Physics
Scientific paper
Mar 1987
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1987e%26psl..82...36t&link_type=abstract
Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Volume 82, Issue 1-2, p. 36-48.
Physics
13
Scientific paper
Observational evidence suggests that black smoker chimneys are formed by the precipitation of anhydrite from seawater producing a solid framework which is replaced successively by iron, zinc and copper sulfides. We have demonstrated the feasibility of this process using a laboratory model in which KNO3 is first crystallized from a warm, nearly saturated solution round an inflowing plume of cold K2CO3. The chimney grows in length at a nearly constant rate and, at the same time, it thickens as heat conduction causes further crystallization. The dynamic replacement process has been modelled separately, with CuSO4 passed through a previously formed chimney of KNO3 and flowing out through the porous walls when the flow rate, and hence the pressure difference, is increased. The formation of chimneys at a line or slit source has also been investigated in the laboratory. It has been shown that, in this case, the slit is quickly blocked off by crystallization over most of its length and that the growth is concentrated at just a few points to form a small number of nearly axisymmetric chimneys.
A theory has been developed which predicts both the diameter of the outlet vent and the sign of the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of an axisymmetric chimney of constant internal diameter for a specified flow rate and density difference. It suggests that changes in flow rate or in the internal diameter of the chimney can cause fluid to flow in or out through the porous wall, leading to changes in the position of mineral stability fields within the evolving chimney. The theory has been extended to describe the pressure distribution in tapering interior conduits and it leads to the conclusion that the direction of flow through a porous chimney can reverse along its length.
Campbell Ian H.
Turner Stewart J.
No associations
LandOfFree
A laboratory and theoretical study of the growth of ``black smoker'' chimneys does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with A laboratory and theoretical study of the growth of ``black smoker'' chimneys, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A laboratory and theoretical study of the growth of ``black smoker'' chimneys will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1455448