Direct and Indirect Measurements of the Thermal Budget of Two Large Hydrothermal Systems on the Juan de Fuca Ridge

University Of Washington, Seattle WA

Investigators

Abstract

This project will determine the thermal budget of oceanic crustal formation using measurements of vertical heat flux on the Endeavour segment of the Juan de Fuca Ridge by systematically surveying areas of diffuse hydrothermal venting within the axial valley using meters. The detailed measurements of near-bottom vertical heat flux will allow determination of the horizontal dimensions of the crustal fluid circulation cells, identification of recharge zones, and the partitioning of the heat of crustal formaiton between focused high-temperature vents, diffuse flow and conductive heat flux.