METEOR M86/4

The investigation of submarine hydro thermal systems in the Tyrrhenian Sea is aimed at a better understanding of the for mation of such deposit in island arcs where the shallow water depth (usually < 1000 m) and the influence of the subducting plate result in enrichments of gases, precious metals as well as abundant toxic elements (such as As, Hg, Pb, Sb, and Tl) at the sea floor. These enrichments make such sites interesting from an economic geology point of view, but also because of the geogene input of toxic metals into the environment. During cruise M86/4 we will investigate the geological setting of two known hydrother mal deposits (Palinuro and Panarea) in the Tyrrhenian Sea in high-resolution. The use of the GEOMAR autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) “Abyss” will allow to answer questions related to the lateral and vertical extent of the partially sediment-covered mineralization as well as to the structural control of the venting and its associated faunal communities. High-resolution bathymetric, sidescan sonar, magnetic as well as photographic surveys will be performed. Additionally chemical sensors will be used to investigate the water column for signs of hydrothermal activity in areas not previously investigated. During the cruise a sediment-profiler on the AUV as well as a new magnetometer will be tested for its potential to search for buried hydrothermal mineralization.





Water sampling during M86/4. Photo: Kathrin Wegmann, GEOMAR








A sediment core is taken from the Thyrrenian Sea. Photo: Harald Strauss, Uni Münster







Bathymetric Map of the Glabro vulcano off the coast of Italy