A multiple sulfur isotope study through the volcanic section of the Troodos ophiolite

作者：Pedersen Leif Erik Rydland^*; Staudigel Hubert; McLoughlin Nicola; Whitehouse Martin J; Strauss Harald

来源：Chemical Geology, 2017, 468: 49-62.

DOI：10.1016/j.chemgeo.2017.08.008

• Multiple sulfur isotopes
• Troodos ophiolite
• Biosignatures
• Hydrothermal system
• SIMS

Multiple S isotope systematics (delta S-34 and Delta S-33) and high resolution in-situ S isotope measurements offer new perspectives on the study of biological and abiotic cycling of sulfur in hydrothermal systems. We applied these techniques to the Tethyian Troodos ophiolite (91 Ma) from Cyprus, one of the best-preserved remnants of oceanic crust in the world, using materials from deep drill cores and surface sampling. We focused on the volcanic section of the ophiolite, including the hydrothermal massive sulfide deposit at Agrokipia, which represents a fossil zone of high-temperature fluid upwelling, and the Akaki river section which displays a range of lower temperature alteration types.
The delta S-34 and Delta S-33 values of bulk and SIMS (secondary ion mass spectrometry) analyses from the Agrokipia sulfide deposits show that the sulfide minerals are largely derived from thermochemical reduction of entrained seawater sulfate and leached H2S from the "root zone" of hydrothermal upwelling. The contributions of these two sources can vary substantially within individual sulfide grains, indicating a very dynamic mixing between these sulfur sources. Microbial reworking of the sulfide mound is recorded in a sample with very elevated 4335 values (0.22 parts per thousand).
The Akaki and Agrokipia volcanics experienced low temperature sulfur loss and removal of heavier sulfur isotopes due to partial oxidation by microbes. While some intervals gained sulfur, and have delta S-34 and Delta S-33 values indicative of microbial sulfate reduction. REE-data of vein quartz containing pyrite with delta S-34 = similar to 21 parts per thousand implies local ephemeral hydrothermal upwelling in the lower Akaki volcanics, possibly associated with the late stage boninitic magmatic activity in the Troodos ophiolite, suggesting that microbial sulfate reduction in oceanic crust may continue for 10-15 Ma in crustal sections with prolonged igneous activity such as Troodos.

• 出版日期2017-9-30