Hydrothermal circulation at slow spreading ridges: Analysis of heat sources and heat transfer processes
Abstract
Hydrothermal processes on slow spreading ridges exhibit several features that distinguish them from their counterparts at fast and intermediate rate spreading centers. These differences may reflect differences in magma supply rates, type of host rock, and the interplay between magmatism and tectonic extension. As a result, the heat sources and driving mechanisms for hydrothermal circulation at slow spreading ridges may differ from those on fast and intermediate spreading ridges. This paper reviews various heat sources and heat transfer processes at slow spreading ridges, including mantle heat flux, mining of crustal heat, the role of exothermic chemical reactions, and magmatic heat sources. The analyses suggest that for high-temperature, high-output systems such as TAG, Rainbow, and Lucky Strike on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and Kairei on the Central Indian Ridge, heat transfer from convecting, an actively replenished subaxial magma chamber is required to maintain these systems on decadal time scales. Low-temperature off-axis systems such as Lost City are likely driven by heat extraction from the crust, perhaps in conjunction with downward fluid migration in reactivated faults. Serpentinization reactions appear to play a smaller role. Broken Spur is a relatively low heat output system that is likely driven by magma, but it may be in a waning phase.
- Publication:
-
Geophysical Monograph Series
- Pub Date:
- 2010
- DOI:
- 10.1029/2008GM000758
- Bibcode:
- 2010GMS...188...11L