Evaluation of EPR Hydrothermal Systems: Causes of Continued Chemical Instability at 9-10 degrees N vs. Stability at 21 degrees N

University Of New Hampshire, Durham NH

Investigators

Abstract

This project will make coupled chemical and temperature measurements in about 20 high temperature vent sites on the East Pacific Rise, 9-10 degrees north, six diffuse flow vents, and the vents at 21 degrees north on the East Pacific Rise. The questions to be addressed include: What controls the composition of vent fluids exiting from a single vent fore time? Do changes in fluid compositions and temperatures correlate with changes in the associated animal communities? What is the relationship between adjacent diffuse and focused hydrothermal fluids? What is the flux of chemical species from hydrothermal vents to the ocean?