Geochemical Characteristics of Seabed Sediments in the Xunmei Hydrothermal Field (26°S), Mid-Atlantic Ridge: Implications for Hydrothermal Activity

Abstract

The compositions of metalliferous sediments associated with hydrothermal vents can provide key geochemical data for locating seafloor sulfides. In this study, we present the geochemistry of seabed sediments from the Xunmei hydrothermal field (HF) in the South Mid-Atlantic Ridge (SMAR). The results indicate that the sediments are mainly composed of pelagic material (biogenic calcium components), basaltic debris, iron-manganese oxides, and hydrothermal components. The sediments are significantly enriched in Cu, Zn, Fe, and Co deriving from hydrothermal fluids, as well as Mn, V, Mo, U, and P, which are primarily scavenged from seawater. The northeastern Xunmei has the highest concentrations of Cu and Zn, while the northeastern, northern, and southern regions are characterized by great inputs of Fe. Manganese and Mo are mainly enriched in the western and southern parts and show a strong positive correlation, indicating that Mo is mainly scavenged by Mn oxides. Uranium, P, and Fe exhibit strong positive correlations, suggesting that they coprecipitate with Fe from hydrothermal plumes. Vanadium and Co are introduced into sediments in different ways: V is scavenged and coprecipitated by hydrothermal plumes, and Co is derived from sulfide debris. Based on the contents of Cu and Zn and Cu/Fe (0.159), Zn/Fe (0.158), and Fe/Mn (1440) ratios, it can be inferred that a high-temperature hydrothermal vent existed in northeastern Xunmei. In combination with the distribution patterns of the above elements, the hydrothermal vents in the southern part ceased erupting after a short period of activity. In addition, the high Mn anomaly and the high U/Fe ratios at the boundaries of the investigated area indicate the presence of a relatively oxidized environment in southwestern Xunmei.