Research & Expeditions
Investigating Submarine Hydrothermal Systems
The primary goal of our research group is to improve our understanding of submarine hydrothermal systems, including their distribution on the modern seafloor, their importance for elemental cycling between Earth’s crust and oceans, and the viability of hydrothermal deposits as marine mineral resources.
Marine Exploration
The first step to any investigation of submarine hydrothermal processes is the discovery, sampling and characterization of hydrothermal vent fields on the seafloor. We use surface research vessels, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and towed sensors to conduct geophysical and geochemical surveys (e.g., multibeam echosounders, magnetic surveys, self-potential, and CTDs) of the seafloor along the Earth’s submarine tectonic boundaries, such as mid-ocean ridges, volcanic arcs and backarc basins. These surveys are combined with geological models and interpretation of seafloor morphology to locate sites of active and inactive hydrothermal venting. High-resolution bathymetric maps can be used to locate and provide quantitative constraints on geological features on the seafloor (e.g., the number, distribution and sizes of hydrothermal chimneys and mounds, the length and offsets of faults and fissures). Human occupied submersibles and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are used to visually document and sample discovered vent fields.
Niua South, Tonga
ROV control room on the R/V Falkor
9˚ 50' N - East Pacific Rise
Recovery of Alvin submersible
Remotely operated and autonomous vehicles
Launching deep sea data collection vehicles
![R/V Meteor [Germany]](/assets/MarineExComp3.png)
R/V Meteor [Germany]
6-week expedition to Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Composition of Seafloor Hydrothermal Deposits
Back in the lab, collected rock samples are analyzed using a combination of mineralogical and textural analysis (transmitted and reflected light microscopy; X-ray diffraction) and geochemical analysis (inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry; instrumental neutron activation analysis; scanning electron microscope; electron probe microanalysis) to investigate the compositions of hydrothermal deposits, including compositional variability within individual vents, variability at the vent field scale, and regional, tectonic controls on deposit compositions. This information is important for assessing the subseafloor fluid-rock reactions that are occurring and the concentrations of economically important metals such as Cu, Zn, and Au.
TERRA Facility at MUN
Sample analysis using SEM
2300 m below sea level
Hydrothermal vent sampling with ROV
IODP Expedition 376
Drillcore from active submarine volcano
Geochronology
Uranium-series disequilibrium dating techniques are used to determine the ages of hydrothermal samples, which can be used to develop an understanding of the spatiotemporal evolution of vent fields (e.g., for how long is a hydrothermal circulation cell stable at a single location; is circulation episodic; and whether circulation cells migrate with time), and the rates of deposit formation. Ages are calculated using measurements of the radioisotopes 226Ra (measured using gamma spectrometry in the marine geology lab at Memorial University) and 230Th (measured using multi-collector ICP-MS at the University of Bergen, Norway).
Irinovskoe, Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Old, inactive hydrothermal vent
Endeavor, Juan de Fuca Ridge
High resolution vent mapping
Sulfur Isotopes
The ratios of stable sulfur isotopes within hydrothermal samples collected from the seafloor provide clues to subseafloor processes associated with hydrothermal circulation, including fluid mixing, mineral precipitation and dissolution, and microbial activity. In situ δ34S values of sulfur-bearing minerals are obtained using secondary ion mass spectrometry within the Micro Analysis Facility at Memorial University. Together with collaborators at U. of Maryland, Harvard University, and Lehigh University, multiple sulfur isotope analysis via fluorination (quantified as Δ33S) is also used to differentiate sulfur fractionation processes associated with subseafloor fluid mixing and microbial activity.
Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry
In situ S isotope analysis
MIT Stable Isotope Geobiology Laboratory
S isotope analysis via fluorination
Johnston Stable Isotope Lab (Harvard)
Cr-reducible S extraction line
Current Research Sites
Our group works with international partners on expedition targets across mid-ocean ridges, volcanic arcs, and backarc basins globally. Click the pins on our interactive map to explore site-specific data and cruise details.
Expeditions & Fieldwork
Our lab members participate in high-impact international oceanographic cruises to explore hydrothermal vents, map the seabed, and collect samples. Explore the official portals of our key expeditions below.
Aurora Exploration
Vessel: R/V Kronprins Haakon
Target: Gakkel Ridge, Arctic Ocean
Participated in the first geological and ecological characterization of a hydrothermal field under perennial polar sea ice.
Brothers Arc Flux
Vessel: D/V Chikyu
Target: Kermadec Arc, SW Pacific
Drilled into an active submarine caldera volcano to study seafloor mineralization, metal transport, and fluid-rock interactions.
Niua Hydrothermal Hunt
Vessel: R/V Falkor (SOI)
Target: Tonga Arc Volcanoes
Explored active submarine volcanoes emitting liquid CO₂ and elemental sulfur using the ROV SuBastian.
Lucky Strike Field
Vessel: R/V Meteor (Germany)
Target: Mid-Atlantic Ridge
Investigated hydrothermal vents, mapped fault structures, and gathered massive sulfide core samples from active volcanic segments.
Research Funding
Jamieson Lab research is supported by:
