Chapter 6 GEOCHEMICAL FEATURES OF MUD VOLCANOES GEOCHEMICAL MODEL OF MUD VOLCANOES FROM REVIEWED WORLDWIDE DATA

Geochemical data from mud volcanic fluids obtained from various geological environments have been reviewed and reprocessed. The chemical and isotopic components of the liquid and gas phases have been studied. Notwithstanding the geographical distance between the mud volcanic areas and the differences between the geological environments, a common originating fluid derived from seawater has been recognized. Diagenetic processes due to sediment compaction can be considered to be responsible for the evolutionary patterns observed in the liquid phase and in the associated gas-emissions. Geochemical data fit the currently available physical models.