The total heat and fluid output of diffuse hydrothermal ventingat oceanic ridge crests is unknown on the vent field scale. Likewise, its variability in time has not been measured. The investigators have formulated a hydrodynamic model of this flow to guide the measurements. The model is currenty being studied in their laboratory. This model will be used to guide the design of, and interpret the results from a sensor array to monitor diffuse hydrothermal flow. The measurements will be made using proven deep-sea instruments; the Benthic Acoustic Stress Sensor (BASS); and thermistor moorings. This sensor array will lead to a techniquefor monitoring the activity of entire diffuse hydrothermal fields over long-term developments. Coupled with methods for monitoring black smoker flow that have already been developed,it will eventually be possible to monitor the total output of heat from a hydrothermal vent field.
