Submarine Volcanic Eruptions and Their Impacts on Hydrothermal Systems and Biological Communities
2025
Carey, Rebecca J. | Butterfield, David A. | Clark, Malcolm R.
More than 70% of Earth's magmatic output occurs in the ocean. This volcanism shapes major features of the seafloor, directly impacts the chemical composition of the oceans through water/rock interactions, and drives hydrothermal circulation of seawater. The formation of seafloor mineral deposits and chemosynthetic habitats that encircle the globe along mid-ocean ridges, volcanic arcs, and hotspots is driven by volcanism. The style, magnitude, depth, and frequency of seafloor eruptions create a wide range of physical, chemical, and biological impacts on the seafloor. Research and exploration over the past 30 years have revealed some of the diversity of seafloor eruptions and their impact on the undersea environment. ▪ Submarine eruptions are simultaneously the most common and the least observed form of volcanism on Earth. ▪ Hydrostatic pressure at the vent depth modulates explosive versus effusive eruption and the form of eruptive behavior. ▪ Submarine eruptions have significant impacts on marine biological communities and chemical fluxes to the ocean. ▪ Resilience of fauna to eruption events is also variable, and recovery dynamics can be slow with many years or decades required for communities to reform.
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