Fluid-driven Hydrovolcanic Activity along Fracture Zones and near Seamounts: Evidence from Deep-sea Fe-rich Spherules, Central Indian Ocean Basin

Abstract

An insight on occurrence of Fe-rich spherules from the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) provides an understanding of their distribution at a water depth of >5,000 m. In the present study, Fe-rich spherules are identified to occur in two different sediment types (i.e., siliceous and pelagic) and tectonic settings (i.e. near seamounts and fracture zones). These are single spheres or aggregates, of different sizes (63 to 390 mu m) and show textural variability (smooth/quenched, brickwork, corkscrew, interlocking and dendritic). A comparative study based on physical morphology and chemical composition suggests a common mechanism of formation. The association of spherules with fracture zones (FZ) and seamounts signifies that morpho-tectonic features play an important role in fluid-driven hydrovolcanism. Based on the evidence and geologic conditions existing in the basin, we conclude that molten fuel-coolant interaction (MFCI) coupled with submarine hydrothermal exhalations could be an ideal mechanism for the formation of spherules and Fe-particles. The accretion of the spherules on the surface sediments could be a result of recent volcanic phenomena, while those occurring at different depths (280-355, and 460-475 cm-bsf) within the sediment core indicate two different episodes. The study provides a global implication in understanding fluid-driven magmatism in a deep-sea intraplate environment.