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Chemical Oceanography, 4th Edition
Iron- and manganese- rich rocks with chromium are thought to catalyze the reactions that
occur at high temperatures (390°C) and pressures (400 bars). If microbes can use these
hydrocarbons as substrates, chemolithotrophic life may be possible in these systems on
Earth and elsewhere. Further work is needed to demonstrate whether deep- sea microbes
can utilize these hydrocarbons. Evidence has shown the inputs of dissolved cobalt, iron,
and manganese from the South Atlantic Ocean (Figure 10.43) (Noble, 2012).
Mg (mmol kg
–1 )
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Mn (µM)
0
200
400
600
800
1000
Figure 10.32
Manganese concentration as a function of magnesium in vent waters.
Mg (mmol kg –1 )
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Fe (µM)
0
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1200
1600
Figure 10.33
Iron concentration as a function of magnesium in vent waters.