Distribution of Hydrocarbon Gases in Bottom Sediments from the Central Part of the Eastern Arctic Shelf

The results of the generalization and scientific analysis of gas-geochemical studies of hydrocarbon gases in the bottom sediments of the eastern sector of the Laptev and the East Siberian Seas are presented. In the course of studies, methane and the sum of its homologs were found in the sediments of the region in the concentrations of 0.0010–12.1502 and 0.000002–0.03626 cm3/kg. In general, the distribution of hydrocarbon gases in the bottom sediments is characterized by significant variability and the formation of local, linear and areal hydrocarbon anomalies. This fact is explained by the presence of underlying gas-saturated indigenous sources, tectonic conditions, seismic activity, geostructural position, sediment occurrence depth, and the influence of other geological factors. Based on the generalization and analysis of the authors’ data, a map of the distribution of hydrocarbon gases in the bottom sediments of the central part of the East Arctic shelf was compiled for the first time.