Study of the physical-chemical anomalies and heat fluxes quantification over Tagoro submarine volcano, El Hierro Island

Abstract

Tagoro, the most recently discovered shallow submarine volcano in the Canary Islands archipelago, Spain, has been studied from the beginning of its eruptive phase in October 2011 until March 2019. Here, we present the study and quantification of the physical-chemical anomalies from a set of data obtained through a complex methodology of tow-yo transects in the area affected by the volcano in April 2018. These anomalies were detected in a range of latitudes of 27.6194 -27.6205 ºN and 83-135 m depth in the water column. Our results highlight that seven years after the eruption of Tagoro submarine volcano began, the physical-chemical anomalies produced by hydrothermal discharge remains over the main and secondary craters in a degasification stage, playing a major role in controlling the physical and chemical properties of their surroundings. Maximum values of 'T, S and 'NTU of +0.57 ºC, +0.059 and +3.0NTUs, respectively together with maximum negative values of ∂ORP/∂ t and 'pH of -13 mV/s and 0.49, respectively. Although a handful of studies exist around the deep ocean, there is not much knowledge about the quantification of heat fluxes from diffuse low-temperature hydrothermal vents in the Atlantic Ocean. In that sense, our results show maximum heat fluxes in the range of 1392-2559 MW with a minimum of 340-350 MW. This confirms that five years after its origin, the submarine volcano Tagoro is still actively in a degassing phase with a significant transport of heat to the sorrounding waters