STABLE CARBON ISOTOPE RATIOS OF DISSOLVED METHANE IN HYDROTHERMAL PLUMES IN THE CENTRAL INDIAN RIDGE

摘要

Stable carbon isotopic composition ((δ~(13)C) of dissolved methane, along with its vertical distributions, were measured to trace the hydrothermal plume and identify the source and behavior of methane in the Central Indian Ridge (11 - 13°S). Significant hydro-thermal plumes were observed at depths of 2500-3500 m. The concentration and δ~(13)C of methane in the plumes (Sts. IR02 and IR03) ranged from 3.3 to 42.3 nmol kg~(-1) and -30.0 to -15.4‰, respectively.