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Title: Geologic form and setting of a hydrothermal vent field at latitude 10/sup 0/56'N, East Pacific Rise: a detailed study using Angus and Alvin

Journal Article · · Geology; (United States)
OSTI ID:5435606

A hydrothermal vent field, here called the Feather Duster site, occurs on the eastern marginal high near the edge of a narrow (95-m) and shallow (15-20-m) axial graben, within an area dominated by sheet flows and collapse features. The sheet flows are intermediate in relative age between younger fluid-flow lavas on the floor of the axial graben and older pillow (constructional) lavas on the marginal highs. Hydrothermal activity occurs in two zones within a 65 by 45 m area. The main zone is located where a fissure system and sulfide-sulfate chimneys vent warm (9-47/sup 0/C) and hot (347/sup 0/C) hydrothermal fluids. Here, two mounds of massive sulfide totaling about 200 t are forming. One occurs at the base of a 3-m-high scarp which is the wall of a drained lava lake; the other is perched on top of the scarp. 19 references, 4 figures.

Research Organization:
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, MA
OSTI ID:
5435606
Journal Information:
Geology; (United States), Vol. 14:4
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English