Paleobathymetry of Submarine Lavas in the Samail and Troodos Ophiolites: Insights From Volatiles in Glasses and Implications for Hydrothermal Systems

Hydrostatic pressure exerted by the ocean water column fundamentally influences magmatic and hydrothermal processes in submarine volcanic settings is therefore an important parameter to know when investigating such processes. Currently, there are few reliable methods for reconstructing past depths ancient terranes. Here, we develop test empirically calibrated statistical approach determining paleodepths of eruption from concentrations H2O CO2 dissolved glasses, utilizing well-defined pressure-dependent solubility these volatiles silicate melts. By comparing newly determined published glass compositions Samail Troodos ophiolites with sedimentary fluid inclusion evidence, propose that lavas erupted at ∼3.4 km, ∼4.1 km. These 1–2 km deeper than those assumed most previous studies activity two ophiolites. high imply hydrostatic pressures within underlying oceanic crust. Such may have allowed convecting fluids attain significantly higher temperatures (e.g., >450°C) typical modern ridge systems during metal leaching crust precipitation seafloor sulfide deposits.