Magnetic and Gravity Surface Geometry Inverse Modeling of the TAG Active Mound

Seafloor massive sulfide deposits form in remote environments, and the assessment of deposit size composition through drilling is technically challenging expensive. To aid evaluation resource potential seafloor deposits, three-dimensional inverse modeling geophysical field data (magnetic gravity) collected near can be carried out to further enhance geologic models interpolated from sparse drilling. Here, we present results magnetic gravity active mound at Trans-Atlantic Geotraverse hydrothermal vent field, located 26°08?N on Mid-Atlantic Ridge, using autonomous underwater vehicle submersible surveying. Both minimum-structure surface geometry methods were utilized. Through deposit-scale modeling, outer extent a chloritized alteration zone within basalt host rock below was resolved, providing an indication angle rising fluid depth volume seawater/hydrothermal mixing zone. The thickness determined by data, enabling tonnage estimated 2.17 ± 0.44 Mt this geophysics-based, noninvasive approach.