MERGED DEFINITION:
TARGET DEFINITION: A cold seep is a seep in which methane and other hydrocarbon-rich fluids rise to the sea floor.
--------------------
SOURCE DEFINITION: An area of the ocean floor where hydrogen sulfide, methane and other hydrocarbon-rich fluid seepage occurs. Cold seeps are distinct from hydrothermal vents: the former's emissions are of the same temperature as the surrounding seawater, whereas the latter's emissions are super-heated.