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The importance of shallow hydrothermal island arc systems in ocean biogeochemistry
Author(s) -
Hawkes Jeffrey A.,
Connelly Douglas P.,
Rijkenberg Micha J. A.,
Achterberg Eric P.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1002/2013gl058817
Subject(s) - hydrothermal circulation , biogeochemistry , caldera , geology , volcano , island arc , geochemistry , oceanography , hydrothermal vent , earth science , paleontology , subduction , tectonics
Hydrothermal venting often occurs at submarine volcanic calderas on island arc chains, typically at shallower depths than mid–ocean ridges. The effect of these systems on ocean biogeochemistry has been under‐investigated to date. Here we show that hydrothermal effluent from an island arc caldera was rich in Fe(III) colloids (0.02–0.2 µm; 46% of total Fe), contributing to a fraction of hydrothermal Fe that was stable in ocean water. Iron(III) colloids from island arc calderas may be transferred into surrounding waters (generally 0–1500 m depth) by ocean currents, thereby potentially stimulating surface ocean primary productivity. Hydrothermal Fe oxyhydroxide particles (>0.2 µm) were also pervasive in the studied caldera and contained high concentrations of oxyanions of phosphorus (P), vanadium (V), arsenic (As), and manganese (Mn). Hydrothermal island arcs may be responsible for > 50% of global hydrothermal P scavenging and > 40% V scavenging, despite representing <10% of global hydrothermal fluid flow.