Goldschmidt™ 2009 - "Challenges to Our Volatile Planet"
June 21 - 26 in Davos, Switzerland
http://www.goldschmidt2009.org/index
Abstract Deadline: 22 February 2009
Themes of interest to InterRidge:
Theme 4: Mantle to Crust: Ocean Ridge and Intraplate Volcanism
Co-ordinators:
Steven L. Goldstein (LDEO-Columbia)
Francis Albarède (Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon)
Team members:
Wolfgang Bach (U of Bremen), Cornelia Class (LDEO-Columbia), Hedy Edmonds (U of Texas Marine Science Institute), Cinzia Farnatani (IPGP U of Paris), Peter Michael (U of Tulsa), Alberto Saal (Brown U)
Scope of theme:
Mid ocean ridge volcanic systems, Hotspot geochemistry and volcanism, mantle structure and dynamics. Origin of plumes debate, Plume-ridge interaction, Hard Rock ocean drilling program results (hard rock), Hydrothermal systems, Controls on ocean chemistry, Effects of volatiles on mantle dynamics.
4a: Integrated Studies of Mid-Ocean Ridge Magmatism: From Top to Bottom
Convenors: Peter Michael, Alberto Saal
The study of Mid-Ocean Ridge magmatism has been rapidly evolving due to the growing body of geochemical and geophysical data, as well as recent advances in numerical modeling. Those studies have provided new insight into 1) the length scales and origins of geochemical variability in the sub-ridge mantle, 2) the timing and mechanics of melting and melt segregation processes, 3) the physical-chemical interaction of basalt with the upper mantle and the oceanic lithosphere, 4) the effect that melt supply and magma chambers have on obscuring the mantle chemical heterogeneity recorded in MORB and 5) the interaction between the magmatic and hydrothermal systems. The studies of volatile elements in mid-ocean ridge systems are of particular importance, because volatiles influence mantle melting, magma differentiation and degassing, and their abundances, isotopic composition and spatial distribution provide important constraints on models of mantle convection, mantle heterogeneity and crustal recycling. The purpose of this session is to bring together scientist from different fields to present new data and models that significantly improve our understanding of mid-ocean ridges, and provide an opportunity to integrate results and refine our state of knowledge of MOR magma evolution. We welcome abstracts presenting new geochemical, petrological observations of MORB, the oceanic crust and abyssal peridotites (including melt inclusions and phenocrysts studies), as well as seismological observation and numerical models that will help the interpretation of Mid-Ocean Magmatism.
Special Symposium under Theme 4:
Magma generation and evolution and global tectonics - A symposium in honor of Peter J. Wyllie for his life-long contributions to understanding how the Earth works by means of experimental petrology
Convenors:
Yaoling Niu, Durham University, UK
Marjorie Wilson, University of Leeds, UK
Ed Stolper, Caltech, USA
Hans Keppler, University of Bayreuth, Germany
Magma generation and its evolution from mantle through crust are among the most important processes that have led to chemical differentiation of our planet throughout its history. Our current understanding of magma generation processes owes much to experimental petrology, including the more than 300 original research contributions by Peter Wyllie and his co-authors. Peter correctly recognised early on the significance of volatiles in magma genesis in all tectonic settings. Remarkably, when plate tectonics theory was still in its infancy, he effectively brought that theory to a generation of students worldwide through his book The Dynamic Earth, which lucidly explained why volcanoes occur where they do.
This symposium honors Peter's lifetime contribution to petrology, aiming to bring together scientists from many parts of the world to discuss their new research on magma generation and differentiation processes. Topics include experimental petrology, igneous geochemistry and modeling, with emphasis on the use of petrology and geochemistry as a means to understanding how our planet works.
Theme 16: Life at the Edge: Extreme Environments
Co-ordinators:
Samantha (Mandy) Joye (University of Georgia)
Antje Boetius (Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology)
Team members:
Katrina Edwards (University of Southern California), Nadine Le Bris (IFREMER), Ron Oremland (US Geological Survey), Anna-Louise Reysenbach (Portland State University), Andreas Teske (University of North Carolina)
Scope of theme:
Geofluids and life (hydrothermal vents, methane seeps, brines), Microbial communities in rock-dominated environments, Survival on a permanent diet (deep biosphere), Origin of life and biosignatures, Life at the fringe (microbial diversity and activity in contaminated sites), Thermodynamic and kinetic limits on geomicrobial activity, Life in deep cold environments (Polar lakes), Exobiology.
16b: Pathways and Regulation of Energy and Carbon Transfer in Deep-Sea Extreme Environments
Convenors: Stefan Sievert, Nadine Le Bris
Keynote: Costantino Vetriani (Rutgers University)
Some of the most extreme environments on Earth are found in the deep-ocean (hydrothermal vents, methane and hydrocarbon seeps, hypersaline lakes). They exhibit tremendous variability in a number of physico-chemical parameters, including temperature, pH, gas (H2S, CO2, CO, O2) and heavy metal concentrations, and other potentially harmful chemicals. Yet they are among the most productive marine environments. Key processes sustaining deep-sea chemosynthetic communities have been highlighted (chemolithoautotrophy, symbiosis) but the wide range of biogeochemical pathways arising from the variety of redox conditions, and the complexity of energy transfer mechanisms from molecules to organisms remain to be described. Availability of chemical substrates and energy budgets, diversity of carbon fixation pathways, adaptability of symbioses, interactions between invertebrates and biogeochemical processes, and large-scale impact of these processes are major issues for which recent interdisciplinary studies and new analytical capabilities have allowed significant advances. These new insights provide a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms sustaining the high productivities of these ecosystems and their potential impact on global element cycling.
16f: Life in the Deep Dark Subsurface Biosphere
Convenors: Peter Girguis, Julie Huber
Recent studies show that oceanic crust and sediments host extensive but poorly characterized microbial communities. Data suggest these are the largest microbial communities on Earth, and accordingly, there is continuing debate about the extent and impact of this deep biosphere.
This session will examine these issues, highlighting results of novel and interdisciplinary approaches to studying the subsurface biosphere, and examining the role of interdisciplinary approaches to studying microbial processes. This session will specifically focus on the recent and significant advances that provide insight into the physiological potential and activity of these communities. These and other findings have been enabled by recent advances in techniques and technologies, from metagenomics to bioenergetic modeling, and will constitute the basis of our discussion.
