Seafloor Massive Sulfides from the Northern Equatorial Mid-Atlantic Ridge: New Discoveries and Perspectives

Abstract

In addition to the two new hydrothermal fields Krasnov (l6° 38′ N) and Ashadze (13° N) discovered in 2003–2004, some later discoveries were made in the Northern Equatorial segment of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR). Two new major seafloor massive sulfide (SMS) deposits: Semyenov (13° 31′ N) and Zenith-Victory (20° 08′ N), as well as the now extended Puy des Folles hydrothermal field (20° 30.5′ N), provide enough data to make conclusions about the general characteristics of SMS deposits in the northern equatorial MAR environment. Parameters of SMS deposits, such as their distribution, geological setting, morphology, composition and age, are discussed in this paper. A majority of studied SMS deposits (Ashadze, Logatchev, Semyenov) are associated with uplifted lower crust and mantle rocks (oceanic core complex, or OCC) at the MAR segments with asymmetric mode of accretion. OCC is tectonically uplifted along with detachment faults, which exhume deep-seated rocks onto the seafloor. Detachment faults, in turn, could be the conduits for the circulation of seawater and discharge of hydrothermal fluids. Gabbro-peridotite hosted deposits are characterized by high concentrations of copper, gold and cobalt. The relationship between the size of the deposits and their age is documented.

Keywords:

• hydrothermal systems
• mid-atlantic ridge
• seafloor massive sulfides

We are greatly indebted to the Captain and crew of R/V Professor Logatchev for their excellent support. We thank Dr. S. Petukhov for his help in the preparation of the figures. The research was funded by the Russian Federal Agency for Management of Mineral Resources and partly supported by the Russian Foundation of Basic Research (age determination of SMS deposits, grant 08-05-00919).