Journal of Tropical Oceanography ›› 2013, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (6): 50-57.doi: 10.11978/j.issn.1009-5470.2013.06.008cstr: 32234.14.j.issn.1009-5470.2013.06.008

• Marine geology • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Gas composition of submarine hydrothermal systems off Guishandao and in coastal hot springs off Lüdao in Taiwan

ZHANG Hai-yan1, 2, YANG Tsanyao Frank3, CHEN Chen Tung Arthur2, 4, CHEN Xue-gang2, QIN Hua-wei5, JIN Ai-min2, DING Qian2, PAN Yi-wen2, XIA Mei-sheng2, YE Ying2   

  1. 1. Sanya Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Science, Sanya 572000, China
    2. Department of Ocean Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
    3. Department of Geosciences, Taiwan University, Taipei 106, China
    4. Institute of Marine Geology and Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, China
    5. Institute of Mechatronic Engineers, Electronic and Technical University of Hangzhou, Hangzhou 310018, China
  • Received:2012-10-09 Revised:2012-12-24 Online:2013-12-20 Published:2014-01-21

Abstract:

Gas composition is important for analyzing the origin of hydrothermal activity, for assessing active magma level and for evaluating eco-environmental effects of hydrothermal activity. In this study, we obtained gas samples from submarine hydrothermal systems off Guishandao and in coastal hot springs off Lüdao in Taiwan using self-made piston gas samplers. The chemical compositions of these gas samples were measured using MAT271 mass spectrometer. The main component of gases from Guishandao hydrothermal area is CO2, characterized by low temperature volcanic zone with high content of CH4 and active gases of CO2 and H2S, and low levels of SO2 and HCl. In 2011, the average contents of CO2, N2 and CH4 from white vents are 642.8 ‰, 149.4 ‰, and 177.5 ‰, respectively; those from yellow vents are 740.1 ‰, 36.7 ‰, and 30.9 ‰, respectively. The gas samples of Lüdao hot springs are dominated by N2 and enriched in CH4. The contents of active gases such as CO2 and H2S are relatively low. In 2012, the average contents of hydrothermal gases CO2, N2 and CH4 of Zhaori egg boiling hot spring district are 642.8‰, 149.4 ‰, and 177.5 ‰, respectively; those from inshore side hot spring of intertidal zone are 740.1 ‰, 36.7 ‰, and 30.9 ‰, respectively. The gas from Guishandao area is originated from deeper stratum than that from Lüdao hot springs, and has reacted with surrounding rock less violently during upwelling.

Key words: seafloor hydrothermal, Guishandao, L&#x000fc, dao, carbon dioxide, methane, hydrogen sulfide

CLC Number: 

  • P736.4