Serpentinization: Difference between revisions
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#REDIRECT [[Serpentinite]] |
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'''Serpentinization''' is a geological [[metamorphic rock|metamorphic]] process involving heat and water in which low-[[silica]] [[mafic]] and [[ultramafic]] rocks are [[oxidation|oxidized]] and [[hydrolyzed]] with water into [[serpentinite]]. The [[peridotite]]s and [[dunite]]s of the seafloor are converted to [[serpentine]] and [[magnetite]]. In the process large amounts of water are absorbed into the rock increasing the volume and destroying the structure. The density changes from 3.3 to 2.7 g/cm<sup>3</sup> with a concurrent volume increase of about 40%. The reaction is exothermic and large amounts of heat energy are produced in the process. Rock temperatures can be raised by about 260 <sup>o</sup>C, providing an energy source for formation of non-volcanic [[hydrothermal vent]]s. The magnetite-forming chemical reactions produce [[hydrogen]] gas. [[Sulfate]]s and [[carbonate]]s are reduced and form [[methane]] and [[hydrogen sulfide]]. The hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulfide provide energy sources for deep sea [[chemotroph]] [[microorganism]]s. |
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==See also== |
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*[[Lost City (hydrothermal field)]] |
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==References== |
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*[http://www.lostcity.washington.edu/science/chemistry/serpentinization.html Serpentinization: The Heat Engine at Lost City and Sponge of the Oceanic Crust] |
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*[http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/full/101/35/12818 H2-rich fluids from serpentinization: Geochemical and biotic implications] |
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[[Category:Petrology]] |
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{{geol-stub}} |
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Revision as of 14:41, 26 January 2006
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