Gravity Data Reveal New Evidence of an Axial Magma Chamber Beneath Segment 27 in the Southwest Indian Ridge

Abstract

Hydrothermal systems are integral to mid-ocean ridge activity; they form massive seafloor sulfide (SMS) deposits rich in various metallic elements, which are potential mineral resources. Since 2007, many hydrothermal fields have been discovered along the ultraslow-spreading Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR). The Duanqiao hydrothermal field is located at segment 27’s axis between the Indomed and Gallieni transform faults; tomography models reveal an obvious low-velocity anomaly beneath it, indicating a possible axial magma chamber (AMC). However, confirmation of an AMC’s existence requires further study and evidence. In this study, we first calculated the gravity effect to identify the heterogeneous distribution of crustal density beneath segment 27 and the surrounding area. Next, we used the gravity-inversion method to obtain the crustal density structure beneath the study area. The results indicate that a thickened crust and low-density crustal materials exist beneath segment 27. The low-density anomaly in the lower crust beneath the Duanqiao hydrothermal field suggests the existence of an AMC covered with a cold and dense upper crust. The density results identify several faults, which provide potential channels for magma migration. In addition, the melt migrates westward and redistributes laterally toward the segment’s western end. However, when migrating toward the segment’s eastern end, the melt is affected by a rapid cooling mechanism. Therefore, the segment’s ends present different density features and morphologies of nontransform discontinuities (NTDs).