Roger P. Denlinger

Major off-axis hydrothermal activity on the northern Gorda Ridge

The first hydrothermal field on the northern Gorda Ridge, the Sea Cliff hydrothermal field, was discovered and geologic controls of hydrothermal activity in the rift valley were investigated on a dive series using the DSV Sea Cliff. The Sea Cliff hydrothermal field was discovered where predicted at the intersection of axis-oblique and axis-parallel faults at the south end of a linear ridge at mid-depth (2700 m) on on the east wall. Preliminary mapping and sampling of the field reveal: a setting nested on nearly sediment-free fault blocks 300 m above the rift valley floor 2.6 km from the axis; a spectrum of venting types from seeps to black smokers; high conductive heat flow estimated to be equivalent to the convective flux of multiple black smokers through areas of the sea floor sealed by a caprock of clastic breccia primarily derived from basalt with siliceous cement and barite pore fillings; and a vent biota with Juan de Fuca Ridge affinities. These findings demonstrate the importance of off-axis hydrothermal activity and the role of the intersection of tectonic lineations in controlling hydrothermal sites at sea-floor spreading centers.

Limiting equilibrium and liquefaction potential in infinite submarine slopes

Abstract Stability evaluation of submarine slopes is hampered by the difficulty of making field measurements. Owing to the scarcity of detailed field data, stability is commonly assessed by assuming homogenous infinite slopes with steady seepage. For these conditions, it is necessary to measure only the slope angle, friction angle, cohesion, and pore pressure at some distance into the sediment to evaluate stability. Depth of submergence is irrelevant since it is the gradient of pore pressure in excess of hydrostatic that affects stability. The boundary conditions at the slope surface differ for submarine and subaerial slopes, and lack of appreciation of this difference has resulted in some confusion in the marine slope‐stability literature. Submarine slopes have a constant head rather than constant water pressure along the slope surface. For a condition of steady seepage in infinite submarine slopes, constant head is also required on all subsurface planes, including potential slip planes, that parallel th...