In situ geological and biological study of two hydrothermal zones in the Manus Basin (Papua New Guinea)
Étude géologique et biologique in situ de deux zones hydrothermales du Bassin de Manus (Papouasie Nouvelle-Guinée)
Résumé
The aim of the BioAccess cruise was the study, with the submersible Shinkai 2000, of the Pacmanus and Desmos zones in the Manus basin. Due to their geodynamical setting, off axis and on a transverse fault, these two zones show a specific hydrothermal activity. Within the Desmos zone in particular, the hydrothermal activity is characterised by acidic fluids, native sulphur deposits, and a poor associated fauna highly dependent of its location and the andesitic nature of the outcropping rocks.