Effects of microbial versus inorganic processes on the geochemistry of sulfur during seawater alteration of oceanic lithosphere

Regents Of The University Of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor MI

Investigators

Abstract

It is proposed to investigate the geochemistry of sulfur in a section of upper oceanic crust generated at a fast spreading rate, as sampled by ODP Leg 206 at Site 1256. Three hypotheses will be tested: (1) that there is a net addition of sulfur to uppermost oceanic crust formed at fast spreading rates and having moderate sedimentation rates, in contrast to the net loss of sulfur from upper crust formed at slow and intermediate rates, (2) that biological activity is important in the fixation of sulfur in the upper ocean crust, and (3) alternatives to the microbial hypothesis involving inorganic processes.