Application of methane clumped isotope approach in natural abiotic methane reservoirs

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To better constrain the origins of natural hydrocarbon gases, we have applied the novel analytical technique, i.e., methane clumped isotope approach, in different types of mud volcanos across the Japanese archipelago. We have conducted multiple field trips to collected emitted gases from mud volcanos and/or surface seeps in (1) Tokamachi area (Gamo, Murono and Kusozu), and (2) Goshogake area.By combination of methane clumped isotope analysis and other geochemical approaches, such as bulk carbon isotope compositions and concentrations of alkanes and CO2, position specific isotope analysis of propane, we have successfully constrained the contribution of microbial activity (biodegradation process) in Tokamachi-type mud volcanos. The progresses have been presented at EGU2023 conference and will be submitted to an international journal soon.In the coming year, we will mainly focus on its application in Goshogake-type mud volcanos, in which hydrocarbons have been assumed as considerately contributed from abiotic source.