Submarine mud volcanoes (MVs) are one of the most spectacular methane expulsion features at the seafloor and they represent a significant geohazard worldwide. In this work, we focus on the physical processes controlling the initiation and early evolution of the Absheron mud volcano (AMV). Our analyses were carried out based on basin modeling calibrated thanks to existing seismic interpretation of the AMV, analysis of sediment samples from seabed, and data from two exploration wells. Acquired laboratory geotechnical data allowed us to derive laws considering the impact of gas exsolution on host sediment behaviors. In this study, we identified key geological and physical conditions that led to MV formation: by coupling diffusion processes with hydrofracturing and fluid advection, we were able to simulate the conditions required to generate mud 3.5 km below the AMV. Mud remobilization up to the seabed was reproduced by using Navier‐Stokes equations modified to account for the impact of gas expansion on mud density. Considering density inversion only, simulations indicate that mud would be extruded at the seabed 100 years after its generation, an ascent rate similar to extrusion rates measured at the active Kotyrdag MV in Azerbaijan.

中文翻译：

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阿布歇隆泥火山演化模型：从分层沉积物到流体泥浆的产生

海底泥火山是海底甲烷排放最壮观的特征之一，它们代表着全球范围内的重大地质灾害。在这项工作中，我们专注于控制阿布歇隆泥火山（AMV）的形成和早期演化的物理过程。我们的分析是基于对AMV的现有地震解释，经过校准的盆地模型，来自海床的沉积物样本分析以及来自两个勘探井的数据而进行的。获得的实验室岩土数据使我们能够得出考虑气体泄漏对宿主沉积物行为影响的法律。