The Longqi vent field on the Southwest Indian Ridge lies in a seabed area licensed to the Chinese Ocean Minerals Research Agency by the United Nations International Seabed Authority (ISA) in 2011 for the exploration of polymetallic sulphide mineral resources, which form at active hydrothermal vents. The Longqi hydrothermal field on the ultraslow-spreading Southwest Indian Ridge (SWIR) displays the active hydrothermal circulation.

The LQ-1 HF is located within a small non-transform discontinuity (NTD) at the 28th segment of the SWIR, between the Indomed (46.0°E) and Gallieni (52.0°E) transform faults. This segment is characterised by asymmetric spreading, thin oceanic crust and elevated tectonic activity. Two vent zones, M and S, are identified from south to north at the LQ-1 HF. Zone M features flat bathymetry and multiple aligned hydrothermal structures, comprising active high-temperature vents and inactive sulfide edifices. The highest vent fluid temperature measured in zone M is 381℃. There are additional features like micro fissures, pillow lavas, sulfide deposits, and diverse mineral precipitates. Zone S is located 450 m southeast of zone M and is situated on a sloping ridge. It hosts diverse hydrothermal features, including vigorously venting sites, diffuse flow structures, and inactive or minimally active sites, with notable features like organ pipe-like chimneys, active beehive diffusers, and flange-hosted chimneys, set against a backdrop of fresh pillow lavas and basalt rubbles. The three dominant chimney types observed at the LQ-1 HF are: (1) Cu-rich chimney, (2) Zn-Fe-rich chimney, and (3) Zn-rich chimney.



This vent field, known as Longqi (meaning 'dragon's breath' in Chinese), lies around 2,000 kilometres southeast of Madagascar at latitude & longitude 37°47'00.0"S 49°39'00.0"E.

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

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