Biological and geological dynamics over four years on a high-temperature sulfide structure at the Juan de Fuca Ridge hydrothermal observatory

Type Article
Date 1997
Language English
Author(s) Sarrazin JozeeORCID1, Robigou V2, Juniper Sk1, Delaney Jr2
Affiliation(s) 1 : univ quebec, Canada
2 : UNIV WASHINGTON, SCH OCEANOG, SEATTLE, WA 98195 USA.
Source Marine Ecology Progress Series (0171-8630) (Inter-research), 1997 , Vol. 153 , P. 5-24
DOI 10.3354/meps153005
WOS© Times Cited 139
Keyword(s) hydrothermal ecology, community structure, spatio-temporal distribution, flow patterns, biological succession, disturbances, Juan de Fuca Ridge, endeavour segment
Abstract An extensive videoscopic study of a high-temperature sulfide structure on the Juan de Fuca Ridge (northeast Pacific) examined temporal variation in vent community distribution and Links between faunal and environmental changes. Video imagery was acquired during a total of 5 manned submersible and ROV (remotely-operated vehicle) dive programs between 1991 and 1995. The structure was systematically mapped for each year of the study and a series of analytical tools was developed to quantify changes in biological and geological features and observable flow patterns. Results show: (1) heterogeneous faunal distribution characterized by decimeter-scale patchiness and general absence of vertical gradients; (2) apparent Links between community distribution, and environmental features such as fluid now patterns, substratum and temperature/chemical conditions; (3) a significant influence of perturbations on community dynamics; (4) absence of directional biological succession at the time scale examined (years). Overall, these observations strongly suggest that many hydrothermal community changes are initiated by gradual and abrupt flow modifications. Results are compiled in a dynamic succession model for sulfide edifices where community transitions are driven by flow variations, and by biological processes operating at sub-annual time scales. We conclude by stressing the need for extended monitoring of short-term dynamics in order to understand the relationship between hydrothermal communities and their environment.
Full Text
File Pages Size Access
Publisher's official version 20 2 MB Open access
Top of the page

How to cite 

Sarrazin Jozee, Robigou V, Juniper Sk, Delaney Jr (1997). Biological and geological dynamics over four years on a high-temperature sulfide structure at the Juan de Fuca Ridge hydrothermal observatory. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 153, 5-24. Publisher's official version : https://doi.org/10.3354/meps153005 , Open Access version : https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00280/39117/