In-Situ Measurement and Monitoring of Dissolved H2, H2S, and pH in Mid-Ocean Ridge Hydrothermal Fluids

海水在海洋地壳中的循环对海洋的化学成分有重要影响。从温泉（热液喷口）流出的水的成分可以告诉我们在海洋地壳中发生了什么过程来形成水。喷口水的关键特征，包括pH值、硫化氢的丰度和温度，可以告诉我们海洋地壳中形成了什么类型的矿物质，以及那里是否发生了生物活动。然而，目前还无法测量pH、H2和H2S，因为我们没有能够在海底的高温高压下进行测量的传感器。这些研究人员有一个原型仪器，并计划开发、测试和部署它来进行这些重要的测量。

Circulation of seawater through the ocean crust has a major effect on the chemistry of the oceans. The composition of the water that exits from hot springs (hydrothermal vents) can tell us what processes occur in the ocean crust to form the water. Key features of the vent water, including the pH, the abundance of hydrogen sulfide, and temperature, can tell what types of minerals form in the ocean crust, and whether biologic activity is occurring there. Presently, however, pH, H2, and H2S can not be measured because we have no sensors capable of making the measurements at the high temperatures and pressures of the sea floor. These investigators have a prototype instrument and plan to develop, test, and deploy it to make these important measurements.