METROL-GIS: Visualisation of methane and associated spatial features in the North Sea
In the framework of the METROL project, various data sources were analysed regarding their relevance to the occurrence of methane. The data were compiled into a Geographic Information System(GIS). In order to obtain a better understanding of their spatial correlation, we focus on the refined visualisation of those data. Seafloor features associated with pockmarks and venting structures were related to seafloor morphology and sediment type. Other data comprise the location of gas enriched sediments revealed by acoustic blanking zones in seismic surveys, grain size distribution, sub seabed faults, bathymetry and small scale morphology, and locations of scarps and pockmark areas. The GIS data mainly cover the area of the North Sea. In addition, we focused on several sub-regions were more detailed investigations were carried out which allows higher resolution for aggregated maps. This includes 3D visualization of bathymetry and sub-bottom structures.