Using multilevel composition to map rare seafloor gas-seepage habitats of the Palmahim disturbance, southeastern Mediterranean Sea

The Palmahim Disturbance area, in the southeastern Mediterranean Sea is host to a variety of rare and unique habitats linked to the presence of natural gas floor seepages. Multilevel composition of available 3D seismic data was used to map potential seepage sites across the area of interest and predict their seepage intensity. This technique involves the composition of attribute maps from three different depth/time windows or slices onto a single map, in which inter-window/layer depth information is coded in colors, allowing an intuitive display of vertically connected features. Seepage sites previously identified by Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) cruises were used to calibrate the results, and subsequent ROV cruises have confirmed the accuracy of sites identified with this methodology. The accurate mapping of these sites is vital in order to properly plan sea floor activities, while respecting and protecting these vulnerable habitats.