Characteristics of the bottom simulating reflectors near mud diapirs: offshore southwestern Taiwan

Single-channel seismic recording was carried out off the southwestern coast of Taiwan. Six characteristic seismic facies associated with bottom simula ting reflectors (BSRs) and mud diapirs are identified. The existence of ref lections which mimic the seafloor, the reverse polarity, weak amplitude blo cks, and strong diffraction patterns around the mud diapirs all suggest tha t gas hydrates exist in the deep-water regions. The bases of the hydrate st ability zones upturn in the vicinity of mud volcanoes, The high heat flows of mud volcanoes provide heat sources which destabilize the gas hydrates an d upturn the BSRs.