RV SONNE 241 Cruise Report / Fahrtbericht, Manzanillo, 23.6.2015 – Guayaquil, 24.7.2015 : SO241 - MAKS: Magmatism induced carbon escape from marine sediments as a climate driver – Guaymas Basin, Gulf of California #
Abstract #
During RV Sonne Expedition SO241, heat flow data were collected in the Guaymas Basin, Gulf of California, to characterize the thermal structure of a sediment-filled rift basin affected by active magmatic intrusions. Heat flow observations were supported by the acquisition of approximately 1100 km of 2D seismic reflection data to identify features such as sills and bottom-simulating reflectors. Additional thermal observations were made at multiple seep sites and at a newly discovered hydrothermal mound using coring tools, fluid sampling equipment, and visual surveys.
Methods #
Heat flow data were derived from a combination of geophysical imaging and sediment sampling. Approximately 1100 km of 2D multichannel seismic data were collected to map bottom-simulating reflectors and subsurface sill structures. These data were used to infer regional variations in geothermal gradients. At selected seep sites, sediment cores were collected using gravity corers, multicorers, and a TV grab for thermal and geochemical characterization. A hydrothermal mound identified during the cruise was surveyed using visual imaging systems and in-situ fluid sampling to document venting activity and associated thermal anomalies. Porewater extraction and temperature profiling were conducted to support heat flow estimation.
Other #
The heat flow dataset collected during SO241 provides spatial coverage across the Guaymas Basin, including areas above known or suspected magmatic intrusions and hydrothermal features. These data include seismic indicators of thermal gradients, sediment thermal structure, and fluid flow signatures. The dataset supports future modeling and analysis of heat transfer in sediment-rich rift environments.