Cu-Zn isotope compositions of hydrothermal sediments from the southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge:implications to the sediment formation and mineral exploration

Six hydrothermal sediment samples were collected from the Xunmei and Tongguan hydrothermal fields along the southern Mid-Atlantic Ridge during the China Ocean Cruise DY46 in 2017.Sulfides and oxides in the samples were separated,and Cu and Zn isotope compositions were analyzed.Results show that the ranges ofδ^(65)Cu values of the bulk sediments,sulfides,and oxides were 0.36‰-2.46‰,-0.21‰-1.10‰,and 0.68‰-1.52‰,respectively.Theδ^(65)Cu values of sulfides in four samples(46II-14,46II-30,46III-06,and 46II-09)were relatively low(-0.21‰-0.50‰),corresponding to theδ^(65)Cu values of sulfides from inactive old hydrothermal chimneys in northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge(n MAR),suggesting that the sulfides in the sediments were originated from collapsed dead chimney mainly.While theδ^(65)Cu values of the other two samples(46III-02 and 46III-08)were relatively high(1.10‰-0.96‰),corresponding to theδ^(65)Cu values for active hydrothermal chimneys sulfides in n MAR,which indicated that the sulfides in these two samples might mainly come from sulfide particles settled from active hydrothermal plume.Because of the high density of sulfide particles,they tended to settle near the hydrothermal vents first.Therefore,highδ^(65)Cu values of sulfides in 46III-02 and 46III-08 implied that undiscovered active hydrothermal vents near the sampling positions of 46III-02 in the Xunmei hydrothermal field and 46III-08 in the Tongguan hydrothermal field.Theδ^(66)Zn values of hydrothermal sediments and sulfides ranged 0.11‰-0.43‰and 0.29‰-0.67‰,respectively.In the four samples from the Xunmei hydrothermal field,a positive correlation was found between the distance of the sampling position from sulfide mineralized spot and the Zn isotopic ratio,showing that the greater the distance from the mineralized spot,the heavier the Zn isotope composition as seen in two samples(46II-30 and 46II-14)of the Xunmei-3 spot.This result aligned with the findings of Wilkinson et al.(2005)and Baumgartner et al.(2023),suggesting that the lower the Zn isotope composition,the closer it is to the hydrothermal vent.However,in the Xunmei hydrothermal field,the Zn isotope composition in the other two samples(46III-02and 46III-06)showed the opposite trend.This indicated that there might be an active hydrothermal vent near the sampling location of sample 46III-02.This observation aligned with the Cu isotope analysis results.This study showed that Cu-Zn isotopes are good indicators for understanding the formation mechanisms of hydrothermal sediments and for locating active hydrothermal vents.

Discovery and characterization of a new hydrothermal field at 2°N on the slow-spreading Carlsberg Ridge

A new hydrothermal field(Tianshi)was discovered on the rift valley wall through plume anomaly surveys and geological work conducted in 2012 and 2018 between 2°35′N and 2°43′N of the slow-spreading Carlsberg Ridge(CR).Here,the results of two expeditions conducted to detect and characterize the new hydrothermal field are reported.Mineralogical and geochemical data,as well as 14 C ages of a sediment core collected near the field are presented to reveal the hydrothermal history.Results show that the Tianshi field is a basalt-hosted hydrothermal system.Geochemical data of the sediments collected near the field indicate a strong hydrothermal contribution,and hydrothermal Fe and Cu fluxes range from 30 to 155 mg/(cm^(2)·ka)and 0.59 to 11.49 mg/(cm^(2)·ka),respectively.Temporal variations in the fluxes of hydrothermal Fe indicate that there have been at least three amplified hydrothermal venting events(H 1,H 2,and H 3)in the Tianshi field over the last 35.2 ka,in 28.6-35.2 ka BP,22.0-27.6 ka BP,and 1.2-11.4 ka BP,respectively.Hydrothermal event H 2 was driven by an increased magmatic production associated with sea level fall during the Last Glacial Maximum,while event H 3 was promoted by tectonic activity associated with a rapid sea level rise.This study further verified the role of sea level change in modulating hydrothermal activity on mid-ocean ridges.

The Mineral Composition and Sources of the Fine-Grained Sediments from the 49.6?E Hydrothermal Field at the SWIR

We used the X-ray diffraction method to determine systematically the mineral phases in bulk sediment samples and acid undissolved residuals of the fine-grained fraction of the surface sediments from the 49.6°E hydrothermal field at the Southwest Indian Ridge(SWIR)and discussed the mineral sources of the surface sediments.The results showed that the surface sediments in this region were composed of calcareous ooze,and calcite was the dominant mineral.The sediments also contained quartz,feldspar,clay minerals,pyroxene,sphalerite,barite,serpentine,and magnetite.The quartz,feldspar,and clay minerals were exogenous minerals that mainly originated from the Namib and Kalahari deserts in southern Africa.The pyroxene,serpentine,magnetite,sphalerite,calcite,and barite were endogenous minerals from weathering of seafloor basement rocks and seafloor hydrothermal activities.The sulfide particles in the sediments were mainly deposited from upwelling plumes.

Major and trace element composition of surface sediments from the Southwest Indian Ridge:evidence for the incorporation of a hydrothermal component

Hydrothermal materials in deep-sea sediments provide a robust tracer to the localized hydrothermal activity at mid-ocean ridges. Major, trace and rare earth element（REE） data for surface sediments collected from the ultraslow spreading Southwest Indian Ridge are presented to examine the existence of hydrothermal component.Biogenic carbonate oozes dominate all the sediment samples, with CaO content varying from 85.5% to 89.9% on a volatile-free basis. The leaching residue of bulk sediments by ~5% HCl is compositionally comparable to the Upper Continental Crust（UCC） in SiO_2, Al_2O_3, CaO, MgO, alkali elements（Rb, Cs） and high field strength elements（Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, Ti）. These detritus-hosted elements are inferred to be prominently derived from the Australian continent by means of eolian dust, while the contribution of local volcaniclastics is insignificant. In addition, the residual fraction shows a clear enrichment in Fe, Mn, and Ba compared with the UCC. Combining the positive Eu anomaly of residual fraction which is opposed to the UCC but the characteristic of hydrothermal fluids and associated precipitates occurred at mid-ocean ridges, the incorporation of localized hydrothermal component can be constrained. REE mixing calculations indicate that more than half REE within the residual fraction（~55%–60%） are derived from a hydrothermal component, which is inferred to be resulted from a diffuse fluid mineralization. The low-temperature diffuse flow may be widely distributed along the slow-ultraslow spreading ridges where crustal faults and fissures abound, and probably have a great mineralization potential.

Geochemical characteristics of hydrothermal sediments from Iheya North Knoll in the Okinawa Trough

Thirty sediment subsamples were recovered from the Iheya North hydrothermal field （with an average of 38 m away from the hydrothermal vent） in the middle Okinawa Trough. Samples were obtained by the ROV （Remote Operated Vehicle） Faxian during the virgin cruise of the R/V Kexue in 2014 with the application of push cores. The chemical compositions of the sediments show that the hydrothermal sediments near the hydrothermal vent are mainly composed of SO3, ZnO and Fe203. Moreover, the hydrothermal sediments are also highly enriched in Pb, As, Sb, Hg, Se, Ag, Ba, Mo and Cd comparing with previous analysis results. On the other hand, the concentrations of St, Hg andAg in studied sediments are strongly and positively correlated, these elements can be used as an hydrothermal indicator. In addition, a factor analysis of the sediments suggested that the sediments were mainly influenced by hydrothermal origin, and terrestrial and biogenic input are limited in studied area. It is also suggested that different stages of crystallization were involved in the formation of hydrothermal chimney from factor analysis.

Use of portable X-ray fluorescence in the analysis of surficial sediments in the exploration of hydrothermal vents on the Southwest Indian Ridge

Hydrothermal plumes released from the eruption of sea floor hydrothermal fluids contain large amounts of oreforming materials. They precipitate within certain distances from the hydrothermal vent. Six surficial sediment samples from the Southwest Indian Ridge（SWIR） were analyzed by a portable X-ray fluorescence（PXRF） analyzer on board to find a favorable method fast and efficient enough for sea floor sulfide sediment geochemical exploration. These sediments were sampled near, at a moderate distance from, or far away from hydrothermal vents. The results demonstrate that the PXRF is effective in determining the enrichment characteristics of the oreforming elements in the calcareous sediments from the mid-ocean ridge. Sediment samples（〉40 mesh） have high levels of elemental copper, zinc, iron, and manganese, and levels of these elements in sediments finer than 40 mesh are lower and relatively stable. This may be due to relatively high levels of basalt debris/glass in the coarse sediments, which are consistent with the results obtained by microscopic observation. The results also show clear zoning of elements copper, zinc, arsenic, iron, and manganese in the surficial sediments around the hydrothermal vent. Sediments near the vent show relatively high content of the ore-forming elements and either high ratios of copper to iron content and zinc to iron content or high ratios of copper to manganese content and zinc to manganese content. These findings show that the content of the ore-forming elements in the sediments around hydrothermal vents are mainly influenced by the distance of sediments to the vent, rather than grain size. In this way, the PXRF analysis of surface sediment geochemistry is found to satisfy the requirements of recognition geochemical anomaly in mid-ocean ridge sediments. Sediments with diameters finer than 40 mesh should be used as analytical samples in the geochemical exploration for hydrothermal vents on mid-oceanic ridges. The results concerning copper, zinc, arsenic, iron, and manganese and their ratio features can be used as indicators in sediment geochemical exploration of seafloor sulfides.

The Influence of Seafloor Hydrothermal Activity on Major and Trace Elements of the Sediments From the South Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Sediment samples obtained from the South Mid-Atlantic Ridge were analyzed for the major and trace elements by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results revealed that the contents of elements(e.g., Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, V, Co) were high in samples 22V-TVG10 and 26V-TVG05 from the sites near the hydrothermal areas, and low in sample 22V-TVG14, which was collected far from the hydrothermal areas. The contents of Ca, Sr and Ba in the samples showed opposite trends. A positive correlation between the concentrations of metallic elements(Cu, Zn, Co, Ni, Pb, V) and Fe in the samples were observed. These results are consistent with chemical evolution of the dispersing hydrothermal plume.

Lipid biomarker composition in surface sediments from the Carlsberg Ridge near the Tianxiu Hydrothermal Field

Hydrothermal venting has a profound effect on the chemical and biological properties of local and distal seawater and sediments. In this study, lipid biomarkers were analyzed to examine the potential influence of hydrothermal activity on the fate of organic matter(OM) in surface sediments around Tianxiu Hydrothermal Field in the Carlsberg Ridge(CR), Northwest Indian Ocean. By comparing the biomarker distributions of the samples with that of other typical hydrothermal sediments in the mid ocean ridge, it is shown that the location of the samples is not affected by the hydrothermal activity. The relatively low abundances of terrestrial n-alkyl lipids and riverine1,15-C_(32) diol suggested a minor contribution of terrigenous OM to the study area. The bacteria contributed predominantly to sedimentary marine OM;however, other marine source organisms, e.g., eukaryotes(i.e.,phytoplankton and fungi) could not be completely neglected. The marine-originated biomarkers showed significantly variable distributions between the two sediments, suggesting different dynamic physical and biogeochemical processes controlling the fate of marine OM. This study identified various diagnostic biomarkers(5,5-diethyl alkanes, diols and β-OH FAs), which may have significant environmental implications for future works in this region.

New Evidence for Hydrothermal Sedimentary Genesis of the Ni-Mo Deposits in Black Rock Series of the Basal Cambrian, Guizhou Province: Discovery of Coarse-Grained Limestones and its Geochemical Characteristics

The molybdenum-nickel deposits in Shuidong District of Nayong County （Guizhou Province, Southwest China） are found mainly in black shale series of Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation, which is another Mo-Ni-rich region besides Zunyi District （Guizhou province）. Our systematic study on the Mo-Ni deposits in Tangjiaba of Nayong reveals that layered coarse-grained limestones, spherical beaded limestones concretions are hosted at the lower seam of the Mo-Ni deposits. Its strong negative carbon isotope anomaly （the carbon isotope value of the coarse-grained limestones varies from -2.148‰ to 8.223‰） is similar to that in the modern submarine black smoker chimney. The carbon in the coarse-grained limestones from black rock series of Nayong County might be deep source inorganic carbon. The seams, coarse-grained limestones, ore-bearing coarse-grained limestones and the roof and floor of the deposits are characterized by co-variation on the trace element spider diagram, showing good homology. The extraordinary enrichment of Ag, As and Sb resembles hydrothermal sedimentation. Pro-Earth＇s core elements Se is strongly enriched in Ni-Mo ore-bearing coarse-grained limestones. The ore-bearing rock series has an extremely low Th/U value （0.012-0.19）; in the logU-logTh Cartesian Coordinates, the samples of the roof and floor of the deposits and ore-bearing coarse-grained limestones are found in the East Pacific tise; and the samples of coarse-grained limestones are found between the paleo-hydrothermal dedimentary area and the East Pacific tise. The chondrite-normalized rare earth element patterns of the Ni-Mo deposits show LREE enrichment, Ce negative anomaly, and Eu negative anomaly （which is supposed to be influenced by the deep magmatic processes in an extensional environment） resembles the rare earth element distribution patterns of the fluid and its sediments in modern submarine hydrothermal system. It proves that coarse-grained limestones is characterized by typical hydrothermal limestones, being closely related with the genesis of Mo-Ni deposits in Nayong County, which provides new evidence for hydrothermal sedimentary genesis of Mo-Ni deposit and negative carbon anomaly in the basal Cambrian on a global scale.

Sulfur isotopic composition of seafloor hydrothermal sediment from the Jade hydrothermal field in the central Okinawa Trough and its geological significance

Eighteen samples of hydrothermal sediments from the Jade hydrothermal field in the central Okinawa Trough have been analyzed. Sulfur isotopic values for 10 sulfide samples vary from 5.2× 10^(-3)to 7.2× 10^(-3), δ^(34)S values for 7 sulfate samples vary from 16.3 × 10^(-3) to 22.3 × 10^(-3), and 1 native sulphur sample has a δ^(34)S value of 8.2 × 10^(-3). The major sources of sulfur for hydrothermal sediment are intermediate to acid volcanic rocks and sea water sulfate, and it is possible that the partial sulfur of hydrothermal sediment is from the pelagic sediment by the interaction between hydrothermal fluid and sediment. The reasons of causing the distinct differences in sulfur isotopic values for sulfide samples from hydrothermal sediment ( compared with other hydrothermal fields), are the differences in the sources of sulfur, the magmatic activity and the tectonic evolution in different hydrothermal fields. The sulfur evolution is a long and complex process in the seafloor hydrothermal system, involving the ascending of heating sea water, the interaction between fluid and volcanic rocks, the mixing of sea water sulfate and sulfur from intermediate to acid volcanic rocks, and the fluid/pelagic-sediment interaction. And the interaction between sea water and intermediate to acid volcanic rocks is an important mechanism for the sulfur evolution in the Jade hydrothermal field.

Lincang Superlarge Germanium Deposit in Yunnan Province,China: Sedimentation,Diagenesis,Hydrothermal Process and Mineralization

The mineralization is related closely to sedimentation, diagenesis and hydrothermal processes. In this paper, investigations are carried out on coal occurrence, maceral composition, inorganic minerals, trace elements and huminite reflectance. It is concluded that the source of Lincang superlarge deposit is mainly the muscovite granite in the west edge of the basin. During sedimentation, Ge (germanium) was leached out and entered the basin. Ge was adsorbed by lower organism and humic substances in water. Lincang lignite underwent three thermal processes: peatification, early diagenesis and hydrothermal transformation. During peatification, Ge was adsorbed or complexed by humic colloids. During early diagenesis, the Ge associated with humic acids was hard to mobilize or transport. Most of Ge entered the structure of huminite while a small amount of Ge was associated with residual humic acids as complex or humate. During hydrothermal transformation, the heated natural water or deep fluid from basement encountered the coal layer within tectonic weak zone. SO 2- 4 was reduced by coal organic matter. Pyrite and calcite formed. Hydrothermal process did not contribute significantly to mineralization.

Hydrothermal Sedimentary Mineralization of the Super-large Bamianshan Fluorite Deposit in Zhejiang Province, China

The Bamianshan fluorite deposit is a super-large one recently discovered in Zhejiang Province of China. This paper presents an analysis of its geological background, orebody and ore characteristics, petrochemical characteristics of host rocks, rare earth elements （REE） of rocks and ores, fluid inclusions in fluorite and Sm-Nd isotopic features in an effort to study its sedimentary mineralization. The result shows that the super-large Bamianshan fluorite deposit is of hydrothermal sedimentation genesis, deformed by the later hydrothermal fluid. Integrated with host rocks and orebody characteristics, it is inferred that the deposit originates from the Cambrian sedimentary rocks. And the later magmatic activities deformed some orebodies in different degrees, forming steeply dipping vein orebodies in the tectonic belts regionally.

Strontium Isotope Compositions of Hydrothermal Barite from the Yonaguni Ⅳ: Insight into Fluid/Sediment Interaction and Barite Crystallization Condition

Hydrothermal barite is a typical low-temperature mineral formed during the mixing of hydrothermal fluid and seawater.Because of its extremely low solubility,barite behaves as a close system after crystallization and preserves the geochemical fingerprint of hydrothermal fluid.In this study,the elemental contents and Sr isotope compositions of hydrothermal barites from the Yonaguni IV were determined using electron microprobe and LA-MC-ICP-MS respectively.On these bases,the fluid/sediment interaction during the hydrothermal circulation and physicochemical condition of barite crystallization were discussed.Results show that the 87 Sr/86 Sr values of hydrothermal barites from the Yonaguni IV are apparently higher than those of the seawater and associated volcanic rocks,indicating the sufficient interaction between the hydrothermal fluid and overlying sediment.Monomineral Sr abundance shows large variations,reflecting the changes in barite growth rate during the fluid mixing.The mineralization condition in the Yonaguni IV was unstable.During the crystallization of barite,hydrothermal fluid and seawater mixed in varying degrees,with the pro-portions of hydrothermal fluid varied from 36%to 72%.The calculated crystallization temperatures range from 109 to 220℃.Sediment plays a critical role during the mineralization process in the Yonaguni IV and incorporation of sediment component into hydrothermal system was prior to barite crystallization and sulfide mineralization.

Sulfur isotopic composition of modern seafloor hydrothermal sediment and its geological significance

A total of 1 264 sulfur isotopic values for modern seafloor hydrothermel sediments from different hydrothermal fields have been collected.On this basis,combining our sulfur isotpic data for surface hydrothermal sediments from the Jade hydrohtermal field in the Okinawa Trough and the TAG hydrothermal field in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge,respectively,and comparing the sulfur isotopic compositions and analyzing their sources of sulfur in seafloor hydrothermal sediments from different geologic-tectonic setting,the results show that:(1) sulfur isotopic values of sulfides and sulfates in modern seafloor hydrothermal sediments are concentrated in a narrow range,δ 34S values of sulfides vary from 1×10 -3 to 9×10 -3,with a mean of 4.5×10 -3 (n=1042),δ 34S values of sulfates vary from 19×10 -3 to 24×10 -3,with a mean of 21.3×10 -3(n=217);(2) comparing the sulfur isotopic compositions of hydrothermal sediments from the sediment-hosted hydrothermal fields,the range of sulfur isotopic values for hydrothermal sediments from the sediment-free hydrothermal fields is narrow relatively;(3) the differences of sulfur isotopic compositions in sulfides from different hydrothermal fields show the differences in the sources of sulfur.The sulfur of hydrothermal sulfides in the sediment-free mid-ocean ridges is mainly from mid- ocean ridge basalt,and partially from the reduced seawater sulfate,and it is the result of partially reduced seawater sulfate mixed with basaltic sulfur.In the sediment-hosted mid-ocean ridges and the back-arc basins,the volcanics,the sediments and the organic matters also can offer their sulfur for forming hydrothermal sulfides;(4)the variations of sulfur isotopic compositions and the different sources of sulfur for hydrothermal sediments may be attributed to the various physical-chemical characteristics of hydrothermal fluids,the magmatic evolution and the different geologic-tectonic settings of seafloor hydrothermal systems.

Hydrothermal Sedimentation Characteristics of the Dajiangping Superlarge Pyrite Deposit,Yunfu, Guangdong

The Dajiangping pyrite deposit is hosted in a carbonate-elastic rock series which ischaracterized by a bioreef-chert suite in its middle part. Conformable lenses of various sizesconstitute the oretheies which often branch transitionally into the surroundingS. Syngenetic deformation fabrics can be observed in orethey No. 3. Orethey No. 4 is composed almost entirely ofmassive pyrite, with conspicuous hydrotherrnal sedimentation and bacterium-alga features. Thehydrothermal sedimentation origin is also reflected by simple chemistry of the ore (predominated by quartz and paste), the presence of U and Th, and the REE compositions of paste andankerite. The ores are rich in organic matter and the difference in organic content between thebanded ores and the massive ores is mainly owing to the difference in the elastic componentsthey contain rather than to the subsequent processes of reworking. CO/Ni ratios in the ore mayreflect the temperature pattern during hydrothermal sedimentation.

HYDROTHERMAL SEDIMENTATION,DIAGENESIS AND MINERALIZATION OF SOUTHERN ALTAY MARGIN IN THE DEVONIAN PERIOD

The Devonian hydrotyermal sedimentation and mineralization are widespread and typical in Maizi、Kelang and Chonghuer basins of southern Altay margin, and have their respective signs in occurrence, fabric and geochemistry.Hydr)thermal sedimentary rocks mainly occur in the intermittent period between volcanic sub(?)ycles. They are thin-midium-bedded, lenticular and basically uniform to the occurrences of the overlying and underlying strata. The classification of the hydrothermal sedimentary rocks is proposed based on the mineral compositions. The detailed descriptions are given to the five types of hydrothermal sedimentary rocks: silicates, feldspar-rich rocks,

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.

Abundance and Distribution of Fatty Acids in Sediments of the South Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Sediment samples obtained from the South Mid-Atlantic Ridge were studies by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer （GC-MS） for the abundance and distributions of total fatty acids （TFAs）. Approximately 34 fatty acids were identified, with the chain-lengths ranging from C12 to C30. The total concentrations of TFAs （∑TFA） ranged from 7.15 to 30.09 μgg-l dry sediment, and ∑TFA was weakly correlated with bitumen content （R2=0.69）. The ∑TFA of samples around hydrothermal areas were significantly higher than that of samples away from hydrothermal areas, indicating intense primary production and large biomass in the hydro- thermal areas, and suggesting a close relationship between hydrothermal activity and ∑TFA of samples. The characteristics of the TFA composition in the present study are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and lacking in polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the ra- tios between the concentrations of monounsaturated fatty acids and ∑TFAs in samples close to the hydrothermal areas, are about 0.8, but for samples far from the hydrothermal areas, they are only about 0.5. Several fatty acids （e.g., a/iC15：0 and C16：1co7）, which are signature biomarkers for sulfur-metabolizing bacteria, show the same distribution trend as ∑TFA of samples, further highlighting the close relationship between fatty acid content and hydrothermal activity and/or hydrothermal communities. The metabolic activities of hydrothermal communities, especially those of microorganisms, are likely the main source of fatty acids in samples.

Component characteristics of polycyclic aromatic compounds in sediments of the South Mid-Atlantic Ridge

10 samples of sediments obtained from the South Mid-Atlantic Ridge were measured for the abundances and distributions of polycyclic aromatic compounds（PAHs）. The total concentrations of PAHs（∑PAHs） ranged from 2.768 to 9.826 μg/g dry sediment. The ∑PAHs was higher in sample 22V-TVG10 and sample 26V-TVG05 which were close to hydrothermal fields, with the lowest value in sample 22V-TVG14 which was farthest from hydrothermal fields, suggesting a probable hydrothermal origin of ∑PAHs of samples. Approximately nine kinds of PAHs were identified, and low molecular mass tricyclic and tetracyclic aromatic compounds were predominant in the samples. The concentrations of fluoranthene which were typical as hydrothermal alteration compounds were the highest among PAHs with dry weight between 0.913–3.157 μg/g. The phenanthrene homologue was most abundant in the samples, and the ratios between parent phenanthrene and methylphenanthrene which probably reflected the degree of hydrothermal alteration ranged from 0.097 to 1.602. The sample 22V-TVG10 possessing a maximum ratio value showed the intense influence of the hydrothermal alteration on this sample, which might further imply that PAHs in sediments were mainly derived from the hydrothermal alteration.

Ecology detection of moderate thermophilic enrichment at Lau Basin hydrothermal vents

Culturable thermophilic microorganisms were enriched from samples collected from Lau Basin hydrothermal vents in artificial seawater medium at 45 ℃ and pH 7.0. Microbial diversities of the enriched communities were defined by performing a restriction fragment length polymorphism （RFLP） analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences with enzymes MspI and Hin6 I. A total of 14 phylotypes have been detected by the RFLP patterns identified for 16S rRNA clone libraries of the enrichment. Analysis of sequences showed that at least four bacterial divisions presented in the clones libraries. The phyla Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were the most dominant groups. The majority of the sequences included in this analysis affiliated with Gamma Proteobacteria （71%） and Bacillus （23%）. Scanning electron micrographs revealed that there were abundant rod and coceoidal forms encased in sulphur and sodium chloride precipitate. These results revealed that there were a diversity of moderate thermophilic bacterial populations thrived in Lau Basin hydrothermal vents that were previously not detected by either molecular retrieval or strain purification techniques.