High-resolution magnetic signature of active hydrothermal systems in the back-arc spreading region of the southern Mariana Trough

International audienceHigh-resolution vector magnetic measurements were performed on five hydrothermal vent fields of the back-arc spreading region of the southern Mariana Trough using Shinkai 6500, a deep-sea manned submersible. A new 3-D forward scheme was applied that exploits the surrounding bathymetry and varying altitudes of the submersible to estimate absolute crustal magnetization. The results revealed that magnetic-anomaly-derived absolute magnetizations show a reasonable correlation with natural remanent magnetizations of rock samples collected from the seafloor of the same region. The distribution of magnetic-anomaly-derived absolute magnetization suggests that all five andesite-hosted hydrothermal fields are associated with a lack of magnetization, as is generally observed at basalt-hosted hydrothermal sites. Furthermore, both the Pika and Urashima sites were found to have their own distinct low-magnetization zones, which could not be distinguished in magnetic anomaly data collected at higher altitudes by autonomous underwater vehicle due to their limited extension. The spatial extent of the resulting low magnetization is approximately 10 times wider at off-axis sites than at on-axis sites, possibly reflecting larger accumulations of nonmagnetic sulfides, stockwork zones, and/or alteration zones at the off-axis sites

Near-seafloor magnetic signatures unveil serpentinization dynamics at ultramafic-hosted hydrothermal sites

A near-seafloor magnetic and bathymetric survey conducted by the autonomous underwater vehicle AutoSub 6000 over intermediate-temperature, ultramafic-hosted Von Damm Vent Field (Mid-Cayman spreading center, Caribbean Sea) revealed a moderate positive magnetic anomaly, in accordance with the magnetic response of other known ultramafic-hosted hydrothermal vent fields. However, compared with low-temperature ultramafic-hosted hydrothermal activity, the magnetic signature of this intermediate-temperature site indicates a slightly stronger magnetization contrast between the hydrothermal system and its host, but it remains considerably weaker than at high-temperature ultramafic-hosted hydrothermal vent fields. This observation highlights the nonlinear increase of magnetization production with temperature, as iron partitions into weakly magnetic brucite under 200 °C, but magnetite dominates above this temperature, leading to a sudden increase in the magnetic signature of a site. Our study is consistent with recent laboratory experiments and unveils the dynamics of the serpentinization reaction, enabling fine tuning of the magnetic technique for remotely locating hydrothermal systems. In addition to refining our understanding of the magnetic behavior of hydrothermal vent fields, these new results also reveal the orientation of the fluid pathway feeding the hydrothermal site and indicate the nonvertical structure of the complex network of fissures within the host rock and its associated tectonic feature—an oceanic core complex

Characterization of the in situ magnetic architecture of oceanic crust (Hess Deep) using near-source vector magnetic data

Marine magnetic anomalies are a powerful tool for detecting geomagnetic polarity reversals, lithological boundaries, topographic contrasts, and alteration fronts in the oceanic lithosphere. Our aim here is to detect lithological contacts in fast-spreading lower crust and shallow mantle by characterizing magnetic anomalies and investigating their origins. We conducted a high-resolution, near-bottom, vector magnetic survey of crust exposed in the Hess Deep “tectonic window” using the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Isis during RRS James Cook cruise JC21 in 2008. Hess Deep is located at the western tip of the propagating rift of the Cocos-Nazca plate boundary near the East Pacific Rise (EPR) (2°15′N, 101°30′W). ROV Isis collected high-resolution bathymetry and near-bottom magnetic data as well as seafloor samples to determine the in situ lithostratigraphy and internal structure of a section of EPR lower crust and mantle exposed on the steep (~20°dipping) south facing slope just north of the Hess Deep nadir. Ten magnetic profiles were collected up the slope using a three-axis fluxgate magnetometer mounted on ROV Isis. We develop and extend the vertical magnetic profile (VMP) approach of Tivey (1996) by incorporating, for the first time, a three-dimensional vector analysis, leading to what we here termed as “vector vertical magnetic profiling” approach. We calculate the source magnetization distribution, the deviation from two dimensionality, and the strike of magnetic boundaries using both the total field Fourier-transform inversion approach and a modified differential vector magnetic analysis. Overall, coherent, long-wavelength total field anomalies are present with a strong magnetization contrast between the upper and lower parts of the slope. The total field anomalies indicate a coherently magnetized source at depth. The upper part of the slope is weakly magnetized and magnetic structure follows the underlying slope morphology, including a “bench” and lobe-shaped steps, imaged by microbathymetry. The lower part of the slope is strongly magnetized, with a gradual reduction in amplitude from east to west across the slope. Surface morphology and recent drilling results indicate that the slope has been affected by mass wasting, but the observation of internally coherent magnetization distributions within the upper and lower slopes suggest that the disturbance is surficial. We attribute the spatial differences in magnetization distribution to the combination of changes in in situ lithology and depth to the source. These survey lines document the first magnetic profiles that capture the gabbro-ultramafic and possibly dike-gabbro boundaries in fast-spreading lower crust

Structural control, evolution, and accumulation rates of massive sulfides in the TAG hydrothermal field

The Trans‐Atlantic Geotraverse (TAG) hydrothermal field on the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge is one of the best‐studied hydrothermal systems to date. However, high‐resolution bathymetric data obtained in 2016 by an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) reveal new information about the distribution of active and inactive hydrothermal deposits, and their relation to structural features. The discovery of previously undocumented inactive vent sites contributes to a better understanding of the accumulation rates and the resource potential of seafloor massive sulfide deposits at slow‐spreading ridges. The interpretation of ship‐based and high‐resolution AUV‐based data sets allowed for the determination of the main tectonic stress regimes that have a first‐order control on the location and distribution of past and present hydrothermal activity. The data reveal the importance of cross‐cutting lineament populations and temporal variations in the prevalent stress regime. A dozen sulfide mounds contribute to a substantial accumulation of hydrothermal material (~29 Mt). The accumulation rate of ~1,500 t/yr is comparable to those of other modern seafloor vent fields. However, our observations suggest that the TAG segment is different from many other slow‐spreading ridge segments in its tectonic complexity, which confines sulfide formation into a relatively small area and is responsible for the longevity of the hydrothermal system and substantial mineral accumulation. The inactive and weakly active mounds contain almost 10 times the amount of material as the active high‐temperature mound, providing an important indication of the global resource potential for inactive seafloor massive sulfide deposits

Marine mineral exploration with controlled source electromagnetics at the TAG Hydrothermal Field, 26°N Mid‐Atlantic Ridge

Seafloor massive sulfide (SMS) deposits are of increasing economic interest in order to satisfy the relentless growth in worldwide metal demand. The Trans‐Atlantic Geotraverse (TAG) hydrothermal field at 26°N on the Mid‐Atlantic Ridge hosts several such deposits. This study presents new controlled source electromagnetic, bathymetric, and magnetic results from the TAG field. Potential SMS targets were selected based on their surface expressions in high‐resolution bathymetric data. High‐resolution reduced‐to‐the‐pole magnetic data show negative anomalies beneath and surrounding the SMS deposits, revealing large areas of hydrothermal alteration. Controlled source electromagnetic data, sensitive to the electrical conductivity of SMS mineralization, further reveal a maximum thickness of up to 80 m and conductivities of up to 5 S/m. SMS samples have conductivities of up to a few thousand Siemens per meter, suggesting that remotely inferred conductivities represent an average of metal sulfide ores combined with silicified and altered host basalt that likely dominates at greater depths

High-resolution magnetics reveal the deep structure of a volcanic-arc-related basalt-hosted hydrothermal site (Palinuro, Tyrrhenian Sea)

High-resolution magnetic surveys have been acquired over the partially sedimented Palinuro massive sulfide deposits in the Aeolian volcanic arc, Tyrrhenian Sea. Surveys flown close to the seafloor using an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) show that the volcanic-arc-related basalt-hosted hydrothermal site is associated with zones of lower magnetization. This observation reflects the alteration of basalt affected by hydrothermal circulation and/or the progressive accumulation of a nonmagnetic deposit made of hydrothermal and volcaniclastic material and/or a thermal demagnetization of titanomagnetite due to the upwelling of hot fluids. To discriminate among these inferences, estimate the shape of the nonmagnetic deposit and the characteristics of the underlying altered area—the stockwork—we use high-resolution vector magnetic data acquired by the AUV Abyss (GEOMAR) above a crater-shaped depression hosting a weakly active hydrothermal site. Our study unveils a relatively small nonmagnetic deposit accumulated at the bottom of the depression and locked between the surrounding volcanic cones. Thermal demagnetization is unlikely but the stockwork extends beyond the limits of the nonmagnetic deposit, forming lobe-shaped zones believed to be a consequence of older volcanic episodes having contributed in generating the cones

Detachment tectonics at Mid-Atlantic Ridge 26°N

Spreading processes associated with slow-spreading ridges are a complex interplay of volcanic accretion and tectonic dismemberment of the oceanic crust, resulting in an irregular seafloor morphology made up of blocks created by episodes of intense volcanic activity or tectonic deformation. These blocks undergo highly variable evolution, such as tilts or dissection by renewed tectonic extension, depending on their positions with respect to the spreading axis, core complexes, detachment or transform faults. Here, we use near-seafloor magnetic and bathymetric data and seismic profiles collected over the TAG Segment of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge to constrain the tectonic evolution of these blocks. Our study reveals that the presence and evolution of oceanic core complexes play a key role in triggering block movements. The deep subvertical detachment fault roots on the plate boundary, marked by a thermal anomaly and transient magma bodies. Thermal and magmatic variations control the structure and morphology of the seafloor above the subhorizontal detachment surface, occasionally leading to relocating the detachment

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Seafloor massive sulfide deposits form in remote environments, and the assessment of deposit size and composition through drilling is technically challenging and expensive. To aid the evaluation of the resource potential of seafloor massive sulfide deposits, three-dimensional inverse modelling of geophysical potential field data (magnetic and gravity) collected near the seafloor can be carried out to further enhance geologic models interpolated from sparse drilling. Here, we present inverse modelling results of magnetic and gravity data collected from the active mound at the Trans-Atlantic Geotraverse hydrothermal vent field, located at 26o08'N on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, using autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and submersible surveying. Both minimum-structure and surface geometry inverse modelling methods were utilized. Through deposit-scale magnetic modelling, the outer extent of a chloritized alteration zone within the basalt host rock below the mound was resolved, providing an indication of the angle of the rising hydrothermal fluid and the depth and volume of seawater/hydrothermal mixing zone. The thickness of the massive sulfide mound was determined by modelling the gravity data, enabling the tonnage of the mound to be estimated at 2.17 +/- 0.44 Mt through this geophysics-based, non-invasive approach

Detailed Analysis of Near Tectonic Features Along the East Pacific Rise at 16°N, Near the Mathematician Hot Spot

Spreading processes at the axes of fast spreading ridges are mainly controlled by magmatic activity, whereas tectonic activity dominates further away from the axis. High-resolution near-bottom bathymetry data, photographs, videos, and human observations from submersible surveys are used to develop a detailed tectonic analysis of the 16°N segment of the East Pacific Rise (EPR). These data are used to evaluate how a highly magmatic segment, close to a hot spot, affects the nucleation and evolution of faulting patterns and impacts the evaluation of tectonic strain within 2 km of the spreading axis. Our study shows that (1) the growth of tectonic features differs in response to dike intrusion and tectonic extension, (2) the initiation of brittle extension is strongly controlled by the location of the axial magma lens and the development of layer 2A, and (3) the high magmatic budget and the off-axis magma lens in the west part of the plateau do not significantly impact the initiation of brittle extension along the central portion of the 16°N segment. Within the axial summit region, more than 2% of plate separation at 16°N on the EPR is accommodated by brittle extension, as is observed at other EPR segments. The interaction of the Mathematician hot spot with this EPR segment has no significant influence on the initiation of the tectonic deformation, but it does reduce the development of the brittle deformation