Special collection on the June 1993 volcanic eruption on the CoAxial segment, Juan de Fuca Ridge

Abstract

The mid‐ocean ridge system is the primary site of oceanic crustal accretion and a major source of chemical/thermal flux from the Earth's interior to the hydrosphere. Although geological mapping, geophysical exploration, and hydrographie/chemical surveys have provided important insights into accretionary processes, until recently there has been no method of monitoring the dynamics of these systems over long periods and large areas. Insights into spreading center dynamics have depended on serendipitous discoveries of evidence of activity based on water column anomalies [Baker et al., 1987], bathymetric differences [Fox et al., 1992], or direct field observations [Haymon et al., 1993]. In situ instrumentation has been used to monitor dynamics at a few selected sites for long periods, but these instruments are generally unable to telemeter data in real time.