GEOCHEMICAL ANOMALIES IN THE BOTTOM WATERS OF THE TADJOURA RIFT ZONE, GULF OF ADEN

The study of geochemical fields and geochemical anomalies is a necessary part of exploration for ore deposits on the ocean floor. Geochemical processes related to hydrothermal activity occurring at the boundary between different media are of special interest. About 10 years ago, concentrations of suspended iron 20 times greater than those in the overlying waters were found in the bottom waters of the Mid-Atlantic Rift near 26/sup 0/N. A number of reports then appeared, showing that in other rift zones as well, the bottom/water interface is characterized by elevated concentrations of iron, manganese, zinc, copper, nickel, and other elements. Thus the present writers were persuaded that the minor elements in bottom waters can serve as indicators of hydrothermal flux to the ocean floor. In carrying out investigations of this kind, one must study the distribution of the metals not only in the bottom waters, but through the entire depth of the sea, so that anomalies can be detected and localized against the level of the background concentrations. In addition, to obtain information on the sources of the metals, one must determine not just the total contents, but also distinguish the metals in solution and in suspension. Results are discussed. Themore » observations clarify the relations between dissolved and suspended forms of metals in weakly mineralized waters above oceanic rifts. 13 references, 5 figures, 5 tables.« less