Hydrothermal oxide and nontronite deposits at Seamount 3, Wolf-Darwin lineament, Galapagos Archipelago, Ecuador

Author

Megan J. Lubetkin, Bates College '16Follow
Steven Carey, Univeristy of Rhode Island - Graduate School of OceanographyFollow
Genevieve Robert, Bates CollegeFollow

Department or Program

Geology

Abstract

An unusual deposit of Fe-rich hydrothermal nontronite was recovered by remotely operated vehicle (ROV) from Seamount 3 of the Wolf-Darwin lineament, Galapagos Marine Reserve. X-ray diffraction, ICP-MS/ICP-AES, and SEM-EDS analyses show that this deposit is chemically and mineralogically similar to other deep-sea hydrothermal nontronites, indicating a formation temperature of about 30^o to 50^o Celsius. These Fe-Si-oxides and Fe-rich Al-poor nontronite deposits contain about 38-51 weight % SiO₂ and 40-50 weight % Fe₂O₃. Although hydrothermal nontronite has been sampled at a number of sites by coring and dredging, this is the first in situ documentation of its sinuous, tubular structure on the sea floor. Image-analysis of ROV imagery suggests that this unusual pattern might be controlled by fluid pathways in the underlying pillow lavas.

Level of Access

Restricted: Embargoed [Open Access After Expiration]

First Advisor

Genevieve Robert

Date of Graduation

5-2016

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Recommended Citation

Lubetkin, Megan J.; Carey, Steven; and Robert, Genevieve, "Hydrothermal oxide and nontronite deposits at Seamount 3, Wolf-Darwin lineament, Galapagos Archipelago, Ecuador" (2016). Standard Theses. 27.
https://scarab.bates.edu/geology_theses/27

Number of Pages

132