Hydrothermal sediment plumes on mid-ocean ridges undergo a change from a hot, dense, buoyant, sulfide rich mixture near the vent opening to a cooler, more dilute, oxy-hydroxide rich mixture away from the source. This proposal will study the changes which occur as the fluids and solids in these mixtures simultaneously cool, undergo diagenesis, and react with dissolved ions in the surrounding waters. Two vents of varying chemistry will be samples with special equipment, designed to reduce the effects of contamination. In particular the solid phases will be analyzed to determine the effects of sulfide/oxy-hydroxide mineralogy on the adsorption/release of specific ions. In that the volumes of materials emitted from these vents are significant in terms of the geochemical budgets of many elements in the oceans, work of this type will be useful in helping us to further understand the details of the recycling of these elements.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Ocean Sciences (OCE)
Application #
8918633
Program Officer
Nicholas F. Anderson
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1990-03-15
Budget End
1992-08-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1989
Total Cost
$129,100
Indirect Cost
Name
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Cambridge
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02139