Articles | Volume 23, issue 4
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-1383-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-23-1383-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article
| 
23 Feb 2026
Research article |
| 23 Feb 2026
| 23 Feb 2026
Imprint of minute hydrocarbon seepage on solid phase and pore water geochemistry in organic-poor subseafloor sediment
Ellen Schnabel
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Section Geomicrobiology, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
Jessica A. Stammeier
GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Section Inorganic and Isotope Geochemistry, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
Stefanie Poetz
GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Section Organic Geochemistry, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
Kai Mangelsdorf
GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Section Organic Geochemistry, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
Aurèle Vuillemin
GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Section Geomicrobiology, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
Rolando di Primio
AkerBP, 1366 Lysaker, Norway
Jens Kallmeyer
GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Section Geomicrobiology, Telegrafenberg, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
A full list of authors appears at the end of the paper.
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Short summary
Even minor hydrocarbon seepage from reservoirs into overlying seafloor can affect marine sediment biogeochemistry. Our analysis of 50 sediment cores from the Barents Sea revealed that subtle seepage alters chemical balances and stimulates carbonate and sulfide mineral formation. The cores also showed strong local and spatial variation, highlighting patchy migration pathways. Minerals and pore water chemistry together provide clues to identify both past and ongoing seepage activity.
Even minor hydrocarbon seepage from reservoirs into overlying seafloor can affect marine...
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