Fluid flow, diagenesis and chemical fluxes in the oceanic crust
Lead Scientist/Project Manager: Hans Jannasch
Lead Engineer: Jon Erickson

Fluid flow in the oceanic crust and composition of the fluids can vary dramatically over time scales of months to years, especially following volcanic or tectonic activity. Scientific understanding of these changes is limited due to the high costs of collecting the samples and sparse sampling. New instruments have allowed for continuously monitoring chemical concentrations at seeps, vents and within boreholes.

This abstract represents the continuation of the OsmoSampler and Fe/Mn OsmoAnalyzer development effort, with deployments focusing on the characterization, quantification and effects of fluid exchange across the sea floor. We will test new sampling methods for gases and redox-sensitive compounds. We will also continue to examine the temporal variability associated with the evolution of hydrothermal systems (Axial and Loihi Seamounts), the relationship between heat and fluid transport in boreholes on the flanks of a mid-ocean ridge (Juan de Fuca Ridge), and acquire background chemical information for cold seeps resulting from tectonic compaction (Monterey Bay). 

This work is also supported by funding from the National Science Foundation.