Dynamical behavior of hydrocarbon bubbles from natural marine seeps
University of Missouri
Abstract
Submarine hydrocarbon seeps are ubiquitous on the continental margins and are important to the global methane inventory. Quantitatively understanding transport of methane in the water column is important in assessing the supportive role of marine seeps in deep ocean microbial communities. It also helps predict methane emission from various depths in oceans. This presentation will discuss a combined effort of observation and modeling to understand dynamical behavior of hydrocarbon bubbles from deep-water natural seeps. Optical and acoustic imaging techniques were used to quantify characteristics of bubbles (size, shape, velocity) and their evolution with onset and dissociation of gas hydrate. This study reveals the detailed physical process of rising seep bubbles released within gas hydrate stability zone. This work is important to understand the role of natural seeps in the oceanic biochemical cycling.
About the speaker
Dr. Binbin Wang received his B.S. in Physics from Anhui Normal University, M.S. in Fire Science and Engineering from University of Science and Technology of China, and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. His lab studies fundamental fluid flows and how they impact the natural and engineered aquatic environments. His research interests span a broad range of applications in environmental hydraulics, aquatic ecosystems, geophysics, and environmental health. Dr. Wang’s research has been supported by National Science Foundation, U.S. Geological Survey, Office of Naval Research, Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative, and Missouri Department of Transportation. He was selected for 2022 early-career research fellowship of the National Academy of Sciences’ Gulf Research Program.
