Thermo‐Hydro‐Chemical Simulation of Mid‐Ocean Ridge Hydrothermal Systems: Static 2D Models and Effects of Paleo‐Seawater Chemistry

Decades of research have resulted in characterization the ocean floor manifestations mid-ocean ridge (MOR) hydrothermal systems, yet numerical models accounting for connections between heat transfer, hydrology and geochemistry been slow to develop. The Thermo-hydro-chemical code ToughReact can be used describe coupled effects fluid flow, fluid-rock chemical interactions that occur MOR systems. We results 2-dimensional simulations steady state flow fractured diabase with mineral-fluid reactions. Basal heating specified permeability yield maximum temperature 400°C. Total flux high fracture velocities are accord observations. Fluid chemistry, mineralogical changes 87Sr/86Sr ratios compared observations assess calibrate models. Simulated fluids Mg SO4 near zero, elevated Ca about 0.7040. alteration is 10%–50% simple spreading. Anhydrite forms mainly base upwelling zone substantial local porosity reduction. A calibrated model predict how Sr isotopes other features altered oceanic crust would different Cretaceous (95 Ma) early Proterozoic (1,800 Archean (3,800 Ma), when seawater may had concentrations, lower pH, higher temperature, Na, Mg, SO4. offered as a start on what ultimately require longer-term community effort better understand role thermo-hydro-chemical systems Earth evolution.