Project Grant 2148471

This Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation Office of Integrative Activities provides $2,070,522 to the University of Delaware under the Geosciences program (CFDA 47.050) to investigate whether mid-ocean ridge hydrothermal vents control the formation and distribution of refractory aromatic carbon in the deep ocean. Over a three-year period from September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2025, the University will collect samples from hydrothermal vent fields along the East Pacific Rise 9°N segment to quantify and characterize aromatic carbon and inorganic geochemistry across a range of fluid temperatures. Researchers will determine if thermally altered marine organic matter is the source of refractory aromatic carbon emitted by vents, challenging previous assumptions. Assessment of off-axis water and sediment transects will confirm if condensed aromatic carbon persisting in the deep ocean and sediments originates from hydrothermal activity. Results aim to advance understanding of slowly cycling aromatic carbon pools and their role in short- and long-term carbon sequestration.