Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Methane, Manganese, And Helium In Hydrothermal Plumes Following Volcanic Eruptions On The East Pacific Rise Near 9°500n, Brooke Love, Joseph A. (Joseph Anton) Resing, James P. Cowen, John E. Lupton, Daniel J. Fornari, Timothy M. (Timothy Mitchell) Shank, Dondra Biller

Environmental Sciences Faculty and Staff Publications

As part of a rapid response cruise in May 2006, we surveyed water column hydrothermal plumes and bottom conditions on the East Pacific Rise between 9°46.0'N and 9°57.6'N, where recent seafloor volcanic activity was suspected. Real-time measurements included temperature, light transmission, and salinity. Samples of the plume waters were analyzed for methane, manganese, helium concentrations, and the δ¹³C of methane. These data allow us to examine the effects of the 2005–2006 volcanic eruption(s) on plume chemistry. Methane and manganese are sensitive tracers of hydrothermal plumes, and both were present in high concentrations. Methane reached 347 nM in upper …