Complex Analysis of Natural Hydrocarbon Seeps in the Eastern Part of the Azov and Black Sea Basin Based on Satellite Observations and Data of Geological and Geophysical Researches

V. V. Zatyagalova

The radar images of the eastern part of the Azov and Black seas received from the ENVISAT satellite in the general (2009–2011) and detailed (2003) surveys are analyzed. The relationship between the surface hydrocarbon seeps and the activity of underwater geological objects (mud volcanoes and diapirs) in shallow and deep sea areas is revealed on the basis of the complex analysis of satellite radar data and geological and geophysical information using the geoinformation system. The complex analysis of information at different levels of marine and geological environment taking account of morphological features of geological objects in deep sea areas enabled to explain the forms of oil seeps on the sea surface. The estimates are given of some characteristics of hydrocarbon seep sources such as the period of activity and the area of oil seeps. The typical deciphering indications for identifying the natural oil seeps represented on radar images and their differences from anthropogenic pollution and other slick-forming phenomena are presented and systematized.