Collaborative Research: Sampling and Initial Characterization of Hydrothermal Fluids, Deposits, Microfauna, and Megafauna at Vent Fields along the Eastern Lau Spreading Center

本研究是一项跨学科的研究，旨在确定东劳扩张中心主要喷口场的流体化学、喷口沉积物组成和生物区系范围，以及影响流体化学、硫化物矿床形成和生物群落栖息地范围的关键过程和变量。温泉附近相关微生物的分子和生理多样性、优势巨型动物的分布和繁殖状况，以及上覆水体浮游生物和幼虫的分布都与各喷口所处的环境条件有关。扩展速率、轴向深度和形态、岩浆源和熔岩化学、熔体透镜特征、地壳结构以及与弧岩浆源和俯冲板的接近程度的变化为研究热液喷涌和相关巨型动物和微型动物的关键变量的影响提供了极好的机会。

This is an interdisciplinary study to identify the range in vent fluid chemistry, vent deposit compositions, and biota at major vent fields along the Eastern Lau Spreading Center, and the key processes and variables that influence fluid chemistry, sulfide deposit formation and the range in habitats available for biological communities. The molecular and physiological diversity of associated microbes, the distribution and reproductive status of dominant megafaunal organisms present in the vicinity of hot-springs, and the distribution of plankton and larvae in the overlying water column will be related to the environmental conditions present at each vent site. The variations in spreading rate, axial depth and morphology, magma source and lave chemistry, melt lens characteristics, crustal structure, and proximity to arc magma sources and the subducting slab provide an excellent opportunity for examining the influence of key variables on hydrothermal venting and associated megafauna and microfauna.