The hydrothermal vent/seawater mixing zone is truly one of the most intense interfaces on Earth. A whole series of reactions alter the incipient hydrothermal flux and regulate the net transfer of elements from metal-rich vent solutions to seawater. Some metal precipitate while others escape in dissolve form. Some metals precipitates scavenge trace metals from seawater and other partially redissolve. However, within this conceptual framework, the complex interactions and net effects of hydrothermal processes on the concentrations of trace metals in seawater are just beginning to be pieced together. This effort will carry out an integrated program on trace metals in hydrothermal systems during the next three years. The research will include analyses of samples already on hand as well as new field and experimental work to be coordinated with several independently-funded researchers in the following areas: (1) Vent Fluid and Plume Processes, (2) Preservation of Hydrothermal Precipitates, and (3) Implications for Geochemical Cycles. The investigation will focus on trace metals that have values for the ?(M/Fe)plume particles/(M/Fe)vent fluid! ratio >10 or <0.1 (excluding Mn) and/or some of the metals as yet univestigated in vent fluids/plumes for which preliminary data is very promising including Ga, Bi, Sb, Co, Ni and Tl.
