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Abstract:
The gas seeps in Kolyma lowland are associated with methane inclusions in permafrost. These
inclusions are formed by methane squeezed by epigenetic freezing of methane saturated deposits. This is
proved by the biological genesis of the methane, by the isotopic data and the lower radiocarbon age of the
methane from the gas seep in comparison with the radiocarbon age of the host deposits. The experimental
data and observations of methane distribution in permafrost indicate that the methane distribution in the stra
tum of frozen deposits is a result of methane migration during cryolithogenesis. The regularities of methane
distribution in the deposits and formation of methane inclusions may change the idea of the character and
volumes of emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere upon degradation of permafrost
