Title  : NSF 95-132 - Ridge Inter-Disciplinary Global Experiments
Type   : Program Guideline
NSF Org: GEO
Date   : August 28, 1995
File   : nsf95132

The National Science Foundation continues to support the
development of the RIDGE (Ridge Inter-Disciplinary Global
Experiments) Initiative and invites proposals directed toward the
program elements below. This program announcement supplants all
previous RIDGE announcements.

The RIDGE Initiative is designed to integrate exploration,
experimentation and theoretical modeling into a major research effort
to understand the geophysical, geochemical and geobiological causes
and consequences of the energy transfer within the global rift system
through time. Its long-term strategy is to obtain a sufficiently
detailed spatial and temporal definition of the global mid-ocean ridge
system to construct quantitative, testable models of how the system
works, including the complex interactions among the magmatic,
tectonic, hydrothermal and biological processes associated with crustal
formation. The RIDGE Program components are therefore
intrinsically interdisciplinary, and are intended to complement existing
ridge crest research by emphasizing an integrated, investigative
approach that can be accomplished only with high levels of
coordination. International activities through InterRidge will serve to
increase substantially the effectiveness and the accomplishments of
such a coordinated strategy for investigations of ridge crest processes.
Detailed objectives and strategies related to each of the program
elements of the RIDGE Initiative are developed in a series of
documents, including the RIDGE Science Plan: 1993-1997 and
RIDGE Biological Objectives 1993-1997, all of which are available
from the RIDGE Office.

NSF funding is divided between the Marine Geology and Geophysics
and Biological Oceanography programs within the Division of Ocean
Sciences. Assuming the present funding profile is maintained,
approximately $45 million may be available over the next five years
for RIDGE-related research. However, this funding information is
intended only as guidance since the final recommendations are subject
to the availability of funds for RIDGE. While the program elements
are not given explicit priorities at this time, priorities may be assigned
based on the actual level of resources available, the results of the
merit review conducted by the Foundation, multiple Federal agencies
cooperative research activities, international collaborations, and the
availability of facilities necessary to conduct the proposed research.

Proposals submitted to RIDGE should be prepared in accordance with
the guidelines provided in the NSF publication Grant Proposal Guide,
NSF 95-27.  Proposals should also include a statement addressing the
relevancy of the proposed study to the goals and objectives of the
RIDGE Initiative. Proposals will be reviewed in accordance with
established Foundation procedures and the four generral criteria
described in the Grant Proposal Guide. General questions regarding
RIDGE and requests for RIDGE documents may be directed to the
RIDGE Office, University of New Hampshire, Rm 142 Morse Hall,
Durham, NH 03824-3525; e-mail ridge@unh.edu; voice phone 603-
862-4051; FAX 603-862-0083. Updated information on RIDGE
meetings, workshops and research opportunities are available on-line
on the RIDGE World-Wide Web Server. Information regarding
InterRidge and requests for InterRidge documents can be obtained
from the InterRidge Office, Dept. of Geological Sciences, University
of Durham, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, United Kingdom; phone
44-191-374-2532; Internet: intridge@durham.ac.uk. Questions
regarding proposal preparation and submission or the NSF review
process may be directed to Dr. David Epp (phone: 703-306-1586;
Internet: depp@nsf.gov), Marine Geology and Geophysics Program,
or Dr. Phillip Taylor (phone: 703-306-1587; Internet:
prtaylor@nsf.gov), Biological Oceanography Program, National
Science Foundation. Target dates for RIDGE proposals are February
15 and August 15.

GLOBAL STRUCTURE AND FLUXES

An important goal of the RIDGE Program is to characterize the
geological, geophysical, geochemical and biological diversity of the
mid-ocean ridge system on a global scale in order to identify the
processes and factors that give rise to the observed variability. One
objective of this effort is to develop sufficient understanding of the
processes of crustal formation to estimate global energy and mass
fluxes. The enormous scope of this task makes this program element
a natural focus for a cooperative international effort coordinated with
InterRidge; consequently, the global objectives of both RIDGE and
InterRidge are inextricably linked.

Based on the level of interest and priorities established through
workshops convened by both the U.S. RIDGE and InterRidge
communities, four areas have been identified for study: the Arctic
Ridge, the Southwest and Southeast Indian Ridges, the Pacific-
Antarctic Ridge, and the southern East Pacific Rise. Each of these
areas is suitable for RIDGE global proposals. However, in an effort
to maximize resources and achieve significant advances in the next
five years, the primary focus of the RIDGE global effort will be on
the spreading centers of the Indian Ocean (i.e. proposals for work on
these spreading centers will receive highest priority under RIDGE
Global studies), while that of the InterRidge global effort will be on
the Southwest Indian Ridge. In particular, RIDGE encourages studies
of magmatic, hydrothermal and biological processes in areas of the
Indian Ocean for which other data already have been (or soon will be)
obtained.

RIDGE expects to support two or three major areas of effort over the
next five years. Proposals are invited in the following areas:

     I.    Field programs designed to characterize the structure,
           geochemistry, biology and energy fluxes on sections of
           the mid-ocean ridge system where data are sparse or
           lacking, with highest priority sites in the Indian Ocean.
           A complete field program should include
           reconnaissance surveys over a 1000-2000 km long
           section of the spreading center; as well as follow-up,
           more focused, studies of hydrothermal and biological
           processes once vent sites are located. Such a field
           study will require a multi-leg program over several
           years. Typical elements of a reconnaissance program
           include: multi-beam bathymetric and sidescan sonar
           mapping of the ridge axis; sampling and analysis of
           basalts from every segment; and water column
           sampling to determine the locations of hydrothermal
           activity. Typical elements of a follow-up, focused
           program include: more detailed water column studies,
           acoustic and photographic imaging, and sampling to
           document the nature of the hydrothermal activity and
           biological communities. Such programs will ideally
           focus on inter-segment comparisons over a broad
           region, in contrast to the narrower, regional focus of
           similar studies under the Crustal Accretion and
           Segment-Scale Processes program (see below).

     II.   Analyses and syntheses of large data sets from a global
           perspective. In an effort to make the ever-growing
           bodies of data collected on the mid-ocean ridge system
           accessible to the community, RIDGE recognizes the
           need to support efforts aimed at the synthesis and
           dissemination of large data sets of diverse types.
           Currently, a synthesis of multibeam data from the East
           Pacific Rise (EPR), the NE Pacific, and the Mid-
           Atlantic Ridge (MAR) is in preparation. RIDGE has
           now identified for support the development of a
           petrologic and geochemical database of igneous and
           metamorphic rocks recovered from the mid-ocean ridge
           system. General guidelines for the development of such
           a database may be found in the RIDGE Petrologic
           Database Workshop report and supporting documents
           from the RIDGE office.

     III.  Determination of global hydrothermal fluxes. Studies
           are encouraged along ANY ridge segment to examine
           the variability and relative contributions of heat and
           chemical fluxes from focused and diffuse axial flow,
           and from ridge flank systems to global hydrothermal
           fluxes. Examination of the interactions between
           biological and hydrothermal activity and the effects on
           productivity, diversity, biogeography, and chemical
           fluxes in these various settings are an integral part of
           this program.

CRUSTAL ACCRETION AND SEGMENT-SCALE PROCESSES

This part of the RIDGE program is devoted to understanding the
interplay among the key variables in crustal accretion processes, and
related magmatic, hydrothermal and biological activity operating at
the scale of ridge segments. Over the next 3-5 years RIDGE will
emphasize variations in spreading rate and magma supply as among
the most important crustal accretionary variables, and acquisition of
comprehensive data sets in a few primary study areas. The
identification of key questions for priority study and the optimum sites
for investigation emerged from workshops convened within the last
few years, and investigators considering submitting proposals are
strongly encouraged to obtain copies of the RISES, FLUXES and
LARVE Workshop reports from the RIDGE Office.

Proposals are generally invited, but the following four problem areas
will receive the highest priorities from RIDGE in the period for 1996-
1999:

     I.    The interplay among active magmatic, tectonic,
           hydrothermal and biological processes at the segment
           scale and their short- and long-term variability. RIDGE
           specifically encourages proposals to study
           hydrothermal processes and their interplay with
           magmatic and tectonic processes at sites of known vent
           activity along the slow-spreading MAR (particularly at
           sites discovered as part of the French-American Ridge
           Atlantic (FARA) program), the intermediate-spreading
           Juan de Fuca Ridge (JdFR), and along the fast and
           superfast spreading EPR at 9-10 degrees N and 17-20
           degrees S respectively. Studies could include (i)
           mapping and sampling of volcanic, hydrothermal and
           biological features, with an emphasis on determining
           their relative ages; (ii) water column studies designed
           to quantify thermal, chemical and biological fluxes at
           the segment scale; (iii) segment-scale micro-seismicity
           studies, with an emphasis on distinguishing tectonic,
           hydrothermal and magmatic events; and (iv) detailed
           studies of individual hydrothermal sites using remotely
           operated vehicles (ROV) and/or submersibles to
           determine the distribution of deposits and organisms,
           and the temporal and spatial variability in
           characteristics of venting fluids, deposits and biological
           communities. In addition to the primary study areas on
           the MAR, JdFR and EPR, studies devoted to
           quantifying time scales and fluxes in other areas also
           will receive high priority.

     II.   The origin of gravity bull's eyes (i.e. gravity lows
           centered on segment mid-points) and the spatial
           distribution and relative importance of magmatism,
           tectonism and hydrothermalism with respect to ridge
           segmentation at slow spreading ridges. Proposals are
           encouraged that address these issues specifically for the
           two segments immediately south of the Oceanographer
           Fracture Zone near 35 degrees N on the MAR.
           Proposals are invited for (i) swath bathymetry, gravity,
           and magnetics surveys over crustal ages from 0-2 Ma;
           (ii) on-axis deep-towed sidescan sonar surveys, ROV-
           based photography, CTD and other near-bottom remote
           sensing studies in selected areas of the two segments
           and associated offsets; (iii) on-axis geologic sampling
           and mapping; (iv) on-axis water column studies; (v)
           refraction seismics to measure overall crustal velocity
           structure; (vi) reflection seismics to image spatial and
           depth variations in internal structure of crust; and (vii)
           passive microearthquake and teleseismic studies. If
           evidence for hydrothermal activity is found on these
           segments, high priority will be given to mapping these
           sites, and to detailed investigations of all aspects of the
           associated hydrothermal and biological processes.

           Proposals for areas other than 35 degrees N that are
           specifically devoted to the controls on, and
           manifestations of, ridge segmentation at slow-spreading
           ridges are also encouraged, particularly for those
           problems for which it can be shown that other areas
           are more appropriate for study.

     III.  The nature of the melt delivery and crustal plumbing
           system at fast spreading ridges, including whether it is
           fundamentally two-dimensional (2-D) or more three-
           dimensional (3-D) along axis. We specifically
           encourage intra-segment proposals for the EPR south
           of Clipperton (9-11 degrees 30'N) and/or the 17
           degrees S MELT (Mantle Electromagnetic and
           Tomography Experiment) area that will provide:
           baseline geophysical studies including swath
           bathymetric mapping, sidescan sonar, magnetics and
           gravity; detailed petrologic sampling at approximately
           1 km spacing on-axis and sampling of the 100,000 year
           isochron on at least one flank at ~2 km spacing; and
           seismic studies designed to image the region beneath
           the axial magma chamber or constrain crustal thickness
           variations that may reflect variations in magma supply
           along-axis. Proposals involving the direct study of
           lower crust and upper mantle near Hess Deep also are
           encouraged, specifically when these studies are
           directed toward the problem of melt delivery at fast
           spreading ridges. Example programs include sampling
           studies designed to address problems of lithologic
           structure, compositional variability and melt delivery
           in the lower crust and upper mantle, and studies that
           further define the relationship of lower crustal and
           upper mantle outcrops of Hess Deep to regional
           structure.

           Proposals for areas outside of EPR 9 -11 degrees
           30'N, the 17 degrees S MELT area or Hess Deep that
           specifically address effects of varying magma supply at
           constant spreading rate and studies of transform-
           dominated regions where segment lengths are short
           relative to the length of the transform will also be
           given high priority.

     IV.   The mechanisms of larval dispersal and gene flow of
           hydrothermal vent species, and the maintenance of
           their populations in vent habitats. A primary goal of
           segment-scale biological studies will be to investigate
           larval dispersal and gene flow in vent environments
           and evaluate the potential role of these processes in
           generating and maintaining biogeographic patterns
           along mid-ocean ridges and across ocean basins.
           Studies will be coordinated through the LARVE
           (Larvae At Ridge VEnts) Project to foster
           interdisciplinary approaches to studies of invertebrate
           reproduction and spawning, larval physiology and
           behavior at in situ pressure, flow effects on larval
           retention and dispersal, settlement processes and post-
           settlement interactions, intraspecific genetic variation
           and genetic differentiation across ecological and
           geological gaps in deep-sea hydrothermal vent habitats.
           The project will be focused near 9-10 degrees N on the
           EPR, but will extend to neighboring ridge segments.
           Further information can be obtained in documents from
           the RIDGE Office.

           In addition to sea-going field studies directed toward
           these problem areas, RIDGE will support shore-based
           programs of theoretical and experimental studies as
           well as field programs in ophiolites that specifically
           bear on the above questions. Shore-based programs
           might include: (i) modeling and laboratory studies of
           mantle-driven versus lithosphere-controlled
           mechanisms for ridge segmentation and segment
           evolution; (ii) modeling studies of the physics,
           rheology, and emplacement mechanisms of crustal
           magma plumbing systems; (iii) theoretical studies of
           the segment-scale interactions between hydrothermal
           and crustal plumbing systems; and (iv) ophiolite studies
           of three-dimensional exposures of lower crust and
           upper mantle and implications for ridge segmentation
           processes.

MANTLE FLOW AND MELT MIGRATION

The objective of this part of the RIDGE program is to constrain the
nature of mantle flow and melt generation beneath mid-ocean ridges
through a combination of field experiments, laboratory studies and
numerical modeling. A central component of this program is the
Mantle ELectromagnetic and Tomography (MELT) Experiment which
is already underway and is designed to provide observational
constraints on the nature of the melting region in the mantle and the
pattern of upwelling beneath a mid-ocean ridge that produces the
magma that ultimately forms the oceanic crust.

Detailed descriptions of the experimental design can be found in the
1991 RIDGE Workshop report on Mantle Flow and Melt Generation,
the 1992 report on the Model Design Studies for the MELT
Experiment, the 1993 request for proposals for the MELT
Experiment, all available from the RIDGE office, and an EOS article
(EOS, 75, 537-540, 1994). The experiment will begin the data
acquisition phase in October, 1995 with the deployment of about 50
ocean-bottom seismometers (OBS) in an array centered on the EPR
at about 17 degrees S. In May-June 1996, the OBSs will be recovered
and approximately 60 magnetometers and electrometers will be
deployed for the magnetotelluric phase of the experiment. These
instruments will be recovered in June, 1997.

In late spring of 1997, the seismic data will be ready for distribution
to funded investigators and, in early summer of 1998, it will be
transferred to the IRIS Data Management Center and placed in the
public domain. Similarly, it is anticipated that the electromagnetic
data will be processed, archived and available to funded investigators
about one year after recovery of the instruments and to the entire
geoscience community about two years later. It is anticipated that late
in 1997 or early in 1998 there will be a RIDGE workshop focusing
on preliminary results from the MELT Experiment and related
theoretical, experimental and observational developments.

RIDGE invites proposals for additional work on problems related to
mantle flow and melt migration in the following areas:

     I.    Analysis of the MELT seismic data set, particularly
           those aspects that are not covered by the principal
           investigators of the MELT Experiment, including
           receiver function analysis, regional body wave
           propagation, local seismicity, and global surface wave
           propagation to the array.

     II.   Laboratory-based studies to quantify the effects of
           partial melting on the physical properties and rheology
           of mantle materials and the composition of melts
           produced at small melt fractions and high pressures.

     III.  Observational studies of the petrology and
           geochemistry of basalts and peridotites that can
           constrain melt production and migration processes. The
           report of the 1992 workshop on Physical Properties of
           Silicate Partial Melt identified five future directions of
           experimental research: the nature of liquid distribution
           in silicate partial melts; permeability, rheology, and
           magma transport; electrical conductivity of partial
           melts; seismic properties of partial melts; and
           constraints on physical properties of melt generation
           from MORB and abyssal peridotite compositional
           characteristics. Petrological observations overlap with
           other aspects of RIDGE such as Crustal Accretion
           Variables and Global Structure and Fluxes, but
           sampling of crustal and mantle rocks is strongly
           encouraged to focus as well on the melt generation
           process and constraining theoretical models of mantle
           flow.

     IV.   Numerical and laboratory studies to develop three-
           dimensional models of mantle flow beneath ridges that
           can predict quantities that can be measured in
           observational experiments. These studies should
           incorporate: realistic surface geometry of plates;
           growth of plate thickness with age; pressure and
           temperature dependence of viscosity; buoyancy effects;
           time dependence; development of crystal fabric and
           seismic anisotropy; and interaction of flow from near-
           ridge hot spots. Models should make specific
           predictions of observable parameters such as
           topography, gravity, seismic travel times, electrical
           conductivity, and basalt composition so that
           observational experiments such as MELT can be used
           to test the theoretical models.

EVENT DETECTION AND RESPONSE

One objective of the RIDGE Initiative is the development and
implementation of a strategy for practical and reliable event detection
and response capability. This includes identifying, locating and
characterizing ridge crest phenomena associated with intrusive and
extrusive volcanism that can lead to catastrophic release of heat and
chemical mass into the water column, and major earthquake swarms.
Detection capabilities on the scale of multiple first-order ridge
segments will employ acoustic/seismic methods and will rely heavily
on the analysis of signals recorded by the U.S. Navy network of
permanently installed hydrophone arrays (SOSUS). Other techniques
that will be applied to smaller-order ridge segments include water
column monitoring and repeated high-resolution seafloor mapping and
imaging using a variety of acoustic and optical sensors carried out on
remotely operated vehicles or autonomous underwater vehicles
(AUVs).

Studies are encouraged in three high-priority areas:

     I.    Repeat visits to currently or recently active mid-ocean
           ridge crest areas for continued event evaluation
           activities which may include: (1) verification of the
           nature and character of a detected event by collection
           of ground truth information; (2) repeat high resolution
           bathymetric and sidescan sonar mapping to establish
           the spatial limits of seafloor affected by an event; (3)
           microearthquake studies and geodetic measurements
           using bottom-moored instrumentation; and (4) water
           column studies to determine the nature of event-
           associated plumes, and (5) investigation of the changes
           in the vent biological community. Studies under (4)
           and (5) can include long-term measurements using self-
           recording instruments deployed at suspected sites of
           activity, or may be coupled with other investigations.

     II.   Utilization of the data recorded by the permanent
           hydrophone monitoring network (SOSUS) of the U.S.
           Navy to detect events along the of Juan de Fuca and
           the Gorda Ridges of the NE Pacific and the northern
           MAR. Data are currently being collected for the
           Northeast Pacific by the National Oceanic and
           Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and for the
           North Atlantic by the Naval Research Laboratory
           (NRL).

     III.  Development of innovative experiments and approaches
           to event detection monitoring for other remote areas of
           the mid-ocean ridge including superfast-spreading
           segments along the southern EPR.

Proposals are invited in four general areas:

     (1)   Synthetic Studies: theoretical and computational studies
           are required to better understand T-phase generation
           and propagation for mid-ocean ridge earthquakes.

     (2)   Data Analysis: development of new interpretational
           approaches for SOSUS and other pertinent hydrophone
           data are needed to improve event discrimination and
           increase understanding of the role of earthquakes in the
           crustal accretion process. Possible areas of research
           include, but are not limited to: space-time pattern of
           event sequences, recovering source characteristics from
           T-phases, body wave identification and interpretation,
           and matched field event detection.

     (3)   Verification of recorded SOSUS events: data from
           other studies should be used to verify the nature and
           character of seismo-acoustic events recorded by the
           SOSUS array or other hydrophone arrays, and aid in
           their interpretation. Studies under this category could
           range from a comparison of SOSUS data with results
           from other global or regional seismic networks to site-
           specific seafloor mapping and/or sampling studies to
           characterize the nature of a particular seismo-acoustic
           event, or otherwise detected volcanic event on a mid-
           ocean ridge crest.

     (4)   Rapid Response Proposals and Letters: responses to
           events will be dependent on the type of event detected,
           on the timing of the event relative to any weather
           window, and on the availability of facilities.
           Multibeam, sidescan and/or photographic mapping
           could be combined with water column temperature and
           chemical scanning, seismic monitoring, and ROV
           and/or submersible studies of volcanic, tectonic and
           hydrothermal activity. Because of the many variables
           involved in evaluating and conducting an event
           response effort, and the rapid pace at which decisions
           must be made, RIDGE does not want to limit the
           eventual type or extent of any future response effort.

           Since the necessity of responding rapidly may preclude
           proposal submission followed by the normal NSF six-
           month peer review process, Event Response proposals
           will be reviewed prior to an event if possible. Event
           Response proposals should detail the expected response
           effort, potential coordination with other efforts, and the
           required timing relative to the event. The proposals
           should be for three years and should request both a
           small (less than $20,000) up-front award to cover
           minor equipment and preparation requirements, and a
           supplementary award for the actual response effort.
           When an event response is deemed appropriate, the
           RIDGE Event Response Subcommittee will work
           closely with NSF to select appropriate Event Response
           proposals and to coordinate the response. Event
           response efforts that require extensive development of
           preparation of equipment prior to an event should be
           discussed with the appropriate NSF Program Manager.

           In addition to Event Response proposals submitted to
           NSF, RIDGE encourages submission of letters of
           interest to participate in an event response effort, or
           for the design of an experiment that pertains to the
           geological, geochemical, geophysical or biological
           assessment of a mid-ocean ridge event. These brief
           statements should provide a summary of disciplinary
           expertise, approaches to be taken in data analysis, and
           technical specifications of any equipment that could be
           provided to monitor the event, either long- or short-
           term (e.g. bottom cameras, temperature arrays, in situ
           chemical scanners, seismic monitoring instruments
           {OBH, OBS}). Letters of interest should be submitted
           to the RIDGE Office and will be used by the RIDGE
           Event Response Subcommittee both to ensure that the
           necessary proposals have been submitted to NSF, and
           to augment a response if necessary.

For more details, see the RIDGE workshop report, "Characterization
of Mid-Ocean Ridge Earthquake Activity Using Acoustic Data from
the U.S. Navy Permanent Hydrographic Arrays" and the report of the
"1993 Meeting of the ED&R Working Group," both of which are
available from the RIDGE Office.

Analysis of SOSUS or other appropriate hydrophone data and its
application to mid-ocean ridge event detection also provides
opportunities for post-doctoral research through the RIDGE
Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (see details in a later section).
Information concerning the NOAA program is available from Dr.
Christopher Fox, NOAA/PMEL/OERD, Hatfield Marine Science
Center, Newport, OR 97365; phone 503-867-0276; Internet:
fox@pmel.noaa.gov, and information concerning the NRL program
is available from Dr. Clyde Nishimura, Naval Research Lab, Code
7420, Washington, DC 20375; phone 202-767-0379; Internet:
clyde@hp8c.nrl.navy.mil.

TEMPORAL VARIABILITY OF RIDGE CREST PHENOMENA

An objective of the RIDGE Program is to improve our understanding
of ridge crest processes by direct experiments or observations of
phenomena that occur on time frames from milliseconds to decades.
This portion of RIDGE is designed to obtain time-series
measurements that can stimulate the generation of hypotheses and the
testing of resulting models relating to the temporal variation and
covariation among dynamic, interconnected ridge crest processes.
This will require the development, testing and long term deployment
of instruments for making time-series observations of magmatic,
volcanic, tectonic, hydrothermal, and biological phenomena.

The major focus of this program element for the next five years will
be the RIDGE Observatory Experiment (ROBE). This will provide the
framework and infrastructure needed for successful conduct of a large
number of co-located, interrelated active process investigations. The
basic approach will be to encourage and facilitate coordinated projects
proposed and executed by individuals or small groups of investigators.
The highest priority will be given to proposals that have bearing on
covariation among processes and which address problems that can be
related to other ridge crest time-series experiments.

Two segments of the JdFR, Cleft and Endeavour, are the sites at
which ROBE will be implemented. Both have been intensively studied
for more than a decade and between them they encompass a wide
range of ridge crest phenomena. Cleft, with its comparatively simple
morphology, both stable and transient hydrothermal sites, and recent
volcanic activity, provides a region in which the interplay between
tectonic, volcanic and hydrothermal processes can be studied.
Endeavour displays greater morphological complexity, larger
accumulations of hydrothermal deposits and greater biological
diversity, but lacks evidence of recent volcanic activity. Time-series
projects of various kinds have already been initiated in both segments.
While these two are the sites for ROBE, Temporal Variability
proposals for work at other locations will be considered if neither the
Cleft nor the Endeavour segment is suitable for the proposed
experiment. However, high relevancy will be given only if a strong
case is made within the proposal for placing the experiment apart
from the focus sites.

In addition to the focus on long-term monitoring at the ROBE sites,
the existence of SOSUS data made available to the scientific
community by the NOAA VENTS group at Newport, OR, or others,
provides the opportunity for coordinated time-series measurements in
response to events that occur along the entire JdFR. This portion of
ridge crest time-series studies represents a merging of the activities of
the RIDGE Temporal Variability and the Event Detection/Response
program elements and permits initiation of observations immediately
after an event has occurred. These long term observations of ridge
crest phenomena in response to "transient" events will complement
observations of the more "steady-state" phenomena being measured
at the focus sites. Both components are required to understand the
interrelationships among physical, geological, chemical and biological
phenomena involved in ridge crest processes.

It is also recognized that a strong theoretical modeling component is
required to complement the seafloor time-series measurements.
Development and testing of models of physical, chemical, geological
and biological processes, and their covariation, at scales of
centimeters to tens of kilometers in submarine volcanic-hydrothermal
systems and the overlying water column is an essential element of the
program.

Background information is contained in RIDGE workshop reports and
RIDGE Events articles, and a topography data base for the northeast
Pacific, with emphasis on the JdFR, is available on Internet.
Proposals are invited to address four issues:

     I.    Crustal Processes. Studies designed to understand the
           present tectonic and magmatic development of the Cleft
           and Endeavour Segments, to monitor active
           volcanic/magmatic/hydrothermal processes, and to
           conduct time-series measurements of seafloor and
           crustal processes are needed to develop integrated
           crustal accretion models at the segment scale. Specific
           measurements envisioned include: geodetic (strain, tilt,
           gravity), seismic (earthquake and active), and repeat
           mapping (sidescan sonar, camera tows, petrologic
           sampling, fluid sampling, vent temperature
           monitoring).

     II.   Hydrothermal and Biological Processes. Studies are
           needed to quantify the seafloor hydrothermal mass and
           energy fluxes, the relative contributions of focused and
           diffuse hydrothermal venting, the variability in these
           sources and effects over time, and the interrelation of
           these sources with biological production and
           community structure. To address these issues,
           measurements are envisioned of temperature, effluent
           velocity, and fluid composition at numerous locations
           within an active vent field. Detailed mapping and
           repeat mapping at scales of centimeters to hundreds of
           meters of the distributions of, and relationships among,
           lava flows, faults and fissures, sites of diffuse and
           focused fluid flow, hydrothermal deposits, and
           biological organisms is needed. Both diffuse venting
           and focused higher temperature effluent should be
           monitored and sampled. Fluids should be analyzed for
           major, minor and trace elements, and for dissolved
           gases and nutrients. Estimates of the biological
           production supported by the hydrothermal fluxes, both
           in the interstices of the crust and exposed on the sea
           floor, should be made. Relevant biological studies
           might address the nature and controls on short term
           production variability, the relationships between
           productivity and the thermal/chemical energy supplied
           by hydrothermal fluids, estimation of the fraction of
           biological production exported to the deep sea, and the
           community response to production and flux changes.

     III.  Water Column Processes. Studies are encouraged to
           assess the integrated thermochemical fluxes from vent
           system plumes, the temporal variability of plume
           structure, entrainment rates, vorticity dynamics, and
           regional circulation patterns. Other areas of interest are
           the chemical and biological processes transforming
           plume constituents, the resulting biological production
           and its contribution to total hydrothermal organic
           carbon production, and the impact of these processes
           on water chemistry and ecology. Studies will focus on
           characterization of plume fluxes, long term variability,
           detection of anomalous events and related process
           investigations. To address these issues a range of water
           column time-series are envisioned. Continuous
           measurements should include moored temperature
           recorders, current meters, sediment traps, and optical
           sensors as well as scintillation and video flow
           measurements. Specific chemical components measured
           may include: metals, inert and reduced gases,
           nutrients, microbiological biomass and activity rates.
           Repeated surveys should be conducted including tow-
           yo's of CTDT, dissolved and particulate tracers, bio-
           acoustic plume surveys, and AUV-deployed sensors on
           repeated survey tracks. Experiments to understand
           physical plume processes, from the local vent scale to
           the ridge segment scale, might include ADCP
           profiling, buoyant plume studies and Lagrangian
           drifters.

     IV.   Theoretical Modeling. Studies should focus on
           understanding the underlying structure and dynamics of
           submarine volcanic-hydrothermal systems and
           subsystems, with an emphasis on making testable
           predictions about their origins and evolution. Models
           will be developed theoretically, using laboratory
           simulations, numerical experiments or some
           combination of these approaches, and will then guide
           the design of field programs and the interpretation of
           the data collected. It is hoped that integration of
           separate models will lead to an understanding of the
           interdependence over the life of the systems of the
           volcanic, tectonic, hydrothermal, biological, and water
           column processes.

CROSS-CUTTING THEMES

There are a number of problems of high priority to RIDGE that cross-
cut the program elements described above, primarily because studies
at a variety of spatial and temporal scales are required in order to
address them. Although they have been referred to in the various
program elements, the nature of the problems and the types of studies
encouraged by RIDGE are presented in the following three sections.

Fluxes Associated with Hydrothermal Activity and their Global
Impact

The mass and energy fluxes associated with hydrothermal circulation
of seawater through the oceanic crust may be globally significant for
many geologic and oceanographic processes. However, there are a
number of key scientific questions that must be addressed to assess
the global impact of hydrothermal systems both on the present-day
ocean/atmosphere system, and during the past when different climatic
and oceanographic conditions prevailed. The RIDGE Program has
identified six problems that need to be addressed through a
combination of field studies at varying spatial and temporal scales,
laboratory experiments, and numerical modeling (see the
RIDGE/VENTS Workshop Report on "Global Impact of Submarine
Hydrothermal Processes" available from the RIDGE Office):

     I.    The partitioning of flow between diffuse and focused
           vents at the ridge axis. The relative distribution of
           these two types of flow and their importance in mass
           and energy fluxes is currently unknown. The
           percentage of heat loss from hydrothermal venting is
           not well established and is of importance to both the
           global chemical flux calculations as well as to the
           benthic bioproductivity associated with these systems.
           Addressing this problem will require mapping of the
           distribution of various types of venting at the segment-
           scale, as well as development of instrumentation to
           measure fluxes in diffuse flow at individual vent sites.

     II.   The magnitude of flank fluxes. The ridge flanks
           account for approximately 75% of the heat flux, and a
           large seawater flux. Slight anomalies in composition
           from seawater can have a large oceanic effect because
           of the volume of water involved. However, the
           chemical nature of this flow is not known. Research is
           needed to investigate hydrothermal processes on the
           flanks of ridges and to determine the magnitude and
           nature of the associated chemical and energy fluxes.

     III.  Event fluxes. Megaplumes and events of catastrophic
           submarine volcanism are documented, but there is no
           quantitative estimate of global or regional vertical
           transport by these processes since the frequency of
           such events is unknown. Detailed studies, both on the
           scale of individual events and at the segment-scale, are
           required to assess the mass and energy fluxes
           associated with these events, and their variability over
           time.

     IV.   Physical chemistry of Fe in the ocean. The
           hydrothermal input of Fe into the ocean may be very
           significant, as Fe may act as a limiting nutrient in
           primary productivity. However, in order to assess
           these issues, laboratory studies are required to provide
           basic information on the physical chemistry of Fe in
           the marine environment.

     V.    Physical oceanographic effects. Two significant issues
           involved with the linkage between hydrothermal flux
           and physical transport processes in the ocean are the
           impact of hydrothermal discharge upon deep ocean
           circulation, and the mechanisms by which the benthic
           hydrothermal flux can be transported into upper ocean
           levels. To understand the former, a global assessment
           of the spatial and temporal distribution of hydrothermal
           heat flux is required. To understand the latter,
           measurements of the heat flux associated with the
           buoyant hydrothermal fluid that gives rise to the
           vertical transport of hydrothermal material are needed.

     VI.   The significance of biological processes in controlling
           chemical fluxes. The chemical fluxes that are most
           important to vent biota are sulfides, methane,
           hydrogen, carbon monoxide, iron and manganese, as
           well as many other trace elements. However, at
           present, there are no models to predict the percentage
           of the flux of biogenically important metabolites that is
           utilized by organisms in a given vent field. Models of
           micro- and macrofaunal productivity at vent and ridge
           flank environments are required to understanding the
           significance of biological controls on chemical fluxes.

Biological Activity and its Interaction with
Physical/Chemical/Geological Processes

Another cross-cutting theme in the RIDGE program is the interaction
between biological and physical, chemical and/or geological
processes. These problems can be addressed by studies ranging from
the global scale to the scale of an individual hydrothermal vent, and
involve investigative strategies ranging from one-time mapping and
sampling efforts to long-term in situ observations.

Five major goals for biological studies have been identified as having
a high priority within RIDGE (see the report on RIDGE Biological
Objectives 1993-1997 available from the RIDGE Office):

     I.    To understand the mechanisms of vent organism
           dispersal. One of the fundamental questions concerning
           the unique biological communities associated with
           deep-sea hydrothermal vents is how the organisms
           associated with vent environments locate and colonize
           these ephemeral habitats. This is the primary goal of
           the LARVE project which is part of RIDGE's Crustal
           Accretion and Segment-Scale Studies. However, many
           aspects of this problem will be addressed by other
           components of RIDGE. For example, global-scale
           biological studies may identify new vent communities
           along previously uncharted sections of the global ridge
           system and thus constrain the distribution and species
           composition of vent communities on a global
           (biogeographic) scale. Event response and observatory
           studies, like those conducted at 9 degrees 50'N on the
           EPR and at Co-Axial segment on the JdFR, hold the
           potential to provide unique constraints on the
           establishment or regeneration of a hydrothermal vent
           ecosystem immediately following a seafloor eruption.

     II.   To delineate the relevant trophic mechanisms and
           pathways of vent organisms. Determination of the
           pathways and mechanisms involved in the synthesis of
           organic material in hydrothermal vent communities, as
           well as the means by which chemical energy is
           obtained, are of fundamental importance to our
           understanding of these communities. The organic
           material produced by vent organisms can be used
           either by heterotrophic vent organisms or can be
           exported to the deep sea. Quantifying the significance
           of this transfer is essential to determining the
           relationship between these communities and the
           surrounding deep sea. Addressing these problems will
           require detailed studies in specific locales as is
           envisioned under Crustal Accretion/Segment-Scale and
           Temporal Variability Studies.

     III.  To determine the influence of vent organisms on
           sulfide geochemistry and mineralization. The massive
           sulfide deposits formed at hydrothermal vents act as
           the substrate for many vent organisms. Vent organisms
           may influence sulfide mineralization by locally
           modifying the chemical environment, for example
           through oxidation and reduction of sulfur, metals,
           carbon, and subsequent modification of pH. Vent
           organisms may also significantly modify the physical
           environment, both directly through their presence
           modifying porosity and fluid mixing, and indirectly
           through modification of mineral precipitation. These
           interactions are still very poorly understood and
           research is needed to quantify the influence of vent
           organisms on geological processes in hydrothermal
           systems ranging in scale from a single chimney to a
           hydrothermal deposit.

     IV.   To determine the relative influences of biological
           interactions and physical, chemical and geological
           processes on the distribution and abundance of
           organisms. Physical and chemical parameters play a
           profound role in the describing the distribution of
           animals at hydrothermal vents due to both the toxic and
           nutritive aspects of vent waters. Research addressing
           the habitat characteristics that are required or tolerated
           by hydrothermal vent organisms is central to an
           understanding of vent communities. However, within
           this context, the next important step is to address a
           variety of biological interactions (e.g. colonization,
           competition, and predation) that may modify
           physical/chemical controls and play a role as
           determinants in faunal distribution.

     V.    To acquire a global biogeographic description of vent
           organisms. A global biogeographic description of vent
           fauna is essential to an understanding of the
           evolutionary biology of vent organisms. Exploration of
           new vent sites specifically for biological purposes may
           not always be feasible, but more limited surveys and/or
           sampling efforts can be conducted during other RIDGE
           cruises with the samples being preserved for later
           study. This objective will thus be closely tied to
           RIDGE Global Structure and Fluxes studies.

Theory, Experimental and Modeling Studies

Theoretical, experimental and modeling studies are essential to all of
the major RIDGE program elements. While RIDGE has a strong field
orientation, the collection of more data will not alone lead to
substantial progress. The right data must be collected; the data
collected must be able to be converted into real physical constraints
on processes and structure; and the data must be available in a form
which make them accessible to a wide variety of investigators in a
timely fashion.

All of these aspects require a significant effort on shore by
investigators, most of whom may not be directly involved in the field
programs. This effort can be put into three broad categories:

     I.    Testable models need to be developed that can be used
           to guide the design of field programs and to interpret
           the data collected in these studies. The ultimate goal is
           the formulation of specific, testable hypotheses using
           time-dependent, three-dimensional models that
           incorporate accurate descriptions of the relevant
           physical processes and material properties. These
           models may be developed theoretically, using
           laboratory simulations, numerical experiments or some
           combination of these approaches.

     II.   Laboratory measurements of physical properties and
           equilibria among multiphase systems are needed to
           properly interpret the data collected in the field and to
           constrain quantitative models.

     III.  A long-term program of data archiving and sample
           curation is necessary to insure accessibility of data sets
           collected in RIDGE programs.

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

The RIDGE Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is intended to foster
cross-disciplinary fertilization by providing opportunities for
individuals to broaden their research experience into areas other than
those that formed the foci of their Ph.Ds. One intent is to encourage
those who are already working on ridge crest problems to apply their
expertise to different problems in a related field. For example, a
seismologist who has been involved in field programs to investigate
melt generation beneath mid-ocean ridges might propose to work in
an experimental lab that is investigating the physical properties of
partial melts. A geochemist who has worked on the mineralogy of
hydrothermal vent deposits and its relation to fluid chemistry might
propose to work with a biologist to determine how the activity of
organisms affects the growth and geochemistry of chimney structures.
A theoretician who has developed models of faulting might propose
to work with a structural geologist or geophysicist to conduct seafloor
geodetic measurements. Another intent is to provide opportunities for
scientists from disciplines outside the marine field to focus their
conceptual and technical expertise on a high priority objective of the
RIDGE Initiative. The Fellowships are designed so that recipients can
choose the research environment most beneficial for their scientific
development and that of the RIDGE Initiative. Applicants are
normally expected to submit a research plan that requires a change of
institution from the doctoral institution. It is expected that up to two
fellowships will be awarded each year.

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply for a National Science Foundation RIDGE
Postdoctoral Fellowship if (1) you have earned the doctoral degree in
a relevant scientific discipline within one year of taking up the award;
and (2) you have made prior arrangements for research with a
scientific advisor/collaborator at the institution where your Fellowship
will be held. Since the Fellowships are designed to provide
opportunities for interdisciplinary and/or cross-disciplinary studies,
the adviser's area of expertise should be different from that acquired
in your previous research training.

Location of Work

The RIDGE Postdoctoral Fellowships will be awarded for scientific
research at any appropriate non-profit United States institution.
Appropriate non-profit institutions in this program include institutions
of higher education as well as government laboratories, national
laboratories, and privately sponsored nonprofit institutions. All
arrangements for affiliation with a senior scientist and Fellowship
institution are the responsibility of the Fellow. A statement from the
senior scientist with whom the Fellow plans to work, indicating both
a commitment for the necessary facilities and consultation during the
requested tenure period, is required. The awards will be made to the
institution in the name of the Fellow, with the Fellow as principal
investigator, or co-principal investigator and the advisor as principal
investigator if the institution mandates.

Tenure, Stipends, Allowances and Conditions.

The Postdoctoral Fellowships will be awarded for a two- year period.
The Fellowship provides a stipend, an institutional allowance, and a
special allowance to aid in defraying costs associated with the
research. The Fellowship stipend will be $35,000 for twelve months
per year. The institutional allowance (in lieu of indirect costs) of $300
per month of tenure is for partial reimbursement for expenses
incurred in support of the research (such as space, equipment,
secretarial assistance, and general purpose supplies). The special
allowance of $5,000 per year is expendable at the Fellow's discretion
and is intended to be used for scientific equipment and supplies,
travel, publication expenses, other research-related costs, and may be
used for medical insurance. Tenure will start upon request by the
Fellow after acceptance of an award offer, but not later than January
1 of the following year.

Fellows will be expected to devote full time to appropriate scientific
research and training during the tenure of the Fellowship and to
pursue the program for which the Fellowship was awarded. Major
changes in the plan of scientific research, in tenure, or in Fellowship
institution require prior Foundation approval. Institutions may
supplement Fellowship stipends without prior permission from the
Foundation provided that such is done in accordance with established
institutional policies. Supplementation may not be conditioned on any
requirement for duties in addition to normal Fellowship activities and
may involve teaching only to the extent of conducting or participating
in seminars directly related to the Fellow's research program.

Evaluation and Selection of Fellows

The evaluation of applicants will be based on ability as evidenced by
past research work; suitability and availability of the sponsoring
senior scientist and other associated colleagues; suitability of the host
institution for the proposed research; likely impact on the future
scientific development of the applicant; scientific quality of the
research likely to emerge; and the potential impact of the research on
the RIDGE Initiative. The criteria listed above will be used by a panel
of scientists convened by NSF, with representatives from appropriate
disciplines, to evaluate the proposals submitted. In addition, the
applications will be reviewed by a RIDGE committee that will assess
the relevance and priority of the proposed research to the RIDGE
Initiative.

Application Procedures and Materials

To be eligible for consideration, applications for the Fellowship
Program must be complete and submitted to the NSF at the normal
RIDGE target dates. Requirements for proposal format cited in the
Grant Proposal Guide (NSF 95-27) generally apply. In addition,
Fellowship applications must include within the 15-page limit: (1) a
personal statement (not to exceed two single-spaced pages) that
describes the career goals of the applicant and what role the chosen
research, sponsoring/collaborating scientist and host institution will
play in enhancing the applicant's conceptual approach and technical
skills; (2) a short abstract of dissertation research and planned
publications; and (3) a statement from the sponsoring/collaborating
scientist at the proposed host institution indicating agreement to work
with the applicant if the award is made.

Additional Information

The Foundation provides awards for research in the sciences and
engineering. The awardee is wholly responsible for the conduct of
such research and preparation of the results for publication. The
Foundation, therefore, does not assume responsibility for the research
findings or their interpretation.

The Foundation welcomes proposals from all qualified scientists and
engineers, and strongly encourages women, minorities, and persons
with disabilities to compete fully in any of the research and related
programs described here.

In accordance with federal statutes, regulations, and NSF policies, no
person on grounds of race, color, age, sex, national origin, or
disability shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits
of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity
receiving financial assistance from the National Science Foundation.

Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with Disabilities
(FASED) provide funding for special assistance or equipment to
enable persons with disabilities (investigators and other staff,
including student research assistants) to work on an NSF project. See
the program announcement or contact the program coordinator at
(703) 306-1636.

Upon completion of the project a Final Project Report (NSF Form
98A), including the Part IV Summary, will be required. Applicants
should review this form prior to proposal submission so that
appropriate tracking methods are included in the proposal plan to
ensure that complete information will be available at the end of the
project.

Privacy Act and Public Burden

Information requested on NSF application materials is solicited under
the authority of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as
amended. It will be used in connection with the selection of qualified
proposals and may be used and disclosed to qualified reviewers and
staff assistants as part of the review process and to other government
agencies. See Systems of Records, NSF-50, "Principal
Investigator/Proposal File and Associated Records," and NSF-51,
"Reviewer/Proposals File and Associated Records," 56 Federal
Register 54907 (Oct. 23, 1991). Submission of the information is
voluntary. Failure to provide full and complete information, however,
may reduce the possibility of your receiving an award. The public
reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to
average 120 hours per response, including the time for reviewing
instructions. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any
other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions
for reducing this burden, to:

Herman G. Fleming
Reports Clearance Officer
Contracts, Policy and Oversight
National Science Foundation
4201 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22230

and to:

Office of Management and Budget
Paperwork Reduction Project (3145-0058)
Washington, D.C. 20503.

The National Science Foundation has TDD (Telephonic Device for the
Deaf) capability, which enables individuals with hearing impairment
to communicate with the Foundation about NSF programs,
employment, or general information. This number is (703) 306-0090.

OMB: 3145-0058 and 3145-0023
P.T.: 22
K.W.: 1008004, 1008000

NSF 95-132
(Replaces NSF 93-134)