High-resolution geologic mapping of seafloor structures and identification of structural systematics

Abstract

Two comprehensive geologic mapping projects, which were conducted in the eastern Manus Basin, Papua New Guinea, are the core of this dissertation. They provide new perspectives on the local geologic framework and distribution of hydrothermal discharge sites at felsic-hosted hydrothermal systems in an opening back-arc basin. Both mapped areas are interpreted as present-day analogs to volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits preserved in the geologic record on land. Our results advance the knowledge of submarine volcanic eruption styles and related eruption products, the interplay of back-arc volcanism with the formation of VMS ore deposits and finally the spatial distribution and influence of hydrothermal activity at the resultant seafloor morphologies.