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Talc-dominated seafloor deposits reveal a new class of hydrothermal system

Author

Listed:
  • Matthew R. S. Hodgkinson

    (National Oceanography Centre, Waterfront Campus
    Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton)

  • Alexander P. Webber

    (National Oceanography Centre, Waterfront Campus)

  • Stephen Roberts

    (Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton)

  • Rachel A. Mills

    (Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton, University of Southampton)

  • Douglas P. Connelly

    (National Oceanography Centre, Waterfront Campus)

  • Bramley J. Murton

    (National Oceanography Centre, Waterfront Campus)

Abstract

The Von Damm Vent Field (VDVF) is located on the flanks of the Mid-Cayman Spreading Centre, 13 km west of the axial rift, within a gabbro and peridotite basement. Unlike any other active vent field, hydrothermal precipitates at the VDVF comprise 85–90% by volume of the magnesium silicate mineral, talc. Hydrothermal fluids vent from a 3-m high, 1-m diameter chimney and other orifices at up to 215 °C with low metal concentrations, intermediate pH (5.8) and high concentrations (667 mmol kg−1) of chloride relative to seawater. Here we show that the VDVF vent fluid is generated by interaction of seawater with a mafic and ultramafic basement which precipitates talc on mixing with seawater. The heat flux at the VDVF is measured at 487±101 MW, comparable to the most powerful magma-driven hydrothermal systems known, and may represent a significant mode of off-axis oceanic crustal cooling not previously recognized or accounted for in global models.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthew R. S. Hodgkinson & Alexander P. Webber & Stephen Roberts & Rachel A. Mills & Douglas P. Connelly & Bramley J. Murton, 2015. "Talc-dominated seafloor deposits reveal a new class of hydrothermal system," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:6:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms10150
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10150
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