Notes on Vent Field Description:
depth approximate (GEBCO); dredge with massive sulfides and some water column indicators in Sierra Leone fracture zone area; Sharkov et al. (2007): "indirectly indicate that hydrothermal systems, discharging on the seafloor, may have existed and might exist in the Markov Deep"; note Tao et al. (2013) abstract (need to access full reference): "we found a new hydrothermal anomaly field located in the NAR at 4°-7°N."
Year and How Discovered (if active, visual confirmation is listed first):
2001-2002 and 2003 dredge only
Discovery References (text):
[S. G. Skolotnev, A. A. Peive, N. S. Bortnikov, et al., “Geology of Ore-Hosting Rift Deeps near Sierra Fracture Zone, Equatorial Atlantic,” Dokl. Akad. Nauk 391 (2), 232–238 (2003) [Dokl. Earth Sci. 391 (5), 679–684 (2003)]
Pushcharovsky (2004) Tectonic structures of the Atlantic Ocean and their connection with magmatism and ore formation - summary of successfully completed studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences. InterRidge News 13: 15-17.
[Tao et al. (2013) New discovery of seafloor hydrothermal activity on the Indian Ocean Carlsberg Ridge and Southern North Atlantic Ridge - progress during the 26th Chinese COMRA cruise. Acta Oceanologica Sinica, 32, 85-88.]
Other References (text):
[Sharkov, E.V., Abramov, S.S., Simonov, V.A., Krinov, D.I., Skolotnev, S.G., Bel’tenev, V.E., and Bortnikov, N.S. (2007): Hydrothermal Alteration and Sulfide Mineralization in Gabbroids of the Markov Deep (Mid-Atlantic Ridge, 6°N). Geology of Ore Deposits 49(6), 467-486.]