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.