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Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources of the Ocean, 1 Angliysky Avenue, 190121 St Petersburg, Russia
The analysis of geochemical profiles in metalliferous sediment cores obtained from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge rift valley at the TAG, MARK and 15°N hydrothermal vent fields and near 27°10'N allowed a study of the history of hydrothermal processes. Of the three hydrothermal zones of the TAG field, the North hydrothermal zone reached its maximum activity between 6000 and 25 000 years ago, the MIR Mound 10 000 years ago and the Active mound 15 000 years ago. Evidence of intensive hydrothermal sedimentation is not seen near the MARK field. The MARK sulphide mounds were probably formed in the course of a single hydrothermal episode that began 4000 years ago. Most of the sulphides of the newly found hydrothermal field near 15°N were formed in the course of an event traced by a Fe-enriched layer 70–90 cm below the seafloor. At present, this field is only slightly hydrothermally active. Three Fe-enriched layers correspond to the possible stages of ore formation at a site of presumed hydrothermal activity near 27°10'N. Their relative intensity is decreasing with time.
