Suspended zinc sulfide particles in the Southwest Indian Ridge area and their relationship with hydrothermal activity

Suspended particle samples collected in the water column at 7 stations in the hydrothermal vent area in the Southwest Indian Ridge were studied by electronic scanning microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX). A method of zinc sulfide (ZnS) mineral phase identification by SEM and EDX data was proposed, and related adequacy and limitation of the method were presented. 29 ZnS particles with various morphologies were found. 27 sphalerite particles and two wurtzite particles were distinguished by joint consideration of their morphology and chemical element composition. Two types of sphalerite particles with different dissolving intensities were differentiated, which may be depended on the duration of the particles existence in the water column. More than half of the total sphalerite particles include 12 high Fe-containing particles (Fe > 10 wt%) were found at the Station 21VII-CTD7, suggesting a close link to the adjacent active hydrothermal vent. Sphalerite particles at Station 2VI-CTD3 contained only one Fe-containing particle and their amount ranked second among that at all the survey stations, suggesting a good correspondence to the adjacent inactive hydrothermal vent. Only six non-iron ZnS particles were found at the rest eastern 5 stations, suggesting a weak influence of hydrothermal activities in the eastern area.