Features of geochemistry of Irina-2 hydrothermal ecosystem

Abstract

The paper studies geochemical and biological parameters of the site of the Logachev hydrothermal field. The main regularities of living matter distribution, its interaction with mineral sulfides and the role of microorganisms in the formation and decay of sulfide structures are considered. A correlation matrix of biological and geo-chemical parameters and a graph of distribution of biota and element concentrations as a function of distance to the "black smoker" were constructed using data from the Alvin deep-water submersible. Eco-geochemical zonality around the Irina-2 hydrothermal unloading center was revealed. Three zones were identified: high-temperature and low-temperature unloading, as well as the marginal zone of precipitated hydrothermal material from the plume.