Geological structure and indicators of hydrothermal ore-bearing activity at the junction of the southern rift segment and the Doldrums Transform Fracture Zone, Central Atlantic

A study investigated the geological structure and indicators of hydrothermal ore-bearing activity at the junction of the southern rift segment and the Doldrums Transform Fracture Zone in the Central Atlantic. The methane concentrations in bottom water are locally five to six times higher than the background concentration. The methane-rich water makes up two extended levels located at different depths. Such high methane concentrations are typical of areas with present-day hydrothermal activity.