Geological Sciences: "Cruise 2006"

Check out the cruise BLOG and photo links to the right >>>>

The main research objective of this cruise is to provide, through the combination of physical models of melting and melt segregation and the geochemistry of the “zero age” lavas, an integrated picture of mantle flow, melt production and migration, and mantle heterogeneity beneath a fast spreading mid-ocean ridge.

The research team feels the best place to study the process of melt transport is in the Quebrada/Discovery/Gofar fracture zone system on the East Pacific Rise. (Check out our BLOG and daily photo links, to the right.)

We propose to carry out about 60 dredges, with at least three dredges on each intratransform spreading center, plus sampling fresh flows along leaky transform segments. Before dredging, we will map the area with multibeam bathymetry and backscatter (pseudo-sidescan), and gravity and magnetic anomaly measurements. We will construct 3-D models of mantle flow, melt production and melt migration to compare to the composition of the recovered basalts. In conjunction with the 3-D models, we will model the variations in crustal thickness using gravity and bathymetry data. The pseudo-sidescan will allow us to identify dredge targets of unsedimented, recent lava flows.

This project promotes the collaboration between geophysicists and geochemists from Brown University and WHOI. Through collaboration with WHOI scientists studying the unusual character of earthquakes in this area, we will contribute to understanding the mechanics of earthquake generation.

Two Brown graduate student theses will result from the project. Seven undergraduate and graduate students will acquire technical training and experience at sea. Through class and lab visits before and after the cruise, and email communication during the cruise, we will contribute to education at two local elementary schools.

- Professors Donald Forsyth and Alberto Saal