Deep ocean vent brine

The Red Sea vent s metal content is similar to many other deep ocean vents, with quite high strontium values. Pushkina et al. (1982) also commented on the amounts of Ba, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in the brine, while Manheim (1974) in addition noted the presence of elevated amounts of As, Co, Se, U and perhaps F. Older vents in the same rift area appear to have formed Fe—Mn—Ba, Pb—Zn, and Pb—Zn—Cu— Ba deposits along the Red Sea far to the north and south of the current vents (Figs. 2.13 and 2.14). The sea floor Late Miocene shale-anhydrite breccia just south of the vents contains about 5% Zn. At the vents, the rocks contain 14—21% Fe, 0.8% Zn, 0.6-0.8% Cu and 0.5-0.7% Pb. Based upon marine sediments and the presence of several deposits of this type, it appears that the Red Sea once filled the adjacent Afar (Danakil) Depression clear to the Ethiopian Plateau (Fig. 2.13 Manheim, 1974 Bonatti et al, 1972). 

---