Fluorinating the oceanic crust: probing the cryptic fluoride sink in seafloor hydrothermal systems  

Project title

Fluorinating the oceanic crust: probing the cryptic fluoride sink in seafloor hydrothermal systems  

Supervisors

Eoghan P. Reeves, Samuel Pereira, Andreas Beinlich 

Project description

Hydrothermal vent fluids are known to be depleted in the halogen fluoride (F) relative to seawater, though very limited F concentration data exist. F is presumed to be removed from the seawater during high temperature-pressure reactions occurring in the sub-surface, but the mechanisms are unclear. This project will focus on experimental simulations to fill this lack of knowledge, followed by modelling F behavior with temperature and pressure. Changes in F and pH will be measured along with other major element chemistry. The project will shed light on cryptic fluoride behavior in the oceanic crust, and will have implications for both the oceanic and global cycling of fluoride.