Magma-Sediment Interaction at the Ultraslow-Spreading Knipovich Ridge
MSM131 – Maria S. Merian
A team of two scientists (Eva and Eirini) from Constructor University will participate in the upcoming research cruise MSM131 of the MARUM from the 18th of August till the 28th of September 2024 to sample the Jøtul Hydrothermal Field discovered in 2022 on the 500 km long, ultraslow spreading Knipovich Ridge. The Jøtul hydrothermal field is not located on an Axial Volcanic Ridge (AVR) but is sits on the eastern flank of the rift, where interaction between magmatic intrusions and the sediments of the Svalbard continental slope results in an unusually high release of thermogenic methane. Previous investigations during the MSM109 with ROV QUEST showed a wide variety of fluid exit points, such as diffuse venting from sediments but also from joints and cracks in igneous rocks, inactive and active mounds with hydrothermal precipitates and chemosynthetic organisms, and an active black smoker; furthermore, plumes in the water column and numerous other indications of hydrothermalism were found. Locations with such interactions between magma and sediments are of particular importance for the carbon cycle. Additional and more detailed investigations of the Jøtul Field and other hydrothermal activities of the Knipovich Ridge will be carried out during MSM131; our task will be to take samples of the hydrothermal fluids and rising plumes with the sampling systems of the ROV and prepare them for the later geochemical analysis in the home laboratories. We are looking forward to an exciting experience at this unique hydrothermal vent field.
More information and weekly reports will be uploaded on the webpage of MARUM: https://www.marum.de/en/MSM131.html