Temporal and spatial variability in the hydrothermal signature of sinking particles and sediments in the Western Tropical South Pacific Ocean

Iron (Fe) is an essential micronutrient for phytoplankton, particularly diazotrophs, which are abundant in the Western Tropical South Pacific Ocean (WTSP). Their success depends on the numerous trace metals, particularly iron, released from shallow hydrothermal vents along the Tonga Arc. This study aimed to explore the impact of hydrothermal fluids on particulate trace metal concentrations and biological activity. To identify the composition of sinking particles across a wide area of the WTSP, we deployed sediment traps at various depths, both close and further west of the Tonga Arc. Seafloor sediments were cored at these deployment sites, including at a remote location in the South Pacific Gyre. The sinking particles were composed of a large amount of biological material, indicative of the high productivity of the Lau Basin. A significant portion of this material was lithogenic of hydrothermal origin, as revealed through Al-Fe-Mn tracing. The sinking material showed similar patterns between lithogenic and biogenic fractions, indicating that hydrothermal input within the photic layer triggered surface production. A hydrothermal fingerprint was suggested in the sediments due to the high sedimentation rates and the presence of large, heterogeneous, trace metal-rich particles. The presence of nearby active deep hydrothermal sources was suspected near the Lau Ridge due to the large particle size and the significant enrichment of Fe and Mn. Overall, this study revealed that deep and shallow hydrothermal sources along with submarine volcanism have a significant influence on the biogeochemical signature of particles in the Lau Basin at large spatial and temporal scales.

Keyword(s)

biological production, composition of sinking and sedimented material, hydrothermal sources, metals, tonga volcanic arc, western tropical south pacific ocean

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Tilliette Chloé, Gazeau Frédéric, Chavagnac Valerie, Leblond Nathalie, Montanes Maryline, Leblanc Karine, Schmidt Sabine, Charrière Bruno, Bhairy Nagib, Guieu Cécile (2023). Temporal and spatial variability in the hydrothermal signature of sinking particles and sediments in the Western Tropical South Pacific Ocean. ESS Open Archive. INPRESS. https://doi.org/10.22541/essoar.167898492.26733124/v1, https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00829/94106/

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