Dataset Information

Mariana serpentinite mud volcanism exhumes subducted seamount materials: implications for the origin of life.

ABSTRACT: The subduction of seamounts and ridge features at convergent plate boundaries plays an important role in the deformation of the overriding plate and influences geochemical cycling and associated biological processes. Active serpentinization of forearc mantle and serpentinite mud volcanism on the Mariana forearc (between the trench and active volcanic arc) provides windows on subduction processes. ?Here, we present (1) the first observation of an extensive exposure of an undeformed Cretaceous seamount currently being subducted at the Mariana Trench inner slope; (2) vertical deformation of the forearc region related to subduction of Pacific Plate seamounts and thickened crust; (3) recovered Ocean Drilling Program and International Ocean Discovery Program cores of serpentinite mudflows that confirm exhumation of various Pacific Plate lithologies, including subducted reef limestone; (4) petrologic, geochemical and paleontological data from the cores that show that Pacific Plate seamount exhumation covers greater spatial and temporal extents; (5) the inference that microbial communities associated with serpentinite mud volcanism may also be exhumed from the subducted plate seafloor and/or seamounts; and (6) the implications for effects of these processes with regard to evolution of life. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Serpentine in the Earth system'.

SUBMITTER: Fryer P

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7015305 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Mariana serpentinite mud volcanism exhumes subducted seamount materials: implications for the origin of life.

Fryer Patricia P Wheat C Geoffrey CG Williams Trevor T Kelley Christopher C Johnson Kevin K Ryan Jeffrey J Kurz Walter W Shervais John J Albers Elmar E Bekins Barbara B Debret Baptiste B Deng Jianghong J Dong Yanhui Y Eickenbusch Philip P Frery Emanuelle E Ichiyama Yuji Y Johnston Raymond R Kevorkian Richard R Magalhaes Vitor V Mantovanelli Simone S Menapace Walter W Menzies Catriona C Michibayashi Katsuyoshi K Moyer Craig C Mullane Kelli K Park Jung-Woo JW Price Roy R Sissmann Olivier O Suzuki Shino S Takai Ken K Walter Bastien B Zhang Rui R Amon Diva D Glickson Deborah D Pomponi Shirley S

Philosophical transactions. Series A, Mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences 20200106 2165

The subduction of seamounts and ridge features at convergent plate boundaries plays an important role in the deformation of the overriding plate and influences geochemical cycling and associated biological processes. Active serpentinization of forearc mantle and serpentinite mud volcanism on the Mariana forearc (between the trench and active volcanic arc) provides windows on subduction processes. Here, we present (1) the first observation of an extensive exposure of an undeformed Cretaceous sea ...[more]

PMID: 31902339

Similar Datasets

Project description:The specific topographic characteristics and complex hydrodynamics of seamounts could directly or indirectly affect the distribution and trophic status of microbes. However, little is known about the distribution patterns and associated driving forces of micro-eukaryotes in the deep seamounts. Micro-eukaryotes in the seamount sediments along the island arc of the Yap and Mariana trenches were investigated using high-throughput sequencing and quantitative PCR based on the 18S rRNA gene. Micro-eukaryotic communities from seamounts were clustered together and distinct from those of the depression, which showed comparatively lower diversity, gene abundance, endemic species, and higher proportions of decomposers and parasites. This clear geographical distribution pattern was mainly shaped by the deterministic process, especially environmental (61.63%) and biotic (mainly the unexplained 30.05%) factors, potentially reflecting the seamount effect along the horizontal dimension very likely caused by enclosed circulation cells. Varied community connectivity existed along the summit, flank, and base of different seamounts, and this seamount effect along the vertical dimension might be attributed to the upwelling/downwelling water flows. Prevalence of parasitism and predation for the trophic relationships among micro-eukaryotes would be helpful for adaptation, diversification, and maintaining the ecological balance in this extreme biosphere. This study provides insights into the ecological patterns, assembling processes, and species interactions underlying the dynamics of micro-eukaryotic communities across a series of seamounts with a comparison of the depression and would expand our understanding of seamount effects on the deep-sea ecosystems.IMPORTANCEA distinct distribution pattern was shaped by a deterministic process. Enhanced vertical connectivity expanded the previous understanding of seamount effects. Parasitism and predation were prevalent in the seamounts.

Dataset Information

Mariana serpentinite mud volcanism exhumes subducted seamount materials: implications for the origin of life.

Publications

Mariana serpentinite mud volcanism exhumes subducted seamount materials: implications for the origin of life.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets