Hydrogeology of the Oceanic Lithosphere

Originally published in 2004, this is a comprehensive review of the subject of the nature, causes, and consequences of fluid flow in oceanic crust, setting in context much research for the first time. The book begins with a concise review of the relatively brief history of its subject which began shortly after the dawning of plate-tectonic theory. It then describes the nature and important consequences of fluid flow in the sub-seafloor, ending with a summary of how the oceans are affected by the surprisingly rapid exchange of water between the crust and the water column overhead. The accompanying internet material includes a full and easily navigated set of diagrams and captions, references, and photos of research vessels, submersibles, and tools used in marine hydrologic studies. A valuable resource for graduate students and researchers of Earth Sciences and Oceanography.

Introduction E. E. Davis and H. Elderfield; Part I. The Background: 1. Variability of heat flux through the sea floor: discovery of hydrothermal circulation in the oceanic crust J. G. Sclater; 2. Foundations of research into heat, fluid, and chemical fluxes in oceanic crust H. Elderfield, K. Becker and E. E. Davis; Part II. Hydrological Structure, Properties, and State of the Oceanic Crust: 3. Variability of ocean crustal structure created along the global midocean ridge S. M. Carbotte and D. S. Scheirer; 4. Fracturing and fluid flow in the oceanic crust: insights from borehole imaging and other downhole measurements D. Goldberg, G. J. Iturrino and K. Becker; 5. Hydrothermal ageing of oceanic crust: inferences from seismic refraction and borehole studies I. Grevemeyer and A. Bartetzko; 6. Sediment permeability, distribution, and influence on fluxes in oceanic basement G. A. Spinelli, E. R. Giambalvo and A. T. Fisher; 7. In situ determinations of the permeability of the igneous oceanic crust K. Becker and E. E. Davis; 8. Observations of temperature and pressure: constraints on ocean crustal hydrologic state, properties, and flow E. E. Davis and K. Becker; 9. Hydrothermal insights from the Troodos ophiolite, Cyprus J. Cann and K. Gillis; Part III. Heat and Fluid Fluxes: 10. Deep-seated oceanic heat flow, heat deficits, and hydrothermal circulation R. N. Harris and D. S. Chapman; 11. Rates of flow and patterns of fluid circulation A. T. Fisher; 12. Applying fundamental principles and mathematical models to understand processes and estimate parameters K. Wang; 13. Geothermal evidence for continuing hydrothermal circulation in older (>60 M.y.) ocean crust R. P. Von Herzen; Part IV: Geochemical State and Water-Rock Reactions: 14. Alterations and mass transport in high-temperature hydrothermal systems at mid-ocean ridges: controls on the chemical and isotopic evolution of axial vent fluids W. E. Seyfried Jr and W. C. Shanks III; 15. Alteration of the upper oceanic crust: mineralogy, chemistry, and processes J. C. Alt; 16. Ridge flank sediment - fluid interactions M. Kastner and M. D. Rudnicki; 17. Microbial reactions in marine sediments J. P. Telling, E. R. C. Hornibrook and R. J. Parkes; 18. Microbial mediation of oceanic crust alteration H. Staudigel and H. Furnes; Part V. Geochemical Fluxes: 19. Geochemical fluxes through mid-ocean ridge flanks C. G. Wheat and M. J. Mottl; 20. Insight into the hydrogeology and alteration of oceanic lithosphere based on subduction zones and arc volcanism S. M. Peacock; 21. Hydrothermal fluxes in a global context M. Bickle and H. Elderfield.