Three Dimensional Mantle Heterogeneity and Melting at Superfast Spreading: Off-Axis Volcanism Near the EPR: 15-19oS

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9503426 Sinton The East Pacific Rise from 15-19 S is the fastest spreading of all the ocean ridges. This is also an area of extensive volcanism on the flanks of the ocean ridge, which is evident from strings of seamounts that stretch northwest from the ridge axis. The investigators plan to analyze rocks that are already in hand to determine their major and trace element chemical compositions and to measure selected isotope ratios. The major and trace elements will be used to determine when and where melting occurs in the mantle by inferring conditions and depths of melting. The isotope ratios will be used to identify the location and longevity of chemical heterogeneities in the mantle. This project is in the same area and is related to the large seismic experiment called MELT which intends to determine the distribution of melting in the mantle, and the two projects complement each other. ***