Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Mass transfer during sub-seafloor alteration of the upper Troodos crust (Cyprus)

  • Published:
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Five major alteration zones in the Extrusive Series and the Sheeted Dike Complex of the Troodos Ophiolite are each characterized by (a) distinct elemental changes compared to the original composition and (b) secondary mineralogy. The upper ca. 300 m of the extrusive crust, the highly oxidatedcold seawater alteration zone (CSA), is strongly enriched in K2O and depleted in Na2O. It is followed downwards by alow temperature alteration zone (<170° C) which is most widespread in the Troodos extrusives and where Na2O and K2O are enriched, the latter less strongly than in the CSA zone. Three types ofhigh temperature alteration zones (<440° C; HTA I–III) are found in the Sheeted Dike Complex. All are marked by thorough leaching of K2O, while the behavior of Na2O (e.g. unchanged in type III) and CaO (depleted in type I, enriched in types II, III) is variable. Mass budgets of elemental changes are quantified by calibration of whole rock analyses via systematic stable element variations of fresh glasses found throughout the extrusive section. The Troodos extrusive crust and upper Sheeted Dike Complex are a major sink for MgO, K2O, and Na2O, and a source for CaO; the overall scale of fluxes drastically exceeds estimates based on fresh basalt compositions from present ocean crust.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Alt JC, Honnorez J (1984) Alteration of the upper oceanic crust, DSDP site 417: mineralogy and chemistry. Contrib Mineral Petrol 87:149–169

    Google Scholar 

  • Alt JC, Honnorez J, Laverne C, Emmermann R (1986) Hydrothermal alteration of a 1 km section through the upper oceanic crust, Deep Sea Drilling Project hole 504B: mineralogy, chemistry, and evolution of seawater-basalt interactions. J Geophys Res 91:10309–10335

    Google Scholar 

  • Ballard RD, Francheteau J, Juteau T, Rangan C, Normark W (1981) East Pacific Rise at 21° N: the volcanic, tectonic, and hydrothermal processes of the central axis. Earth Planet Sci Lett 55:1–10

    Google Scholar 

  • Baragar WRA, Lambert MB, Baglow N, Gibson IL (1989) Sheeted dykes of the Troodos Ophiolite. In: Gibson IL, Malpas J, Robinson PT, Xenophontos C (eds) Cyprus Crustal Study Project, Initial Reports Hole CY-4. Geol Surv Can Pap 88–9: (in press)

  • Bednarz U (1988) Volcanological, geochemical and petrological evolution and sub-seafloor alteration of the northeastern Troodos ophiolite (Cyprus). PhD Thesis Ruhr-Univ Bochum, pp 1–295

  • Bednarz U, Schmincke HU (1987) Volcanology in the Pediaeos-, Onouphrios-, Kokkinovrysi-, and Mazovounos River System. In: Xenophontos C, Malpas JG (eds) Field Excursion Guidebook — Troodos 87 — Ophiolites and oceanic lithosphere. Nicosia Cyprus Geol Surv Dep: 260–285

  • Bednarz U, Sunkel G, Schmincke HU (1987a) The basaltic andesite — andesite and the andesite — dacite series from the ICRDG drill holes CY-2 and CY-2a. I. Lithology, petrology and geochemistry. In: Robinson PT, Gibson IL, Panayiotou A (eds) Cyprus Crustal Study Project Initial Report Hole CY2-2a. Geol Surv Can Pap 85-29:183–204

  • Bednarz U, Brace T, Cann JR, Herzig P, Jamieson HE, Lydon JW, Malpas J (1987b) Major element and trace element analytical data. In: Robinson PT, Gibson IL, Panayiotou A (eds) Cyprus Crustal Study Project Hole CY2-2a. Cyprus Crustal Study Project Initial Report Hole CY2-2a. Geol Surv Can Pap 85-29:353–381

  • Bednarz U, Schmincke HU (1989a) Seawater and hydrothermal alteration of submarine extrusive rocks and major element mobility in Cyprus drill holes CY-1 and CY-1A. In: Gibson IL, Malpas J, Robinson PT (eds) Cyprus Crustal Study Project, Initial Reports Holes CY-1 and 1a. Geol Surv Can Pap (in press)

  • Bednarz U, Schmincke HU (1989b) Chemical patterns of seawater and hydrothermal alteration in the northeastern Troodos Extrusive Series and Sheeted Dyke Complex (Cyprus). In: Malpas J, Moores E (eds) Troodos 87 — Ophiolites and oceanic lithosphere. Cyprus Geol Surv Dep Nicosia (in press)

  • Berndt ME, Seyfried WE, Beck W (1988) Hydrothermal alteration processes at midocean ridges: experimental and theoretical constraints from Ca and Sr exchange reactions and Sr isotopic ratios. J Geophys Res 93:4573–4583

    Google Scholar 

  • Bloch S, Hofmann AW (1978) Magnesium metasomatism during hydrothermal alteration of new oceanic crust. Geology 6:275–277

    Google Scholar 

  • Bloch S, Bischoff JL (1979) The effect of low-temperature alteration of basalt on the oceanic budget of potassium. Geology 7:193–196

    Google Scholar 

  • Bischoff JL, Dickson FW (1975) Seawater-basalt interaction at 200° C and 500 bars: implications for origin of sea-floor heavymetal deposits and regulation of seawater chemistry. Earth Planet Sci Lett 25:385–397

    Google Scholar 

  • Bowers TS, Taylor HP (1985) An integrated chemical and stable isotope model of the origin of mid-oecan ridge hot spring systems. J Geophys Res 90:12583–12606

    Google Scholar 

  • Cann JR, Strens MR, Rice A (1985) A simple magma driven thermal balance model for the formation of volcanogenic massive sulphides. Earth Planet Sci Lett 76:123–134

    Google Scholar 

  • Coleman RG (1977) Ophiolites. Ancient oceanic lithosphere? Minerals and rocks: Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York, pp 1–229

    Google Scholar 

  • Crane K, Ballard RD (1980) The Galapagos Rift at 86° W, 4. Structure and morphology of hydrothermal fields and their relationship to the volcanic and tectonic processes of the rift valley. J Geophys Res 85:1443–1454

    Google Scholar 

  • Donnelly TW, Thompson G, Salisbury MH (1979) The chemistry of altered basalts at site 417, Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 51. In: Donnelly T, Francheteau J, Bryan W, Robinson PT, Flower M, Salisbury M et al. (eds) Initial Reports of the Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 51. US Gov Printing Office, Washington, 51–53:1319–1330

    Google Scholar 

  • Drever JI (1974) The magnesium problem: In: Goldberg ED (ed) Ideas and observations on progress in the study of the seas. Vol 5 Marine Chemistry. Wiley, New York, pp 337–358

    Google Scholar 

  • Edmond JM, Measures C, McDuff RE, Chan LH, Collier R, Grant B, Gordon LI, Corliss JB (1979) Ridge crest hydrothermal activity and the balances of the major and minor elements in the ocean: the Galapagos data. Earth Planet Sci Lett 46:1–18

    Google Scholar 

  • Ellis AJ (1979) Explored geothermal systems: In: Barnes HL (ed) Geochemistry of hydrothermal ore deposits. Wiley, New York, pp 632–683

    Google Scholar 

  • Garrels RM, MacKenzie (1971) Evolution of sedimentary rocks. Norton, New York:1–397

    Google Scholar 

  • Gillis KM (1986) Multistage alteration of the extrusive sequence, Troodos ophiolite, Cyprus. PhD Thesis, Dalhousie University, Halifax, pp 1–387

    Google Scholar 

  • Gillis KM, Robinson PT (1988) Distribution of alteration zones in the upper oceanic crust. Geology 16:262–266

    Google Scholar 

  • Götte P (1986) Petrology of volcanic rocks of drill hole CY-1A, Troodos ophiolite (Cyprus). Master thesis (Diplomarbeit), Ruhr-Universität, pp 1–67

  • Harper GD, Bowman JR, Kuhns R (1988) A field, chemical, and stable isotope study of subseafloor metamorphism of the Josephine ophiolite, California-Oregon. J Geophys Res 93:4625–4656

    Google Scholar 

  • Hart R (1973) A model for chemical exchange in the basalt-seawater system of oceanic layer II. Can J Earth Sci 10:799–816

    Google Scholar 

  • Hart SR, Staudigel H (1982) The control of alkalies and uranium in seawater by ocean crust alteration. Earth Planet Sci Lett 58:202–212

    Google Scholar 

  • Holser WT, Schidlowski M, Mackenzie FT, Maynard JB (1988) Biogeochemical cycles of carbon and sulfur. In: Gregor CB, Garrels RM, MacKenzie FT, Maynard JB (eds) Chemical cycles in the evolution of the earth. Wiley, New York Chichester Brisbane Toronto Singapore, pp 105–175

    Google Scholar 

  • Honnorez J, Laverne C, Hubberten HW, Emmermann R, Muehlenbachs K (1983) Alteration processes in Layer 2 basalts from Deep Sea Drilling Project Hole 504B, Costa Rica Rift. In: Cann JR, Langseth MG, Honnorez J, von Herzen RP, White SM et al. (eds) Initial Reports of the Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 69, 70. US Government Printing Office, Washington, pp 509–550

    Google Scholar 

  • Humphris SE, Thompson G (1978) Hydrothermal alteration of oceanic basalts by seawater. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 42:107–125

    Google Scholar 

  • Jochum KP, Hofmann AW, Ito E, Seifert HM, White WM (1983) K, U and Th in mid-ocean ridge basalt glasses and heat production, K/U and K/Rb in the mantle. Nature 306:431–436

    Google Scholar 

  • Karato S (1983) Physical properties of basalts from Deep Sea Drilling Project hole 504B, Costa Rica Rift. In: Cann JR, Langseth MG, Honnorez J, von Herzen RP, White SM et al. (eds) Initial Reports of the Deap Sea Drilling Project Leg 69, 70. US Government Printing Office, Washington, pp 687–695

    Google Scholar 

  • Kronberg BI (1985) Weathering dynamics and geosphere mixing with reference to the potassium cycle. Phys Earth Planet Int 41:125–132

    Google Scholar 

  • Lister CRB (1972) On the thermal balance of a mid-ocean ridge. R Astron Soc Geophys J 26:515–535

    Google Scholar 

  • Maynard JB (1976) The long-term buffering of the oceans. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 40:1523–1532

    Google Scholar 

  • Mottl MJ (1983) Hydrothermal processes at seafloor spreading centers: application of basalt-seawater experimental results. In: Rona P, Boström K, Lambier L, Smith KL (eds) Hydrothermal processes at seafloor spreading centers. Nato Conference Series 4, Plenum Press, New York, Marine Sci 12:1–796

    Google Scholar 

  • Mottl MJ, Holland HD (1978) Chemical exchange during hydrothermal alteration of basalt by seawater. I. Experimental results for major and minor components of seawater. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 42:1103–1117

    Google Scholar 

  • Pearce JA, Alabaster T, Shelton AW, Searle MP (1981) The Oman ophiolite as a Cretaceous arc-basin complex: evidence and implications. Phil Trans R Soc London A300:299–317

    Google Scholar 

  • Rautenschlein M (1987) Geology and geochemistry of Akaki volcanics, Cyprus. PhD Thesis, Ruhr-Universität Bochum:1–222

    Google Scholar 

  • Rautenschlein M, Jenner GA, Hertogen J, Hofmann AW, Kerrich R, Schmincke H-U, White WM (1985) Isotopic and trace element composition of volcanic glasses from the Akaki Canyon, Cyprus: implications for the origin of the Troodos ophiolite. Earth Planet Sci Lett 75:369–383

    Google Scholar 

  • Richardson CJ, Cann JR, Richards HG, Cowan JG (1987) Metaldepleted root zones of the Troodos ore-forming hydrothermal systems, Cyprus. Earth Planet Sci Lett 84:243–253

    Google Scholar 

  • Robinson PT, Melson WG, O'Hearn T, Schmincke H-U (1983) Volcanic glass compositions of the Troodos ophiolite, Cyprus. Geology 11:400–404

    Google Scholar 

  • Salisbury MH, Christensen NI, Becker K, Moos D (1984) The velocity structure of layer 2 at Deep Sea Drilling Project Site 504 from logging and laboratory experiments. In: Anderson RN, Honnorez J, Becker K et al. (eds) Initial Reports of the Deep Sea Drilling Project Leg 83. Washington US Government Printing Office, pp 529–539

    Google Scholar 

  • Schiffman P, Smith BM (1988) Petrology and oxygen isotope geochemistry of a fossil seawater hydrothermal system within the Solea Graben, northern Troodos ophiolite, Cyprus. J Geophys Res 93:4612–4624

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmincke H-U, Rautenschlein M, Robinson PT, Mehegan JM (1983) Troodos extrusive series of Cyprus: a comparison with oceanic crust. Geology 11:405–409

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmincke H-U, Bednarz U, Rautenschlein M (1989) Pillow-, sheet flow-, and breccia volcanoes and volcano-tectonic-hydrothermal cycles in the northeastern Troodos Extrusive Series. In: Malpas J, Moores E (eds) Proceedings — Troodos 87 — Ophiolites and Oceanic Lithosphere. Geol Surv Dep Nicosia Cyprus (in press)

  • Seyfried WE Jr (1976) Seawater-basalt interaction from 25° C–300° C and 1–500 bars: implications for the origin of submarine metal-bearing hydrothermal solutions and regulation of ocean chemistry. PhD dissertation, University of South California, Los Angeles

    Google Scholar 

  • Seyfried WE Jr (1987) Experimental and theoretical constraints on hydrothermal alteration processes at mid-ocean ridges. Ann Rev Earth Planet Sci 15:317–335

    Google Scholar 

  • Seyfried WE Jr, Bischoff JL (1981) Experimental seawater — basalt interaction at 300° C, 500 bars, chemical exchange, secondary mineral formation and implications for the transport of heavy metals. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 45:135–147

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith GC, Vine FJ (1989) The physical properties of basalts from CCSP drillholes CY-1 and CY-1A at Akaki Canyon, Cyprus. In: Gibson IL, Malpas J, Robinson PT (eds) Cyprus crustal study project. Initial Reports Holes CY-1 and 1a (in press)

  • Spooner ETC, Fyfe WS (1973) Sub-sea-floor metamorphism, heat and mass transfer. Contrib Mineral Petrol 42:287–304

    Google Scholar 

  • Spooner ETC, Beckinsale RD, Fyfe WS, Smewing JD (1974)18O- enriched ophiolitic metabasic rocks from E Liguria (Italy), Pindos (Greece), and Troodos (Cyprus). Contrib Mineral Petrol 47:41–62

    Google Scholar 

  • Stakes DS, O'Neil JR (1982) Mineralogy and stable isotope geochemistry of hydrothermally altered oceanic rocks. Earth Planet Sci Lett 57:285–304

    Google Scholar 

  • Staudigel H, Hart SR, Richardson SH (1981) Alteration of the oceanic crust: processes and timing. Earth Planet Sci Lett 62:311–327

    Google Scholar 

  • Staudigel H, Hart SR (1983) Alteration of basaltic glass: mechanisms and significance for the oceanic crust-seawater budget. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 47:337–350

    Google Scholar 

  • Staudigel H, Gillis K, Duncan R (1986) K/Ar and Rb/Sr ages of celadonites from the Troodos ophiolite, Cyprus. Geology 14:72–75

    Google Scholar 

  • Staudigel H, Hart SR, Smith DG, Schmincke H-U (1989) The CO2-budget of the oceanic crust (submitted) Sunkel G, Bednarz U, Schmincke H-U (1987) The Basaltic Andesite — Andesite and the Andesite — Dacite Series from ICRDG drill holes CY-2 and CY-2a. II. Alteration. In: Robinson PT, Gibson IL, Panayiotou A (eds) Cyprus Crustal Study Project, Initial Report Holes CY2-2a. Geol Surv Can 85-29:205–219

  • Thompson G (1983a) Basalt-seawater interaction. In: Rona PA, Boström K, Laubier L, Smith KL (eds) Hydrothermal processes at seafloor spreading centers. Plenum, New York, pp 225–278

    Google Scholar 

  • Thompson G (1983b) Hydrothermal fluxes in the ocean. In: Riley JP, Chester R (eds) Chemical Oceanography, Vol 8. Academic Press, New York, pp 272–338

    Google Scholar 

  • von Damm KL (1983) Chemistry of submarine hydrothermal solutions at 21°N, East Pacific Rise, and Guaymas Basin, Gulf of California. PhD dissertation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, pp 1–239

    Google Scholar 

  • von Damm KL (1988) Systematics of and postulated controls on submarine hydrothermal solution chemistry. J Geophys Res 93:4551–4561

    Google Scholar 

  • von Damm KL, Edmond JM, Grant B, Measures CI, Walden B, Weiss RF (1985) Chemistry of submarine hydrothermal solutions at 21°N, East Pacific Rise. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 49:2197–2220

    Google Scholar 

  • von Damm KL, Bischoff JL (1987) Chemistry of hydrothermal solutions from the Southern Juan de Fuca Ridge. J Geophys Res 92:11334–11346

    Google Scholar 

  • Williams OL, von Herzen RP (1974) Heat loss from the earth: an estimate. Geology 2:327–328

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolery TJ, Sleep NH (1976) Hydrothermal circulation and geochemical flux at mid-ocean ridges. J Geol 84:249–275

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolery TJ, Sleep NH (1988) Interactions of geochemical cycles with the mantle. In: Gregor CB, Garrels RM, MacKenzie FT, Maynard JB (eds) Chemical cycles in the evolution of the earth. Wiley, New York Chichester Brisbane Toronto Singapore, pp 77–104

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Mineralogie, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Postfach 102148, D-4630, Bochum, Germany

    Ulrich Bednarz & Hans -Ulrich Schmincke

Authors
  1. Ulrich Bednarz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Hans -Ulrich Schmincke
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bednarz, U., Schmincke, H.U. Mass transfer during sub-seafloor alteration of the upper Troodos crust (Cyprus). Contr. Mineral. and Petrol. 102, 93–101 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01160193

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01160193

Keywords

Search

Navigation