Geological control and magnitude of methane ebullition from a high-flux seep area in the Black Sea-the Kerch seep area

► This study reports on a newly discovered deep-water hydrocarbon seep area. ► Local thermal anomalies shift the base of the gas hydrate stability zone. ► Free gas can ascent through the sediment and emanates into the water column. ► The gas bubbles dissolve within the water column and do not reach the seasurface.