Theme
Serpentinization and life: Biogeochemical and tectono-magmatic processes in young mafic and ultramafic seafloor
Proposal #758-Full >>go to the full version
Scientific Prospectus; To be published
Schedule
Autumn – Winter 2015
Drilling Vessel
Mission Specific Platform (MSP)
Ports (start/end)
TBD
Drilling Sites
Scientific Objectives
IODP Expedition 357 will address two exciting discoveries in mid‐ocean ridge research: off axis, serpentinite hosted hydrothermal activity, exemplified by the Lost City Hydrothermal Field (LCHF) on the Atlantis Massif oceanic core complex (30°N, Mid Atlantic Ridge); and the significance of tectono magmatic processes in forming and exposing heterogeneous mafic and variably serpentinized ultramafic lithosphere that are key components of slow and ultraslow spreading ridges.
Serpentinization is a fundamental process that controls rheology and geophysical properties of the oceanic lithosphere and has major consequences for heat flux, geochemical cycles and microbial activity in a wide variety of environments. However, we currently have no constraints on the nature and distribution of microbial communities in ultramafic subsurface environments. This expedition will utilize seabed rock drill technology (MeBo and BGS Seafloor Rockdrill 2) to core a series of shallow (50 – 80 mbsf) holes along two profiles across the Atlantis Massif, where detachment faulting exposes both mafic and ultramafic lithologies on the seafloor, with the aim to:
- Explore the extent and activity of the subsurface biosphere in young ultramafic and maficseafloor
- Assess how abiotic and biotic processes change with aging of the lithosphere and with variations in rock type
- Quantify the role of serpentinization in driving hydrothermal systems, and in sustaining microbiological communities, and in the sequestration of carbon in ultramafic rocks; and
- Characterise tectono magmatic processes that lead to lithospheric heterogeneities and the evolution of hydrothermal activity associated with detachment faulting
Japan-based scientists may apply to J-DESC.
Application deadline
9 Jan 2015Now closed!
Apply now via online>>Click HERE
If you are a student, you need to submit recommendation letter from your supervisor.
If you are a master student, onboard adviser will be needed.
Other important information
Travel support>>Click HERE
Support for shipboard scientists from J-DESC
J-DESC supports Japan-based shipboard scientists. Applications are required to be submitted to J-DESC support to get any support. Please contact us to get the information.
Contact
J-DESC Support
c/o JAMSTEC
E-mail: info_at_j-desc.org
Tel: 045-778-5703