Gas hazard induced by methane and hydrogen sulfide seepage in the NW Peloponnesus petroliferous basin (Greece)

Gas seeps along the Ionian coast of the northwestern Peloponnesus (Greece) constitute a severe hazard for humans and buildings. Methane, migrating from deep carbonatic hydrocarbon reservoirs, is seeping in amounts potentially explosive and hydrogen sulfide is beyond the levels that induce toxicological diseases and lethal effects. The seeps are related to intense methane microseepage in the surrounding areas (orders of 10(1) to 10(5) mg m(-2)d(-1) over 10(4) m(2) areas, at least) and produce significant CH4 - H2S enrichments in the atmosphere. Gas-charged sediments in the seafloor and bubbling plumes present a high risk for offshore constructions and facilities.