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White Church
Name Alias(es):
North Valu Fa Ridge Site 1
plume 10, VFR
MGDS_FeatureID lowest in hierarchy:
Vent Sites:
Activity:
Maximum Temperature:
Max Temperature Category:
Latitude:
-21.9612
Longitude:
-176.5234
Location on map:
Ocean:
Region:
National Jurisdiction:
Maximum or Single Reported Depth (mbsl):
1960
Minimum Depth (mbsl):
1850
Tectonic setting:
Full Spreading Rate (mm/a):
53.2
Host Rock:
BABB, MORB, low-K andesite
Deposit Type:
PMS, polymetallic massive sulfides
Notes on Vent Field Description:
large, active sulfide deposits, barite-silica chimneys, low-temperature Fe-oxides, and associated Fe-Mn crusts in the axial rift (100 m x 200 m approx. explored dimensions); northern Valu Fa Ridge; located within Nautilus Minerals tenement; SRK report (2011): "Minor small inactive chimneys were discovered where the system was expected. An area containing chimneys approximately 470 m by 80 m was discovered, although significant areas of volcanic outcrop are contained within this. Chimneys are inactive, weathered and of variable size."
Notes Relevant to Biology:
Year and How Discovered (if active, visual confirmation is listed first):
1989 submersible Nautile; 2004 plume survey
Discovery References (text):
Fouquet, Y., et al. (1991) Hydrothermal activity in the Lau back-arc basin: sulfides and water chemistry. Geology 19: 303-306.
Other References (text):
[Fouquet et al., Econ. Geol., 88, 2154-2181, 1993]
(plume only): Baker et al., GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS, 33, L07308, doi:10.1029/2005GL025283, 2006, Abundant hydrothermal venting along melt-rich and melt-free ridge segments in the Lau back-arc basin.
SRK Consulting (2011) Nautilus Minerals Incorporated NI43-101 Technical Report 2010 PNG, Tonga, Fiji, Solomon Islands, New Zealand, Vanuatu and the ISA. Document Reference: NAT007 Nautilus 43-101 Technical Report 2011 Rev3.docx.
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