Characterizing fluid and gas composition in deep-sea environments within the Aleutian Island Arc

Project ID: G25AC00534

Federal Agency: U.S. Geological Survey

Partner Institution: Oregon State University

Fiscal Year: 2025

Initial Funding: $69,990

Total Funding: $69,990

Project Type: Research

Principal Investigator: Baumberger, Tamara

Agreement Technical Representative: Demopoulos, Amanda

Abstract:

This project is based on the exploration and characterization of hydrothermally and/or
volcanically active submarine volcanoes and methane seeps along the Aleutian Arc, to fill
significant gaps in knowledge and understanding of this region in accordance with USGS
priorities. Subaerial volcanism, hot springs and mineral deposits on the Aleutian Islands are
well known, but so far there is only one, very shallow, submarine hydrothermal site within US
territory listed in the Inter-Ridge Vents Database. This project will process and interpret water
column survey data from CTD sensor package deployments, tuned for hydrothermal plume
search, in the Aleutian Arc. This project will provide technical research relevant to develop best
practices for detecting hydrothermal activity and associated mineral deposits and further can
support information for resource and hazard management and development of decision-making
policies by interested parties.