Numerous samples have been colected from the axial valley of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and Kane Fracture Zone intersection (the MARK area) during previous dredging campaigns and Alvin dives. Drs. Thompson and Gillis plan to conduct laboratory analyses on these and corresponding rocks from Site 504B (East Pscific Rise) and the Troodos ophiolite in and investigate therole of metamorphic asemblages in the foramtion of ore-forming hydrothermal fluids within oceanic crust. Throughout the range of environments represented by this collection of samples, the PIs hope to encounter a wide variety of temperatures, water/rock conditions, textures and rock types. Analytical techniques will include petrographic analysis and major, trace, and isotopic measurement of minerals, bulk models, calculate buldk rock exchanges, and calculate fluid compositions from vein precipitates and fluid inclusions.
