An astrobiologically-significant hydrothermal system

Geomarkers, hydrothermalism and iron/manganese mineralization

Volcanism, subaerial and underwater vents, various types of extreme environments and an extraordinary set of geomarkers for Mars exploration

Precipitation cell, Deception Island (HYDRODEC and GEOMAGDEC projects).

At present its mineralogical, geochemical and astrobiological characterization is in progress

Main research projects:

HYDRODEC: Tectonic, volcanic and hydrothermal events in Deception Island (Antarctica). PI: Dr. Luis Somoza Losada (2000-2001 )

GEOMAGDEC: Paleomagnetic studies in Deception Island and Port Foster (Antarctica). PI: Dr. Adolfo Maestro (2008-2009 )

Main co-workers: Dr. Luis Somoza, Dr. Jorge Rey, Dr. Adolfo Maestro & Dr. J. Martinez-Frias

SOME SELECTED PICTURES

MAIN MINERALOGICAL AND GEOCHEMICAL FEATURES WERE IDENTIFIED

We suggest that this extraordinary extreme environment can be used as a potential terrestrial analog for the geological and astrobiological exploration of Mars .

Submarine volcanic and vent structures

Schematic model used to explain the relationship between activity of submarine hydrothermal vents, recent volcanic eruptions and fault-related fluid pathways (Somoza et al. 2004).

Send us your ideas, contact and projects

Thanks to all co-workers who offer logistic and scientific support.

Deception Island (Antarctica)

Selected publications

Maestro A. et. al. (2010) Integrated studies of the recent evolution of Deception Island in the geodynamic setting of the Bransfield Basin opening (Antarctica): GEOMAGDEC Project. Geophysical Research Abstracts . Vol. 12, EGU2010-9084-1, 2010.

Maestro, A., Somoza, L, Rey, J, Martinez Frias, J., Lopez-Martinez J. (2007) Active tectonics, fault patterns and stress field of Deception Island: A response to oblique convergence between the Pacific and Antarctic plates. Journal of South American Earth Sciences 23: 256-268.
Somoza, L., Martinez-Frias, J., Smellie, J.L., Rey, J., and Maestro, A. (2004) Evidence for hydrothermal venting and sediment volcanism discharged after recent short-lived volcanic eruptions at Deception Island, Bransfield Strait, Antarctica. Marine Geology 3400: 1-23.

Martinez-Frias, J., Delgado, A., Somoza, L., Maestro, A. & Rey, J. (2003) Carbon, oxygen and hydrogen isotopic signatures of cold and hot waters from Deception island ( Antarctica ): Lessons for Mars exploration. 3rd European Workshop on Exo/Astrobiology, Madrid.

Rey, J., Somoza, L., Martinez-Frias, J. & Benito, R. (1994) "Caracterizacion geoquimica de los sedimentos volcanicos submarinos de Isla Decepcin (Antartida)" En: Martinez-Frias et al. (Eds) "Geologia y Metalogenia en Ambientes Oceanicos. Depositos Hidrotermales Submarinos. Pub. Esp. Instituto Espaol de Oceanografia , 18: 95-107.

Rey, J., Somoza, L. & Martinez-Frias, J. (1995) "Tectonic, volcanic and hydrothermal events in Deception island (Antarctica)" Geo-Marine Letters, 15: 1-8.

Rey, J., Somoza, L., Martinez-Frias, J., Benito, R., and Martin Alfageme, S. (1997) Deception Island ( Antarctica ): a new target for explorations of Fe-Mn mineralization? In: Nicholson, K., Hein, J.R., Buhn, B., and Dasgupta, S. (Editors). Manganese Mineralization: Geochemistry and Mineralogy of Terrestrial and Marine Deposits. Geological Society Special Publication 15: 239-251.