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Article
Cold Seeps Associated with a Submarine Debris Avalanche Deposit at Kick’em Jenny Volcano, Grenada (Lesser Antilles)
Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers
  • Steven Carey, University of Rhode Island
  • Robert Ballard, Ocean Exploration Trust
  • Katherine L.C. Bell, Ocean Exploration Trust
  • Richard J. Bell, National Marine Fisheries Service
  • Patrick Connally, Florida A&M University
  • Frederic Dondin, University of West Indies
  • Sarah Fuller, University of Rhode Island
  • Judith Gobin, University of West Indies
  • Patricia Miloslavich, Universidad Simon Bolivar
  • Brennan Phillips, University of Rhode Island
  • Chris Roman, University of Rhode Island
  • Brad Seibel, University of Rhode Island
  • Nam Siu, Marine Surveys and Assessments
  • Clara Smart, University of Rhode Island
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2014
Keywords
  • Cold seeps,
  • Debris avalanche,
  • Submarine volcano,
  • Kick’em Jenny
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsr.2014.08.002
Disciplines
Abstract

Remotely operated vehicle (ROV) exploration at the distal margins of a debris avalanche deposit from Kick’em Jenny submarine volcano in Grenada has revealed areas of cold seeps with chemosynthetic-based ecosystems. The seeps occur on steep slopes of deformed, unconsolidated hemipelagic sediments in water depths between 1952 and 2042 m. Two main areas consist of anastomosing systems of fluid flow that have incised local sediments by several tens of centimeters. No temperature anomalies were observed in the vent areas and no active flow was visually observed, suggesting that the venting may be waning. An Eh sensor deployed on a miniature autonomous plume recorder (MAPR) recorded a positive signal and the presence of live organisms indicates at least some venting is still occurring. The chemosynthetic-based ecosystem included giant mussels (Bathymodiolus sp.) with commensal polychaetes (Branchipolynoe sp.) and cocculinid epibionts, other bivalves, Siboglinida (vestimentiferan) tubeworms, other polychaetes, and shrimp, as well as associated heterotrophs, including gastropods, anemones, crabs, fish, octopods, brittle stars, and holothurians. The origin of the seeps may be related to fluid overpressure generated during the collapse of an ancestral Kick’em Jenny volcano. We suggest that deformation and burial of hemipelagic sediment at the front and base of the advancing debris avalanche led to fluid venting at the distal margin. Such deformation may be a common feature of marine avalanches in a variety of geological environments especially along continental margins, raising the possibility of creating large numbers of ephemeral seep-based ecosystems.

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers, v. 93, p. 156-160

Citation Information
Steven Carey, Robert Ballard, Katherine L.C. Bell, Richard J. Bell, et al.. "Cold Seeps Associated with a Submarine Debris Avalanche Deposit at Kick’em Jenny Volcano, Grenada (Lesser Antilles)" Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers Vol. 93 (2014) p. 156 - 160
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/brad-seibel/12/