Collaborative: Investigation of a new class of hydrothermal systems: The Lost City Hydrothermal Field: A Peridotite-hosted, Off-axis System at 30 degree N on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

University Of Washington, Seattle WA

Investigators

Abstract

This is an investigation of the recently discovered Lost City Vent Field, atop the dome-like Atlantis Massif at 30 degrees north on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This field is different from all other known seafloor hydrothermal fields in that it is located on 1.5 Ma crust, is dominated by steep-sided carbonate chimneys, and is underlain by significiant exposures of serpentinized peridotite. A detailed mapping and sampling program will be conducted to address the following: the tectonic and geologic controls that focus venting, the chemical and isotopic compositions of the vent structures and fluids, the indicence and phylogentic diversity of microorganisms, and whether macrofauna exist.