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Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Simulation of Early Earth Hydrothermal Chimneys in a Thermal Gradient Environment
Published on: February 27, 2021
The structure and dynamics of mid-ocean ridge hydrothermal systems
D Coumou1, T Driesner, C A Heinrich
1Department of Earth Sciences, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule-Zurich, Clausiusstrasse 25, Zurich 9082, Switzerland. coumou@pik-potsdam.de
Abstract:
Sub-seafloor hydrothermal convection at mid-ocean ridges transfers 25% of the Earth's heat flux and can form massive sulfide ore deposits. Their three-dimensional (3D) structure and transient dynamics are uncertain. Using 3D numerical simulations, we demonstrated that convection cells self-organize into pipelike upflow zones surrounded by narrow zones of focused and relatively warm downflow. This configuration ensures optimal heat transfer and efficient metal leaching for ore-deposit formation. Simulated fluid-residence times are as short as 3 years. The concentric flow geometry results from nonlinearities in fluid properties, and this may influence the behavior of other fluid-flow systems in Earth's crust.
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