Latitude: 18.047οN Longitude: 144.753οE Depth: 3680 m bsl
The Central Trough site is located in the Mariana back-arc basin near 18οN where the Mariana Trough is widest (Fryer, 1996; Hawkins et al., 1990). Estimated total opening rates for the BAB range from ~30 mm/yr (magnetic data) and to <43 mm/yr (dating basal sediments) (Martinez et al., 2000). Chimneys and ochreous oxide mud mounds are present. Hawkins et al. (1990) marked this as a high temperature (250οC-290οC) site. According to Alvin submersible dive 1832 in 1987 there are active sulfide-sulfate chimneys surrounded by low mounds of hydrothermal precipitates (Hawkins et al., 1990). Hawkins et al. (1990) further note this area is heavily colonized by gastropods, brachyuran crabs and anemones.
Note: Central Trough is the fourth site of the four vent sites described by Hessler et al., 1991.
Table 1: Operations history for Central trough vent
Ship/ Platform | Operation | Year | Dive Number | References |
R/V Atlantis II/ Alvin | Not found | 1987 Spring | 1832 | Hawkins et al., 1990 |
R/V Folker (FK151121) | CTD, AUV Sentry | 2015 December | 368 | FK151121 cruise report |
Table 2: Vent activity and host rocks
Activity and Host Rocks | References | |
Activity | Active | InterRidge Vents Database Ver. 3.3 |
Host Rocks | Basalt and minor Back-arc Basin Basalt | InterRidge Vents Database Ver. 3.3 |
Table 3: Vent fluid characteristics
Vent Fluids | References | |
Temperature (οC) | 290 οC | InterRidge Vents Database Ver. 3.3 |
Full spreading rate (mm/yr) | 32.3 | InterRidge Vents Database Ver. 3.3 |
Table 4: Vent Biology
General name | Phylum | References |
Anemones | Cnidaria | Hawkins et al., 1990 |
Brachyuran crabs | Arthropoda | Hawkins et al., 1990 |
Gastropods | Mollusca | Hawkins et al., 1990 |
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