EPR, 21 N

Name Alias(es):

MGDS_FeatureID lowest in hierarchy:

15N-21N

Vent Sites:

Clam Acres

Activity:

active, confirmed

Maximum Temperature:

355

Latitude:

20.8333

Longitude:

-109.0833

Location on map:

Ocean:

N. Pacific

Region:

N EPR

National Jurisdiction:

Mexico

Maximum or Single Reported Depth (mbsl):

2600

Minimum Depth (mbsl):

Tectonic setting:

mid-ocean ridge

Full Spreading Rate (mm/a):

61.8

Volcano Number (if applicable):

Host Rock:

MORB

Deposit Type:

PMS, polymetallic massive sulfides

Notes on Vent Field Description:

first discovery of high-temperature, seafloor massive sulfide deposits on mid-ocean ridge; small vent fields with active sulfide deposits in the axial rift, both high-temperature (>350 C) and low temperature (<20 C) venting; Mexican MPA as of 2009

Notes Relevant to Biology:

Vestimentifera, Mytilidae, Vesicomyidae, Alvinellidae, Bythograeidae, Zoarcidae

Year and How Discovered (if active, visual confirmation is listed first):

1979 submersible Alvin; 1978 submersible Cyana discovered mineral deposits only

Discovery References (text):

(first observations of SMS) Francheteau, J. et al (1979) Massive deep-sea sulphide ore deposits discovered on the East Pacific Rise. Nature 277: 523-528

(first discovery of "black smoker" vents) Spiess, F.N., et al. (1980) East Pacific Rise: Hot Springs and Geophysical Experiments. Science 207(4438): 1421-1433.

Other References (text):

Zierenberg, R.A. et al. (1984) Massive sulfide deposits at 21 degrees N, East Pacific Rise

chemical composition, stable isotopes, and phase equilibria. Geol. Soc. Am. Bull. 95(8): 922-929.

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