Geological context and vents morphology in the ultramafic-hosted Tianxiu field, Carlsberg Ridge

The Tianxiu hydrothermal field(TXHF) located on Carlsberg Ridge is one of the few active ultramafic-hosted venting systems known in the Indian Ocean. Despite numerous investigations, there is limited understanding of its sulfide structure morphology, and the factors controlling the formation of TXHF are poorly understood. In this study, we conducted detailed seafloor mapping using visual data obtained by dives using the human-occupied vehicle(HOV) Jiaolong. The TXHF is found to be an active, off-axis, ultramafic-hosted, high-temperature hydrothermal area in which serpentine peridotite is exposed. Two main hydrothermal sites were identified, i.e., P and Y, both of which feature a complex of chimneys and beehive diffusers constituting a “chimney jungle” and isolated large steep-sided structures developed on flat-lying sulfide mounds. In addition, some sporadic inactive chimneys and outcrops of hydrothermal deposits were noted. The chimneys are rich in Fe and Zn sulfide, and lack the central fluid channel formed by focused high-temperature fluid flow. Hydrothermal venting at TXHF is likely related to low-angle detachment faults that focus and transport hydrothermal fluids away from a heat source along the valley wall. Our results complement and expand upon previous works concerning sulfide chimney morphology and their corresponding mineral paragenesis in ultramafic-hosted hydrothermal systems in the Indian Ocean and further our understanding of modern seafloor hydrothermal systems.

Record of hydrothermal activity in the Yuhuang hydrothermal field and its implications for the Southwest Indian Ridge:evidence from sulfide chronology

The Yuhuang hydrothermal field(YHF)is located between the Indomed and Gallieni fracture zones near the top of the off-axis slope on the south rift wall of Segment 29 on the ultraslow Southwest Indian Ridge(SWIR).Previous studies have shown that sulfides in the YHF formed during different mineralization episodes and the YHF has the greatest potential for the formation of large-scale seafloor massive sulfide deposits.However,the sulfide chronology and hydrothermal activity of the YHF remain poorly constrained.In this study,mineralogical analyses and 230Th/U dating were performed.Hydrothermal activity may start about(35.9±2.3)ka from the southwest part of the YHF and may cease about(708±81)a ago from the northeast part of the YHF.The 74 nonzero chronological data from hydrothermal sulfide samples provide the first quantitative characterization of the spatial and temporal history along the SWIR.Hydrothermal activity in the SWIR has been relatively active over the past20 ka.In contrast,between 40 ka and 100 ka,hydrothermal activity was relatively infrequently and short in duration.The maximum activity occurred at 15–11 ka,9–7 ka,6–0.2 ka.There was a slight positive correlation between the maximal age and estimated surface area or estimated tonnage.The minimum mass accumulation rate of YHF is about 278 t/a,which is higher than most HFs related to ultramafic systems.The ultraslow spreading SWIR has the greatest potential to form large-scale seafloor massive sulfides(SMS)deposits.The results of this study provide new insights into the metallogenic mechanism of hydrothermal sulfides along ultraslow-spreading ridges.

A hydrothermal investigation system for the Qianlong-Ⅱ autonomous underwater vehicle

Qianlong-Ⅱ is a fully autonomous underwater vehicle designed for the investigation of submarine resources,particularly polymetallic sulfides. It was used to successfully explore hydrothermal fields on the Southwest Indian Ridge. Here, we summarized the exploration of hydrothermal systems using Qianlong-Ⅱ, including detailed descriptions of its implementation along with the systems used for data management and fast mapping. We also introduced a method to remove platform magnetic interference using magnetic data while Qianlong-Ⅱ is spinning. Based on hydrothermal anomalies collected by Qianlong-Ⅱ, we developed a rapid method for locating hydrothermal vents. Taking one dive as an example, we systemically demonstrated the process for analyzing hydrothermal survey data to locate hydrothermal vents.

Distal axis sulfide mineralization on the ultraslow-spreading Southwest Indian Ridge:an LA-ICP-MS study of pyrite from the East Longjing-2 hydrothermal field

The newly discovered East Longjing-2 hydrothermal field(ELHF-2)is located on the Dragon Horn oceanic core complex of the ultraslow-spreading Southwest Indian Ridge,approximately 12 km from the ridge axis.This study measured the chemical compositions of pyrite from ELHF-2 using a laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(LA-ICP-MS)to investigate the genesis of the field.Three generations of pyrite were classified,and found that:Py1 and Py2,rich in V,Mn,U,and Se,occur in altered basalt debris and the silica alteration matrix,respectively.Py3 was mainly intergrown with chalcopyrite in quartz veins and had higher Cu,In,Ag,Sb,and Au contents than Py1 and Py2.Some elements,such as Au,Se,and Pb,are likely presented as direct substitution with Fe^(2+)in pyrite,while Cu,Zn,Co,Ni,and Ag probably occur both as direct substitution with Fe and as distributed micro-to nanoparticle-sized sulfides.Meanwhile,the occurrence of V,Mn,and U is likely presented as oxide inclusions.Trace element geochemistry suggested that the pyrite was formed under hightemperature conditions,and the ore forming elements were likely derived from ultramafic rocks.In addition,Py1and Py2 were formed under higher water/rock ratio and higher temperature conditions,with more seawater involvement compared with Py3.The formation of ELHF-2 was probably driven by exothermic serpentinization reactions with an additional magmatic heat.This study shows that high-temperature hydrothermal circulation driven by magmatic activity can be developed on distal rift flank areas of magma-starved ultraslow-spreading ridges.

Ga isotopic fractionation in sulfides from the Yuhuang and Duanqiao hydrothermal fields on the Southwest Indian Ridge

This study examines the Ga isotopic compositions of sulfides in the Yuhuang and Duanqiao hydrothermal fields on the Southwest Indian Ridge,mid-ocean ridge basalts(MORB),and calcareous sediments around the hydrothermal fields.Theδ^(71/69)Ga_(NIST-994) values of theMORB samples vary little(+1.20‰to+1.23‰,with an average of+1.22‰)and are consistent with the δ^(71/69)Ga_(NIST-994) values of two standard basalt samples(BCR-2 and BHVO-2),indicating that Ga isotopes may either not fractionate or fractionate only slightly under high-temperature geological processes;therefore,the δ^(71/69)Ga_(NIST-994) value of oceanic crust may be+1.22‰.The sediments(+1.28‰to+1.47‰,with an average of+1.38‰)are rich in heavier Ga isotopes than the basalts,and the Ga present in the sediments may have originated from soluble Ga present in the seawater that was adsorbed by(Mn,Fe)oxides/hydroxides.The Ga contribution of basaltic debris to the sedimentswas almost negligible.Thus,wespeculate that theδ^(71/69)Ga_(NIST-994) value of seawater in the study area fell within a range from+1.92‰to+2.36‰.Theδ^(71/69)Ga_(NIST-994) values of the sulfides in the Yuhuang hydrothermal field range from+0.99‰to+1.57‰,with an average of+1.25‰,and theδ^(71/69)Ga_(NIST-994) values of the sulfides in the Duanqiao hydrothermal field range from+0.93‰to+1.55‰,with an average of+1.19‰.Theδ^(71/69)Ga_(NIST-994) ranges of the sulfides in the Yuhuang and Duanqiao hydrothermal fields are similar,with the Ga isotopic fractionation reaching 0.58‰and 0.62‰,respectively.The averageδ^(71/69)Ga_(NIST-994) values in the sulfides are close to those in the MORBs.This suggests that Ga within the sulfides in the Yuhuang and Duanqiao hydrothermal fields mainly originated from MORBs,with seawater and sediments making only small contributions.The Ga isotopic fractionation in the sulfides may be related to processes associated with the formation of sulfides,such as rapid precipitation or the admixture of different stages of sulfide.This study is of great significance for understanding the global distribution of Ga isotopes and the Ga cycle in submarine hydrothermal systems.

Control of the stress field on shallow seafloor hydrothermal paths:A case study of the TAG hydrothermal field

The stress state and rock mechanical properties govern the growth of faults and fractures,which constitute shallow hydrothermal pathways and control the distribution of seafloor massive sulfide(SMS)mounds in the seafloor hydrothermal field.The stress field has an important influence on the formation and persistence of hydrothermal pathways.Based on multibeam bathymetric data from the Trans-Atlantic Geotraverse(TAG)field,we establish two three-dimensional geological models with different scales to simulate the stress field,which investigate the characteristics of hydrothermal pathways and associated SMS mounds.The simulation results show that oblique faults and fissures form in the tensile stress zone and that mounds,including active and inactive hydrothermal mounds form in the compressive stress zone.Fault activity,which is related to the stress field,affects the opening and closing of hydrothermal channels and changes the permeability structure of subseafloor wall rock.Therefore,the stress field controls the development and persistence of shallow hydrothermal pathways.The features of shallow hydrothermal pathways in the stress field can provide geomechanical information that is useful for identifying favorable zone for SMS deposit formation.

Geological characteristics of the Qiaoyue Seamount and associated ultramafic-hosted seafloor hydrothermal system(~52.1°E,Southwest Indian Ridge)

Hydrothermal vent incidence was once thought to be proportional to the spreading rate of the mid-ocean ridges(MORs).However,more and more studies have shown that the ultraslow-spreading ridges(e.g.,Southwest Indian Ridge(SWIR))have a relatively higher incidence of hydrothermal venting fields.The Qiaoyue Seamount(52.1°E)is located at the southern side of segment#25 of the SWIR,to the west of the Gallieni transform fault.The Chinese Dayang cruises conducted eight preliminary deep-towed surveys of hydrothermal activity in the area during 2009 and 2018.Here,through comprehensive analyses of the video and photos obtained by the deep-towed platforms,rock samples,and water column turbidity anomalies,a high-temperature,ultramafic-hosted hydrothermal system is predicted on the northern flank of the Qiaoyue Seamount.We propose that this hydrothermal system is most likely to be driven by gabboric intrusions.Efficient hydrothermal circulation channels appear against a backdrop of high rock permeability related to the detachment fault.

Sulfide metallogenic model for the ultraslow-spreading Southwest Indian Ridge

Polymetallic sulfides present in mid-ocean ridges(MORs)have become important strategic resources for humans,and a scientific metallogenic model is necessary for the investigation and exploration of these resources.Compared to fast-and slow-spreading MORs,ultraslow-spreading MORs show substantial differences in magma supply,tectonic activity,and oceanic crust structures.However,information on hydrothermal circulation and a metallogenic model related to sulfides along the ultraslow-spreading ridges is still limited,which hinders further exploration of these resources.In this study,the distribution of hydrothermal activities,as well as the characteristics of the structures,heat sources,fluid pathways,host rock types,fluid properties,and sulfide assemblages in typical hydrothermal fields along the ultraslow-spreading Southwest Indian Ridge(SWIR),have been studied.It is concluded that the hydrothermal systems along the SWIR can be categorized into three types,including local enhanced magma-controlled,one-way detachment/high-angle large-offset fault-controlled,and flip-flop detachment-controlled types,which are further categorized into five subtypes based on their distinct geological backgrounds.Herein,we present a sulfide metallogenic model called Local Enhanced Heat Supply-Deep Faults(eHeat-dFault)for the SWIR.The overall spreading rate remains almost constant(14-18 mm/year),while the magma supply is heterogeneous in the segment scale along the SWIR.Over the past two decades,various hydrothermal systems and sulfide deposits have been identified along the SWIR.A deep magma chamber(4-9 km)is developed in the ridge segment with sufficient magma supply owing to the local enhanced magma supply,while long-lived active deep detachment faults(up to 13 km)with associated metallogenic belts are developed in ridge segments with poor magma supply.Hence,the ultraslow-spreading MORs fulfill the necessary conditions of a sustained heat source and stable hydrothermal pathway for the formation of large-scale polymetallic sulfide deposits.The number of hydrothermal fields detected in the investigation area is 2-3 times that predicted by the traditional Spreading Rate-Magma Flux model,demonstrating its significant endowment for sulfide resources.A balance between magma supply and faulting may influence the type and depth of hydrothermal circulation,the frequency of hydrothermal activity along the axis,and the scale of sulfide deposits.Spreading rate was previously believed to control heat sources,magma supply,and tectonic processes.However,for the SWIR,we suggest that local enhanced heat supply and deep detachment faults have a greater influence than the spreading rate on hydrothermal circulation and sulfide mineralization.The eHeat-dFault sulfide metallogenic model proposed herein could provide guidance for further exploration and research on polymetallic sulfides in ultraslow-spreading SWIR.

Quantifying the influence of magmatism and tectonism on ultraslow-spreading-ridge hydrothermal activity:Evidence from the Southwest Indian Ridge

Hydrothermal activity in mid-ocean ridges(MORs)is an important intermediary for the mass and heat exchange between the ocean and lithosphere.The development of hydrothermal activity on MORs is primarily controlled by coupled magmatic and tectonic activities.In ultraslow-spreading ridges,deepdipping low-angle normal faults with large offsets,typically detachment faults in the inside corners of ridge offsets,favor the formation of tectonic-related hydrothermal activities,whereas volcanic-related hydrothermal fields are typically developed in neovolcanic zones in this category of the ridge system.However,whether tectonic or magmatic activity is dominant and to what extent they control the formation of hydrothermal activities on ultraslow-spreading ridges remain unclear.Segments in the west and east of the Gallieni transform fault(TF)located in the ultraslow-spreading Southwest Indian Ridge(SWIR),namely,western area(WA)and eastern area(EA),exhibit distinct magma-supply conditions that provide favorable conditions for examining the influence of magmatic and tectonic activities.We generated prediction models for these areas using the spatial analysis of the water depth,minor faults,large faults,ridge axis,nontransform discontinuity(NTD)inside corners,TF inside corners,Bouguer gravity anomaly,magnetic anomalies,and seismic activities.By employing the weights of evidence method,we reported that the formation of seafloor hydrothermal systems in SWIR was primarily correlated to the NTD inside corner,ridge axis,and minor fault(i.e.,contrast values(C)of 4.186,3.727,and 3.482 in WA and 4.278,3.769,and 3.135 in EA).Furthermore,EA was significantly affected by the TF inside corner(C=3.501),whereas WA was influenced by large faults(C=4.062).Our results demonstrated that tectonism was the primary controlling factor in the development of hydrothermal activities in the study area,and the contribution of magmatism was secondary,even in WA,which has a relatively robust magma supply.We delimited prominent prospecting areas at each side based on posterior probability.Our results provided insights into the formation mechanisms of hydrothermal activities and support prospecting in MORs.

Seafloor hydrothermal activity and polymetallic sulfide exploration on the southwest Indian ridge

Polymetallic sulfides have attracted more attentions,which are regarded as one of the potential seabed mineral resources for their high grade of precious metal elements such as Cu,Zn,Pb,Au,and Ag.Since2007,there are four China dayang cruises(CDCs)with eight legs totally,which have been carried out to investigate polymetallic sulfides on the southwest Indian ridge(SWIR),and eight hydrothermal vents have been found.In2011,the China Ocean Mineral Resources Research and Development Association(COMRA)and International Seabed Authority(ISA)signed a 15-year contract for exploration for polymetallic sulfides located on the SWIR between 46°S and 53°S.The area allocated to the COMRA is approximately 10,000 km2.In this paper,we review the recent research advances about hydrothermal activity of the SWIR by the CDCs.As for the sulfides exploration in the future,some aspects should be emphasized,such as the controlling factors of sulfide mineralization on the SWIR,prospecting methods of inactive and buried sulfide deposits,sulfides resources assessment method,and the nearbottom sulfides exploration technology systems.

High Water Content in Primitive Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalt from Southwest Indian Ridge(51.56oE):Implications for Recycled Hydrous Component in the Mantle

The Southwest Indian Ridge（SWIR） is an ultraslow spreading end-member of mid-ocean ridge system and is characterized by weak or even an absence of magmatism. The segment between Indomed（ITF） and Gallieni（GTF） transform faults in the SWIR, however, displays extremely magmatic accretion with an unusual thick crust（up to 9.5 km）. Although H_2O is present in trace amounts in the mantle, it has a strong influence on mantle melting and magmatism in the shallow crust. The mid-ocean ridge basalts（MORB） worldwide show strong variation in H_2O contents, but with a nearly uniform H_2O/Ce ratio. Regionally distinctive H_2O contents and H_2O/Ce ratios are inferred to be related to the H_2O variation in the source and can be used to constrain the mantle heterogenity. In this study, we measured the H_2O and trace elements of clinopyroxene phenocrysts from one basalt dredged from the ITF-GTF segment, SWIR（51.56 o E）. The estimated H_2O content（1.3 wt.%± 0.3 wt.%） in the primitive ITF-GTF basaltic melt is much higher than that in typical MORB samples, but similar to oceanic island basalts（OIB） and back-arc basalts（BABB）. In addition, the calculated H_2O/Ce ratio（1 672–4 990） are extremely high, bearing ＂arc-like＂ signature. This study provides evidence that arc-related hydrous components are involved in the mantle source beneath the ITF-GTF ridge segment. It further lends support to the hypothesis that the mantle beneath the central SWIR may have experienced an ancient hydrous melting event in an arc terrain prior to or during the closure of the Mozambique Ocean in the Neoproterozoic.