Bathymetric influence on dissolved methane in hydrothermal plumes revealed by concentration and stable carbon isotope measurements at newly discovered venting sites on the Central Indian Ridge (11–13°S)

Methane is a useful tracer for studying hydrothermal discharge, especially where the source fluids are of low temperature and lack metal precipitates. However, the dual origins of deep-sea methane, both chemical and biological, complicate the interpretation of methane observations. Here, we use both the concentration and stable carbon isotopic composition (δ¹³C) of dissolved methane to trace hydrothermal plumes and identify the source and behavior of methane at two sites of newly discovered hydrothermal activity on the Central Indian Ridge (11–13°S). At both sites, methane and optical anomalies between 2500 and 3500 m at all stations indicate active hydrothermal discharge. We compared methane concentrations and δ¹³C at three stations, two (CTIR110136 and CTIR110208) with the most prominent anomalies at each site, and a third (CTIR110140) with near-background methane values. At stations CTIR110136 and CTIR110208, the concentration and δ¹³C of methane in distinct plumes ranged from 3.3 to 42.3 nmol kg⁻¹ and −30.0 to −15.4‰, respectively, compared to deep-water values of 0.5 to 1.2 nmol kg⁻¹ and −35.1 to −28.9‰ at the station with a near-background distal plume (CTIR110140). δ¹³C was highest in the center of the plumes at CTIR110136 (−15.4‰) and CTIR110208 (−17.8‰). From the plume values we estimate that the δ¹³C of methane in the hydrothermal fluids at these stations was approximately −19‰ and thus the methane was most likely derived from magmatic outgassing or the chemical synthesis of inorganic matter. We used the relationship between δ¹³C and methane concentration to examine the behavior of methane at the plume stations. In the CTIR110208 plume, simple physical mixing was likely the major process controlling the methane profile. In the CTIR110136 plume we interpret a more complicated relationship as resulting from microbial oxidation as well as physical mixing. We argue that this difference in methane behavior between the two areas stems from a distinct bathymetric dissimilarity between the two stations. The location of CTIR110208 on the open slope of a ridge allowed rapid plume dispersion and physical mixing, whereas the location of CTIR110136 in a small basin surrounded by wall structures inhibited physical mixing and enhanced microbial oxidation.     

西南印度洋中脊热液产物稀土元素组成变化及其来源

对西南印度洋中脊热液区不同热液产物稀土元素(REE)进行了分析,探讨了热液产物形成过程中稀土元素组成变化及其来源。研究结果表明:不同热液产物稀土元素总量变化范围从3.47×10-7到4.80×10-5,轻重稀土比值(LREE/HREE)从2.06到6.16,表明轻重稀土有较大程度分异,δEu异常(δEu=0.86~3.88)和δCe异常(δCe=0.40~0.86)显示热液产物中REE呈Eu富集和Ce亏损特征。稀土元素球粒陨石标准化模式呈现两种类型:(1)呈轻微富集LREE的平坦模式,REE大于2×10-5;(2)呈显著富集LREE和正Eu异常模式,REE小于5×10-7。模式1类似于洋壳火山岩REE配分模式,而模式2与西南印度洋中脊黑烟囱REE模式相似,也与典型洋中脊热液喷口流体和硫化物LREE富集和正Eu异常模式类似。热液产物中稀土元素含量变化和模式特征以及Mg与LREE极强正相关关系可能反映了西南印度洋中脊硫化物形成在热液流体与海水混合沉淀的初始阶段,后期经历了广泛的热液流体再循环和海水蚀变过程。     

Neoproterozoic collisional metamorphism in overthrust terranes of the Trans-Angarian Yenisey Ridge,Siberia

Four polymetamorphic complexes in the vicinity of regional faults in the Trans-Angarian region of the Yenisey Ridge were studied to determine their metamorphic evolution and to elucidate distinctive features of the regional geodynamic processes. Based on our geological and petrological studies using geothermobarometry and P–T path calculations, we show that a Neoproterozoic medium-pressure metamorphism of the kyanite-sillimanite type at c. 850 Ma overprinted regionally metamorphosed low-pressure andalusite-bearing rocks. A positive correlation between rock ages and P–T estimates for the kyanite-sillimanite metamorphism provides evidence for regional structural and tectonic heterogeneity. The medium-pressure recrystallization was characterized by (1) localized distribution of metamorphic zones in the area directly underlying thrust faults with a measured thickness of 2.5–8 km; (2) syntectonic formation of kyanite-bearing mineral assemblages related to thrusting; (3) gradual increase in metamorphic pressure towards the thrust faults associated with a low metamorphic field gradient (from 1–7 to 12°C/km); and (4) equally steep burial P–T paths recorded for the highest grade rocks. These specific features are typical of collisional metamorphism during overthrusting of continental blocks and are evidence of near-isothermal loading in accordance with the transient emplacement of thrust sheets. The proposed model for tectono-metamorphic evolution of the study areas due to crustal thickening at high thrusting rates and subsequent rapid exhumation explains these tectonic features. Data analysis allowed us to consider the medium-pressure kyanite-bearing metapelites as a product of collisional metamorphism, reflecting unidirectional thrusting of Siberian cratonal blocks onto Yenisey Ridge along regional deep faults (Angara, Mayakon, and Chapa areas) and by opposite movements in the zone of secondary splay faults (Garevka area).     

Geodynamics of the Amirante Ridge and Trench Complex,Western Indian Ocean

The formation and evolution of the ～600 km long arcuate Amirante Ridge and Trench Complex (ARTC) is a significant geomorphic–structural feature in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). The WIO contains evidence of at least two major magmatic episodes followed by continental rifting within the span of a little more than 20 million years. This involved the splitting of Madagascar from India at around 85 Ma and then separation between India and the Seychelles at 64–63 Ma as a possible consequence of two powerful volcanic eruptions from the Marion and Reunion hot spots, respectively. Formation and evolution of the ARTC represents this tumultuous period in the Indian Ocean, approximately between 85 and 60 Ma (Late Cretaceous–Early Tertiary).

We integrated geophysical, palaeomagnetical, and petrological data to examine three existing models that attempt to explain the formation of ARTC. In contrast, our study hints at several stages of extension and compression responsible for its formation. Our integrated data also suggest that the Carlsberg Ridge may have played a prominent role in the evolution of the ARTC that seems to have formed through a ridge-jump process after the conjugate spreading centres – Mascarene and Palitana ridges formed earlier during the India–Madagascar separation – ceased spreading because of violent eruption of the Reunion hot spot at around 65 Ma. The eruption disturbed the plumbing system of magma ascent, resulting in cessation of spreading along the conjugate spreading centres, forcing a ridge jump.

A collage of seismic refraction and reflection, free-air gravity, magnetic anomaly data, and Ar dating of rocks indicates that as the Carlsberg Ridge swept the Seychelles towards south, the crust between Madagascar and the Seychelles was increasingly compressed, with the abandoned northern Mascarene spreading centre absorbing the maximum stress. With continued compression, the western limb of the abandoned spreading ridge was thrust below the eastern limb to a limited degree. This partial subduction agrees with the gravity and seismic results. Our new study also accounts for the anomalous presence of 14 km-thick oceanic crust beneath the ARTC and its characteristic difference in petrology with other established subduction zones in the world.     

Hydrothermal Manganese Deposits from the Tonga-Kermadec Ridge and Lau Basin Region,Southwest Pacific

Hydrothermal Mn-oxide deposits from the Tonga-Kermadec Ridge and the Valu Fa Ridge back-arc spreading center in the Lau Basin have been studied mineralogically and by bulk and partition geochemical techniques. The Mn-oxides are present as three main morphological types; of these, a dense, grey submetallic material is most common. Common lamination of this material suggests an intermittent rate of formation. Mineralogically, the crusts comprise variable proportions of 10Å and 7Å manganite. Concentrations of some trace elements, including Li, Mo, and Zn are generally significantly higher than those observed in Mn-crusts of hydrogenous origin, suggesting that the observed trace element enrichments are due to a hydrothermal source. Both temporal and geographical controls are seen to affect these trace element concentrations. Although most of the hydrothermally enriched elements are associated with the Mn-oxide phases, Li appears to reflect either a surficial adsorption or the presence of a separate Li-rich phase. Observed variations in deposit composition could reflect differences in the geochemistry of the basement rocks from which the elements have been leached, the proximity of high-temperature sulphide deposits and temporal variability in the hydrothermal systems.     

Preliminary K-Ar geochronology of lavas from southern Lau Basin

In this short note, we report the ages of five lava samples from a segment of the Eastern Lau Spreading Center (ELSC) and three samples from the Valu Fa Ridge (VFR) in the southern Lau Basin. These samples were collected in situ from the axes and flanks of the spreading centers in the basin. These ages provide a key to better understanding the spreading mode, crustal formation and overall tectonic evolution of the basin. Except for two basaltic andesites and one andesite, the lavas analyzed are basalts. The ages of the lavas from ELSC range from (1.45 ± 0.15) Ma to (0.74 ± 0.04) Ma whereas those from VFR range from (0.50 ± 0.06) Ma to (0.32 ± 0.27) Ma, and the basalts give the oldest ages. The relatively younger ages of the VFR lavas are consistent with proposed tectonic evolution of the southern Lau Basin, i.e., VFR is a propagating extension of ELSC. The occurence of older lavas close to or on spreading axes in the southern Lau Basin implies the complex tectonic evolution of the basin. These results underscore a need for further detailed geophysical and geological studies in the southern Lau Basin, in order to better clarify the crustal accretion tectonic evolution in this area.     

The morphotectonics and its evolutionary dynamics of the central Southwest Indian Ridge (49° to 51°E)

The morphotectonic features and their evolution of the central Southwest Indian Ridge （SWIR） are dis- cussed on the base of the high-resolution flfll-coverage bathyraetric data on the ridge between 49°-51°E. A comparative analysis of the topographic features of the axial and flank area indicates that the axial topogra- phy is alternated by the ridge and trough with en echelon pattern and evolved under a spatial-temporal mi- gration especially in 49°-50.17°E. It is probably due to the undulation at the top of the mantle asthenosphere, which is propagating with the mantle flow. From 50.17° to 50.7°E, is a topographical high terrain with a crust much thicker than the global average of the oceanic crust thickness. Its origin should be independent of the spreading mechanism of ultra-slow spreading ridges. The large numbers of volcanoes in this area indicate robust magmatic activity and may be related to the Crozet hot spot according to RMBA （residual mantle Bouguer anomaly）. The different geomorphological feature between the north and south flanks of the ridge indicates an asymmetric spreading, and leading to the development of the OCC （oceanic core complex）. The tectonic activity of the south frank is stronger than the north and is favorable to develop the OCC. The first found active hydrothermal vent in the SWIR at 37°47＇S, 49°39＇E is thought to be associated with the detach- ment fault related to the OCC.     

Component characteristics of organic matter in hydrothermal barnacle shells from Southwest Indian Ridge

In 2008-2009, hydrothermal barnacle and sediment samples were collected from the Southwest Indian Ridge during a survey of the China Ocean Mineral Resources R＆D Association （COMRA）. Samples were ana- lyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer （GC-MS）, revealing the main organic constituents of hy- drothermal barnacle and sediment to be fatty acids and alkylbenzenes. N-alkanes which possessed obvious even carbon advantage were also detected in hydrothermal sediment. The high concentrations of aromatic compounds might be the result of macromolecular thermal alteration. Microorganism in the submarine hydrothermal ecosystem, especially those related to sulfur metabolism, might be the source of the high con- centrations of fatty acids detected in these samples. In high temperature and high pressure hydrothermal environments, n-alkanes which possessed obvious even carbon advantage might originate from thermal alteration of carboxylic acids and other lipid compounds.     

投影寻踪回归技术在降水量预测中的应用

提出了应用投影寻踪回归（ＰＰＲ）技术预测降水量的建模思想及其ＳＭＡＲＴ算法的实现。三个地区应用ＰＰＲ进行降水量预测建模,模型的拟合及预留预测检验结果均好于逐步回归建模的相应结果。     

Formation of the Yakuno ophiolite; accretionary subduction under medium-pressure-type metamorphic conditions

The notion that the Yakuno ophiolite and overlying Maizuru Group represents an accretionary prism formed during the Permian evolution of Japan on the Yakuno eruptive sequence, association of hemipelagic mudstone with silicic tuff, exotic fossiliferous limestones derived from previously accreted sea-mounts, upward coarsening of sequences terrigenous sandstone and conglomerate, and mildly deformed Permian and Triassic forearc basin formations. The most important indicator, however, is the seaward imbrication and repetition observed in both the Maizuru Group and the ophiolite itself. D1 deformation structures include axial–planar foliations (pressure-solution cleavage for the Maizuru Group and granulite–amphibolite metamorphic layering in the ophiolite), flattening type strain, symmetric pressure shadows and fringes, and isoclinal folds showing axial–planar foliations and thrust faulting at their overturned limb. The exceptional asymmetry observed indicates seaward-directed shearing near the thrust, while D1 structures in the Maizuru zone are explained by off-scraping, above the basal decollement. The later Jurassic D2 kink fold structure includes a first-order asymmetric kink with a brittle thrust at its overturned limb, more-or-less coeval with M2 retrograde metamorphism. Medium-pressure M1 prograde metamorphism in the Yakuno ophiolite produced layering of granulite and amphibolite, and in the Maizuru Group, formation of illite along pressure-solution cleavage of mudstones. The metamorphic grade is controlled by the stratigraphic relationships and appears typical of that in ocean floor regions. However, there was only one episode of M1 prograde metamorphism which occurred contemporaneously with D1 off-scraping. Given that subduction zones are normally characterized by high P/T metamorphic regimes, the observed P/T history appears to reflect relatively unusual conditions. Such high thermal gradients may plausibly reflect the approach of a young, hot oceanic plate which continued subducting beneath the Japanese arc. Accordingly, the Yakuno ophiolite was probably formed at the trench–trench–ridge triple junction.