Geologic-geochemical and ecological characteristics of selected hydrothermal areas

Abstract

In this paper we consider geologic-geochemical and ecological characteristics of the areas where the material for biogeochemical study (Demina, Tracemetals in water in the hydrothermal biotope. Hdb Env Chem. doi: 10.1007/698_2016_1; Demina, Galkin, Factors controlling the trace metal distribution in hydrothermal vent. Hdb Env Chem. doi: 10.1007/698_2016_5) has been collected. In the Atlantic Ocean five hydrothermal areas (Menez Gwen, Rainbow, Lost City, Broken Spur, and Snake Pit) have been investigated. In the Pacific Ocean the 9°50‘N vent area at the East Pacific Rise and hydrothermal manifestations in Guaymas Basin (Gulf of California) were studied. Observations and sampling were provided in 1996-2005 during numerous cruises of RV “Akademik Mstislav Keldysh” using deep-sea manned submersibles “Mir.” Explored vent areas exhibit a wide range of environmental conditions, including great variation in depth (particularly on the MAR), associated physical parameters, and different geologic setting and underlying rocks. Faunal communities also vary greatly in taxonomic composition and spatial structure. Short characteristic of abiotic environment and structure of benthic communities is given for each explored area.With all the variety of hydrothermal manifestations, in the spatial structure of communities a number of general patterns can be revealed. At the analysis of bioaccumulation function of vent organisms in the case of each area particular habitat conditions and characteristics of spatial structure of communities (microdistribution of animal’s populations, their association with a specific temperature zone and a particular type of substrate) must be taken into account.