Seismicity, Structure, and Fluid Flow of the TAG Hydrothermal System

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole MA

Investigators

Abstract

This project will monitor microearthquake activity, vent exit temperatures, and tidal pressures at the TAG hydrothermal site on the Mid?Atlantic Ridge 26 degrees north. An active?source seismic survey will be focused on the TAG segment bathymetric high. The experiment will address the nature of the heat source driving hydrothermal circulation, the relationship between the faulting on the eastern flank and fluid flow at the mound, the possible existence of a low?velocity zone beneath the rise axis, and the hydraulic connectivity of the shallow TAG mound.