapping of dissolved methane using an in situ sensor in Puget Sound
Series title Limnology and Oceanography Methods
DOI 10.1002/lom3.10717
Volume 23
Issue 11
Publication Date August 21, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography
Contributing office(s) Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center
Description 11 p.
First page 804
Last page 814
Country United States
State Washington
Other Geospatial Puget Sound
Additional publication details