The Kairei vent field is a hydrothermal vent field located in the Indian Ocean at a depth of 2,460 metres (8,070 ft). It is just north of the Rodrigues triple junction, approximately 2,200 kilometres (1,400 mi) east from Madagascar.[1] It is the first hydrothermal field discovered in the Indian Ocean and the first of the series of known vents along the Central Indian Ridge.
The vent field was visited again by JAMSTEC in 2009 on the YK09-13 cruise, where the HOV Shinkai6500 was deployed.
Geology
The field is dominated by sulfide talus, with the approximate area of high-temperature venting constrained to approximately 40 square meters. Fluids from the vent field have been measured in excess of 360 °C (680 °F) and are rich in metals, providing a black-smoker appearance. Elevated chlorinity in venting fluids suggests that phase-separation happens deep below the field.[4]
It is the site of discovery of Rimicaris kairei, belonging to the family of hydrothermal shrimp found at many sites in the Atlantic Ocean.[7]
Carbon and nitrogen isotopes suggest that there are four distinct trophic levels at the Karei vent field.[3]
Kairei is also of concern with respect to research on deep sea dispersal pathways, with some shared biological communities to those neighboring vent fields (Edmond, Solitaire, DoDo).[8]
^ abVan Dover, C. (October 2002). "Trophic relationships among invertebrates at the Kairei hydrothermal vent field (Central Indian Ridge)". Marine Biology. 141 (4): 761–772. doi:10.1007/s00227-002-0865-y. S2CID189819863.
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