Hydrothermal processes at the MOR Flashcards
1
Q
black smoker
A
a hydrothermal vent associated with volcanic activity at an MOR. It emits dark clouds of fine sulphide particles.
2
Q
metasomatism
A
the hydrothermal alteration of rocks
3
Q
white smokers
A
cooler hydrothermal vents that emit barium, calcium and silicon. Precipitation of anhydrite and silica gives the white colour.
4
Q
why doesn’t the water boil?
A
extreme pressure
5
Q
what temperature is the water superheated to?
A
400 degrees c
6
Q
how do black smokers form?
A
very high temp water dissolves metals out of basalt. They are precipitated as chalcophile sulphide deposits in big mounds around chimneys. Process repeats as chimney collapses and is reborn.
7
Q
how does sepentinite form?
A
olivine in peridotite reacts with hot water to form serpentine which forms serpentinite.
