The structure and dynamics of mid-ocean ridge hydrothermal systems

被引：108

作者：

Coumou, D. ^{[1
]}

Driesner, T. ^{[1
]}

Heinrich, C. A. ^{[1
]}

机构：

[1] ETH, Dept Earth Sci, CH-9082 Zurich, Switzerland

来源：

SCIENCE | 2008年 / 321卷 / 5897期

基金：

瑞士国家科学基金会;

关键词：

D O I：

10.1126/science.1159582

中图分类号：

O [数理科学和化学]; P [天文学、地球科学]; Q [生物科学]; N [自然科学总论];

学科分类号：

07 ; 0710 ; 09 ;

摘要：

Sub-seafloor hydrothermal convection at mid- ocean ridges transfers 25% of the Earth's heat flux and can form massive sulfide ore deposits. Their three- dimensional ( 3D) structure and transient dynamics are uncertain. Using 3D numerical simulations, we demonstrated that convection cells self- organize into pipelike upflow zones surrounded by narrow zones of focused and relatively warm downflow. This configuration ensures optimal heat transfer and efficient metal leaching for ore- deposit formation. Simulated fluid- residence times are as short as 3 years. The concentric flow geometry results from nonlinearities in fluid properties, and this may influence the behavior of other fluid- flow systems in Earth's crust.

引用

页码：1825 / 1828

页数：4

共 37 条

[1] Extensive distribution of hydrothermal plumes along the superfast spreading East Pacific Rise, 13 degrees 30'-18 degrees 40'S [J].