
•Distinct methane migration pathways were identified between two active seep sites in the Tatar Trough.
•Multi-proxy analyses revealed intensified anaerobic oxidation of methane near shallow SMTZs.
•Strongly 13C-depleted archaeal lipids indicated active methane-derived carbon assimilation.
•ANME-1 and Seep-SRB1 communities were closely associated with active seep environments.
•Results provide new insight into methane cycling linked to gas hydrate destabilization.
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