Mid-ocean ridge research in China: Discovery of the first active hydrothermal vent field at the ultraslow spreading Southwest Indian Ridge

Abstract

We report significant progress in mid-ocean ridge research in China since China joined the InterRidge, an interdisciplinary international science program, as an associate member following the 1st InterRidge workshop in China in October 2003. Two multi-leg expeditions were conducted on the Chinese research vessel “Dayang Yihao” in 2005 and 2007, respectively. Each expedition consists multiple 30-40 day long interdisciplinary legs to investigate ocean ridge hydrothermal vents. The 2005 expedition, which was the first around the world deep sea exploration by China, has surveyed the East Pacific Rise, Mid-Atlantic Ridge, Southwest Indian Ridge, and the Central Indian Ridge. On the other hand, the 2007 expedition has investigated the Southeast Indian Ridge, Southwest Indian Ridge, Central Indian Ridge, and the Lau Basin back-arc spreading center.