Characterization of magmatic sulfur in the Aegean island arc by means of the δ 34S values of fumarolic H 2S, elemental S, and hydrothermal gypsum from Nisyros and Milos islands

Abstract

A δ 34S value of +6.3±1.5‰ was estimated for the rhyodacitic degassing magma present underneath the hydrothermal system of Nisyros, based on the S isotope ratios of H 2S in fumarolic vapors. This value was estimated by modeling the irreversible water–rock mass transfers occurring during the generation of the hydrothermal liquid which separates these fumarolic vapors. The S isotope ratio of the rhyodacitic degassing magma of Nisyros is consistent with fractional crystallization of a parent basaltic magma with an initial δ 34S value of +4‰ (±at least 1.5‰). This positive value could be explained by mantle contamination due to by either transference of fluids derived from subducted materials or involvement of altered oceanic crust, whereas contribution of biogenic sulfides from sediments seems to be negligible or nil. This conclusion agrees with the lack of N 2 and CO 2 from thermal decomposition of organic matter contained in subducted sediments, which is a characteristic of the whole Aegean arc system. Since hydrothermal S at Milos and Santorini has isotope ratios similar to those determined at Nisyros, it seems likely that common controlling processes are active throughout the Aegean island arc.