Hydrothermal systems are key processes for element exchange between the hydrosphere and the lithosphere, and the mobilization of metals within the Earth’s crust. In this course we will explore fluid-rock interaction processes along ocean ridge spreading centers. Here, seawater infiltrates the oceanic crust and upper mantle leading to extensive mineral alteration reactions that, amongst others, produce chemical species that serve as nutrients for microbial communities. In this course we will investigate the diversity of hydrothermal systems formed along ocean ridge spreading centers, their relation to magmatic and amagmatic episodes of ocean floor spreading, and the impact of hydrothermal processes on formation of volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits, global heat fluxes, ocean water chemistry, element fluxes (including C and S cycling processes), and microbial activity. Finally, these processes will be put into context with regards to the early emergence of live on Earth and the potential of fluid-rock interaction processes driving live on other terrestrial bodies in our solar system.
- Teacher: Esther Schwarzenbach