Extraordinary phase separation and segregation in vent fluids from the southern East Pacific Rise

摘要: Abstract The discovery of Brandon vent on the southern East Pacific Rise is providing new insights into controls mid-ocean ridge hydrothermal fluid chemistry. physical conditions at time sampling (287 bar and 405°C) place fluids very close to critical point seawater (298 407°C). This permits in situ study effects near phenomena, which are interpreted be primary cause enhanced transition metal transport these fluids. Of five orifices sampled, three were venting with less than chlorinity, two greater chlorinity. liquid phase contain 1.6–1.9 times chloride content vapors. Most other elements, excluding gases, have this same ratio demonstrating conservative nature separation lack subsequent water–rock interaction. vapor phases from within meters each structure. Variations compositions occur a scale minutes. Our interpretation that segregation must occurring ‘real time’ sulfide structure itself. Fluids therefore provide an unique opportunity understand without overprinting continued interaction oceanic crust, as well phenomena.