Serpentinized troctolites exposed near the Kairei Hydrothermal Field, Central Indian Ridge: Insights into the origin of the Kairei hydrothermal fluid supporting a unique microbial ecosystem

Details Serpentinized troctolites exposed near the Kairei Hydrothermal Field, Central Indian Ridge: Insights into the origin of the Kairei hydrothermal fluid supporting a unique microbial ecosystem Serpentinized troctolites exposed near the Kairei Hydrothermal Field, Central Indian Ridge: Insights into the origin of the Kairei hydrothermal fluid supporting a unique microbial ecosystem

Apr 2009

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2009e%26psl.280..128n&link_type=abstract

Earth and Planetary Science Letters, Volume 280, Issue 1-4, p. 128-136.

Mathematics

Logic

4

Scientific paper

The vent fluids of the Kairei Hydrothermal Field (KHF) on the Central Indian Ridge near the Rodriguez Triple Junction are atypical. They have a very high H2 concentration, a relatively high Si concentration, and a remarkably low CH4/H2 ratio. Recently, particular attention has been paid to the KHF, because the hydrothermal fluids are suggested to support a hydrogen-based hyperthermophilic subsurface lithoautotrophic microbial ecosystem (HyperSLiME), which is considered to be a likely modern analogue for the early Earth ecosystems prior to photosynthesis. Despite the increasing interest in the fluid chemistry and associated biota, the origin of the unusual chemistry of the hydrothermal fluids is still uncertain. Here we suggest interaction of seawater with troctolite recently discovered from small hills near the KHF, provide a possible explanation for the composition of the KHF fluids. Dives with the manned submersible Shinkai 6500 recovered plagioclase dunite, troctolites, and olivine gabbros, which generally constitute the lower oceanic crust. Microscopic observations revealed that olivine crystals in the samples were partly to completely replaced by serpentine and magnetite, indicating the generation of H2 by serpentinization reactions between olivine and hydrothermal fluids. Theoretical model calculations predict that the high H2 and high Si concentrations of the hydrothermal fluids can be attributed to serpentinization of the troctolites and subsequent hydrothermal reactions with basaltic wall rocks under the KHF. The unique geological setting of the Kairei hydrothermal system, where deep crustal rocks are emplaced in the shallower part of oceanic crust, is considered to be responsible for the unusual chemistry of the Kairei hydrothermal fluids driving the occurrence of the HyperSLiME.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Serpentinized troctolites exposed near the Kairei Hydrothermal Field, Central Indian Ridge: Insights into the origin of the Kairei hydrothermal fluid supporting a unique microbial ecosystem 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 Serpentinized troctolites exposed near the Kairei Hydrothermal Field, Central Indian Ridge: Insights into the origin of the Kairei hydrothermal fluid supporting a unique microbial ecosystem, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Serpentinized troctolites exposed near the Kairei Hydrothermal Field, Central Indian Ridge: Insights into the origin of the Kairei hydrothermal fluid supporting a unique microbial ecosystem will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1242759