Two‐ and three‐dimensional modeling of hydrothermal convection in the sedimented Middle Valley segment, Juan de Fuca Ridge

Abstract

The heat flow map derived from 550 measurements collected in a the southern portion of the sedimented rift in Middle Valley, northern Juan de Fuca Ridge, displays kilometer‐sized quasi‐circular regions of very high heat flow. Some of these domains, explored during Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) leg 139, are thought to be discharge zones of large‐scale hydrothermal plumes. To understand this unique data set, we modeled the kilometer‐scale hydrothermal circulation within both the sedimentary and the igneous crust, using a set of two‐ and three‐dimensional models that use a numerical technique based on horizontal spectral decomposition of the flow equations. These models include variations in the viscosity and density of the hydrothermal fluids with temperature. We examine the variations in flow patterns due to different permeability‐versus‐depth distribution within sediment and pillow layers. Models with the same permeability in both layers do not match the seafloor heat flow field in Middle Valley. When the permeability decreases from the bottom to the top of the simulation domain by a factor greater than 20, convection assumes a plume pattern to produce surface heat flow comparable to that observed in Middle Valley. Within the models the ratio of the heat flux above the recharge and discharge domains is directly related to the vertical harmonic mean of the permeability field. A value of 7×10−16m2provides a good match to the heat flow observations. The Darcy velocities of the hydrothermal fluids in the discharge areas approach 16 cm/yr while in the recharge areas they are lower than 3 cm/yr. These rates and the temperature inside the plumes are sufficiently high to produce the observed massive sulfide deposits and mineral alterations in 1–2 × 105years. The dynamic pressure produced by the hydrothermal flow matches the pressure measured in drill sites. This process may play a major role in compaction, fracturing, and uplift of the sediment cover. For example, the dynamic pressure in the ascending plume equals the lithostatic pressure at a depth of 50 m. Resulting hydrofracturing could explain the genesis of the vent fields associated with the hydrothermal discharge.