Investigating the influence of lithology and water depth on the composition and distribution of sulphides at the worlds deepest known vent sites.
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Southampton
Department Name: Sch of Ocean and Earth Science
Abstract
The start of the Age of Metal marked a step-change for mankind. Today, our entire technological society is dependent on metals. But it all started with copper. One of the main sources of this metal in the ancient world was Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean. Cyprus is named after the Greek word for copper. The island's secret was the Troodos ophiolte, an ancient fragment of oceanic crust that was uplifted to form a mountain range. Here, eighty six million years ago, high-temperature hydrothermal vents deposited large mineral ore bodies on the seafloor. Below the seabed, these were rich in copper minerals, deposited by the hot vent fluids as they mixed with cold seawater. Today, modern hydrothermal vents, their ore deposits, and exotic animals are well known as striking examples of geology in action. But we know relatively little about what determines the distribution and composition of the ore deposits. We think that vent fluids become rich in valuable base metals deep beneath mid-ocean ridges, where pressures are 5000 atmospheres and temperatures reach ~500 degrees Celsius. Under these conditions, seawater is supercritical (i.e. the vapour phase behaves like a fluid) and is so reactive that it can easily dissolve rocks. We also think that the composition of those dissolving rocks is important. Different rocks have different metals in them and this affects the composition and value of the ore deposits. But until now, it has been impossible to sample hydrothermal systems under these pressure and temperature conditions. In April 2010, we made the extraordinary discovery of hydrothermal activity in the deepest mid-ocean ridge on Earth. Within the Cayman Trough, deep beneath the Caribbean Sea, we found vents at 5000m gushing out supercritical fluids at nearly 500 degrees Celsius. These are the hottest ever found, and are close to the conditions normally found where seawater meets magma chambers deep below the seafloor. With another expedition already scheduled for 2012, we have a unique opportunity to use this natural laboratory to test predictions about the distribution and composition of ore deposits formed from such high-temperature supercritical fluids. The significance of this work is multi-fold. Economically, we can apply the knowledge gained from this unique study to predict other, more accessible ore deposits on land and at sea. Already, deep-sea extraction companies are starting to explore seafloor ore deposits. The information we gather from this study will help predict the future viability of these deposits. Our new data will also help inform governments and NGOs (e.g. the United Nations International Seabed Authority) of how to protect these sites and ensure that only sustainable exploration is ever planned. Scientifically, we will gain a new understanding of the role of pressure, temperature and rock composition in the formation of ore deposits. We will also revise our estimates of the exchange of heat and fluids between the ocean and seafloor. This exchange helps explain why the sea is salty and the Earth's climate has been in balance. Our exciting work, in such an extreme environment, will continue to engage the public's imagination and help promote science and technology to tomorrow's generation.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Stephen Roberts (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Hodgkinson MR
(2015)
Talc-dominated seafloor deposits reveal a new class of hydrothermal system.
in Nature communications
Webber A
(2015)
Geology, sulfide geochemistry and supercritical venting at the B eebe H ydrothermal V ent F ield, C ayman T rough
in Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems
Webber A
(2017)
The formation of gold-rich seafloor sulfide deposits: Evidence from the B eebe hydrothermal vent field, C ayman T rough
in Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems
Description | To date this grant has investigated two hydrothermal fields on the Mid-Cayman Rise. Key findings at the sites include: Von Damm - Vent Field Confirmed that the hydrothermal mound is predominantly constructed of talc and characterised by steep tallus covered slopes with a solid main spire. This represents the first active formation of a hydrothermal mound precipitating talc. Sulfides are present with the talc but in relatively low proportions; there is no sulphide mound. The mound has suffered a sector collapse on the Eastern Flank, with blocks up to 75m transported 750m to the SE. Diffuse flow evident around flanks of the mound and tail. Lithological substrate to the West is gabbro with the variable petrological characteristics.These gabbros appear relatively fresh, even in areas where diffuse venting is currently present. Beebe The Beebe vent site is a number of massive sulphide vent mounds, with active and extinct spires which can be up to 18m high, comprised of pyrite/chalcopyrite/bornite/marcasite. Other active chimney phases include anhydrite/possibly barite/gypsum? Secondary mineral phases include iron oxides, abundant atacamite, possible azurite, jarosite. Highest T recorded of exiting fluid was ~400C. |
Exploitation Route | The results to date provide important insights into how hydrothermal activity on the sea floor can generate extractable mineral resources. In particular the Von Dam field provides the first active natural analogue of an actively forming talc deposit. The results to date provide important insights into how hydrothermal activity on the sea floor can generate extractable mineral resources. In particular the Von Dam field provides the first active natural analogue of an actively forming talc deposit. |
Sectors | Environment |
URL | http://goldschmidt.info/2014/abstracts/abstractView?abstractId=2504 |
Description | NOC- Blog/BBC News Article |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | The research cruise JC82 disseminted and communicated information via a blog and a series of BBC articles which appeared on national news and radio |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |