Formation of Zn- and Fe-sulfides near hydrothermal vents at the Eastern Lau Spreading Center: implications for sulfide bioavailability to chemoautotrophs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The speciation of dissolved sulfide in the water immediately surrounding deep-ocean hydrothermal vents is critical to chemoautotrophic organisms that are the primary producers of these ecosystems. The objective of this research was to identify the role of Zn and Fe for controlling the speciation of sulfide in the hydrothermal vent fields at the Eastern Lau Spreading Center (ELSC) in the southern Pacific Ocean. Compared to other well-studied hydrothermal systems in the Pacific, the ELSC is notable for unique ridge characteristics and gradients over short distances along the north-south ridge axis.

Results

In June 2005, diffuse-flow (< 50 degrees C) and high-temperature (> 250 degrees C) vent fluids were collected from four field sites along the ELSC ridge axis. Tot

SUBMITTER: Hsu-Kim H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2396607 | biostudies-literature | 2008 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature