Microprobe data for rock samples from the Escanaba Trough (Gorda Ridge)

Metadata also available as - [Outline] - [Parseable text] - [XML]

Frequently anticipated questions:

What does this data set describe?

Title:
Microprobe data for rock samples from the Escanaba Trough (Gorda Ridge)
Abstract:
This data release contains electron microprobe data collected on thin sections made from rock samples collected from the Escanaba Trough hydrothermal vent field, Gorda Ridge, in the northeast Pacific Ocean. These data were collected in 2022 on expedition TN403 (USGS Field Activity 2022-621-FA). Samples were taken to the USGS Pacific Coastal Marine Science Center for subsampling and geochemical analyses. Data include element composition, instrument detection limits and error, assigned standards, and analytical methods where applicable.
Supplemental_Information:
Additional information about the field activity or activities from which these data were derived is available online at:
https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/fan_info.php?fan=2022-621-FA
Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    Phan, Kha C., Shapiro, Isabelle M., Ruth, Dawn C.S., and Gartman, Amy, 20260407, Microprobe data for rock samples from the Escanaba Trough (Gorda Ridge): data release DOI: 10.5066/P1KXSK8I, U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Santa Cruz, California.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details:
    Suggested Citation: Phan, K.C., Shapiro, I.M., Ruth, D.C.S., Gartman, A., 2026, Microprobe data for rock samples from the Escanaba Trough (Gorda Ridge): U.S. Geological Survey data release, https://doi.org/10.5066/P1KXSK8I.
  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -127.5281988
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -127.4463434
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 41.08007733
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 40.69571483
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Beginning_Date: 24-May-2022
    Ending_Date: 18-Feb-2026
    Currentness_Reference:
    Date that the last process step was completed
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: comma-delimited text
  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?
      This is a Point data set. It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):
      • Point (321)
    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
      Horizontal positions are specified in geographic coordinates, that is, latitude and longitude. Latitudes are given to the nearest 0.0000001. Longitudes are given to the nearest 0.00000001. Latitude and longitude values are specified in Decimal degrees. The horizontal datum used is D_WGS_1984.
      The ellipsoid used is WGS_1984.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.0.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257223563.
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    TN403_Microprobe_data.csv
    Comma-delimited file containing results from microprobe analyses of various locations on select rock samples. The value -9999 indicates that no analysis was performed. The value -8888 indicates concentration value below detection limit. (Source: Producer defined)
    SAMPLE
    Sample name (Source: Producer defined) Sample IDs that are formatted as J2-####-R##_site# are rock sample from the TN403 expedition. These samples are formatted as Dive#-rock#_Location on rock # (for example J2-1423-R03_site1 is ROV Jason dive number J2-1423, rock number 3, and with the microprobe data collected from site number 1 on the rock face). Sample IDs that are formatted as SPI-## mineral (chemical nomenclature) are the standards used to calibrate the microprobe, and is also used to compare and contrast with the targeted samples during data analysis (for example SPI-7 Skutterudite ((Co,Ni)As3) is the standards 7 provided by SPI Supplies manufacturer, skutterudite mineral, and chemical nomenclature of skutterudite).
    TAKEOFF
    Take off angle of instrument (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:40
    Maximum:40
    Units:degrees
    Resolution:10
    KILOVOLT
    Accelerating voltage (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:20
    Maximum:20
    Units:Kiloelectron volts
    Resolution:10
    CURRENT
    Beam current (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:20
    Maximum:20
    Units:nanoamperes
    Resolution:10
    BEAMSIZE
    Electron beam diameter (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:1
    Units:micrometers
    Resolution:1
    Si_WT_PCT
    Silicon weight percent in each sample. The value -8888 indicates concentration value below detection limit. (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.000138
    Maximum:2.956410
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Zn_WT_PCT
    Zinc weight percent in each sample. The value -8888 indicates concentration value below detection limit. (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.000364
    Maximum:48.311500
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Pb_WT_PCT
    Lead weight percent in each sample. The value -8888 indicates concentration value below detection limit. (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.001245
    Maximum:2.837870
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Fe_WT_PCT
    Iron weight percent in each sample. The value -8888 indicates concentration value below detection limit. (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.001928
    Maximum:64.064600
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Co_WT_PCT
    Cobalt weight percent in each sample. The value -8888 indicates concentration value below detection limit. (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.000339
    Maximum:18.013100
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Ni_WT_PCT
    Nickel weight percent in each sample. The value -8888 indicates concentration value below detection limit. (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.000179
    Maximum:36.257200
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Cu_WT_PCT
    Copper weight percent in each sample. The value -8888 indicates concentration value below detection limit. (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.000406
    Maximum:34.370100
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    S_WT_PCT
    Sulfur weight percent in each sample (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.063210
    Maximum:52.757200
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    As_WT_PCT
    Arsenic weight percent in each sample. The value -8888 indicates concentration value below detection limit. (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.000904
    Maximum:79.317900
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Se_WT_PCT
    Selenium weight percent in each sample. The value -9999 indicates that no analysis was performed. The value -8888 indicates concentration value below detection limit. (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.001492
    Maximum:0.346679
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Ag_WT_PCT
    Silver weight percent in each sample. The value -8888 indicates concentration value below detection limit. (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.000002
    Maximum:86.211700
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Au_WT_PCT
    Gold weight percentage in each sample. The value -8888 indicates concentration value below detection limit. (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.000299
    Maximum:0.240760
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    TOTAL
    Total weight percent (average for sample) in each sample (Source: producer defined)
    Range of values
    Minimum:95.0589
    Maximum:102.9340
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.0001
    Si_CDL99
    Silicon detection limit in elemental weight percent at 99 percent confidence in each sample (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.006067
    Maximum:0.017558
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Zn_CDL99
    Zinc detection limit in elemental weight percent at 99 percent confidence in each sample (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.015460
    Maximum:0.045448
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Pb_CDL99
    Lead detection limit in elemental weight percent at 99 percent confidence in each sample (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.107365
    Maximum:0.139955
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Fe_CDL99
    Iron detection limit in elemental weight percent at 99 percent confidence in each sample (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.018016
    Maximum:0.024335
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Co_CDL99
    Cobalt detection limit in elemental weight percent at 99 percent confidence in each sample (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.010337
    Maximum:0.015530
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Ni_CDL99
    Nickel detection limit in elemental weight percent at 99 percent confidence in each sample (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.011543
    Maximum:0.016502
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Cu_CDL99
    Copper detection limit in elemental weight percent at 99 percent confidence in each sample (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.013148
    Maximum:0.019520
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    S_CDL99
    Sulfur detection limit in elemental weight percent at 99 percent confidence in each sample (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.007119
    Maximum:0.039308
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    As_CDL99
    Arsenic detection limit in elemental weight percent at 99 percent confidence in each sample (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.005046
    Maximum:0.041041
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Se_CDL99
    Selenium detection limit in elemental weight percent at 99 percent confidence in each sample. The value -9999 indicates that no analysis was performed. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.007830
    Maximum:0.015541
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Ag_CDL99
    Silver detection limit in elemental weight percent at 99 percent confidence in each sample (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.009111
    Maximum:0.012433
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Au_CDL99
    Gold detection limit in elemental weight percent at 99 percent confidence in each sample (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.059539
    Maximum:0.075222
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Si_PCT_ERR
    Silicon analytical error in relative percent (one sigma) in each sample (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.240124
    Maximum:3105.740000
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Zn_PCT_ERR
    Zinc analytical error in relative percent (one sigma) in each sample (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.136088
    Maximum:8407.750000
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Pb_PCT_ERR
    Lead analytical error in relative percent (one sigma) in each sample. The value -8888 indicates concentration value below detection limit. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.047074
    Maximum:4443.750000
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Fe_PCT_ERR
    Iron analytical error in relative percent (one sigma) in each sample (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.197570
    Maximum:590.759000
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Co_PCT_ERR
    Cobalt analytical error in relative percent (one sigma) in each sample (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.206524
    Maximum:16926.900000
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Ni_PCT_ERR
    Nickel analytical error in relative percent (one sigma) in each sample (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.155462
    Maximum:6634.400000
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Cu_PCT_ERR
    Copper analytical error in relative percent (one sigma) in each sample (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.158790
    Maximum:757639.000000
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    S_PCT_ERR
    Sulfur analytical error in relative percent (one sigma) in each sample (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.168935
    Maximum:29.672800
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    As_PCT_ERR
    Arsenic analytical error in relative percent (one sigma) in each sample (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.070883
    Maximum:2711424.000000
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Se_PCT_ERR
    Selenium analytical error in relative percent (one sigma) in each sample. The value -9999 indicates that no analysis was performed. (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:2.19014
    Maximum:440.26500
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.00001
    Ag_PCT_ERR
    Silver analytical error in relative percent (one sigma) in each sample (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:0.079011
    Maximum:190858.000000
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.000001
    Au_PCT_ERR
    Gold analytical error in relative percent (one sigma) in each sample (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:10.1215
    Maximum:3082770.0000
    Units:percent
    Resolution:0.0001
    DATETIME
    Acquisition date and time (excel number code format) for each sample (Source: standard reporting value in geochemistry)
    Range of values
    Minimum:45896.70222
    Maximum:45912.66432
    Units:Not applicable
    Resolution:0.00001
    Si_STD_NUM
    Silicon primary standard assignment number (Source: producer defined)
    ValueDefinition
    72Silicon primary assigned number
    Zn_STD_NUM
    Zinc primary standard assignment number (Source: producer defined)
    ValueDefinition
    131Zinc primary assigned number
    Pb_STD_NUM
    Lead primary standard assignment number (Source: producer defined)
    ValueDefinition
    127Lead primary assigned number
    Fe_STD_NUM
    Iron primary standard assignment number (Source: producer defined)
    ValueDefinition
    129Iron primary assigned number
    Co_STD_NUM
    Cobalt primary standard assignment number (Source: producer defined)
    ValueDefinition
    117Cobalt primary assigned number
    Ni_STD_NUM
    Nickel primary standard assignment number (Source: producer defined)
    ValueDefinition
    132Nickel primary assigned number
    Cu_STD_NUM
    Copper primary standard assignment number (Source: producer defined)
    ValueDefinition
    126Copper primary assigned number
    S_STD_NUM
    Sulfur primary standard assignment number (Source: producer defined)
    ValueDefinition
    129Sulfur primary assigned number
    As_STD_NUM
    Arsenic primary standard assignment number (Source: producer defined)
    ValueDefinition
    111Arsenic primary assigned number
    Se_STD_NUM
    Selenium primary standard assignment number. The value -9999 indicates that no analysis was performed. (Source: producer defined)
    ValueDefinition
    115Selenium primary assigned number
    Ag_STD_NUM
    Silver primary standard assignment number (Source: producer defined)
    ValueDefinition
    116Silver primary assigned number
    Au_STD_NUM
    Gold primary standard assignment number (Source: producer defined)
    ValueDefinition
    113Gold primary assigned number
    Si_STD_NAM
    Silicon primary standard assignment name (Source: producer defined)
    ValueDefinition
    MAC2-22 QuartzSilicon standard name
    Zn_STD_NAM
    Zinc primary standard assignment name (Source: producer defined)
    ValueDefinition
    SPI-21 Zinc Sulfide (ZnS)Zinc standard name
    Pb_STD_NAM
    Lead primary standard assignment name (Source: producer defined)
    ValueDefinition
    SPI-17 Galena (PbS)Lead standard name
    Fe_STD_NAM
    Iron primary standard assignment name (Source: producer defined)
    ValueDefinition
    SPI-19 Pyrite (FeS2)Iron standard name
    Co_STD_NAM
    Cobalt primary standard assignment name (Source: producer defined)
    ValueDefinition
    SPI-7 Skutterudite ((Co,Ni)As3)Cobalt standard name
    Ni_STD_NAM
    Nickel primary standard assignment name (Source: producer defined)
    ValueDefinition
    SPI-22 Pentlandite ((Fe,Ni)9S8)Nickel standard name
    Cu_STD_NAM
    Copper primary standard assignment name (Source: producer defined)
    ValueDefinition
    SPI-16 Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2)Copper standard name
    S_STD_NAM
    Sulfur primary standard assignment name (Source: producer defined)
    ValueDefinition
    SPI-19 Pyrite (FeS2)Sulfur standard name
    As_STD_NAM
    Arsenic primary standard assignment name (Source: producer defined)
    ValueDefinition
    SPI-1 Gallium Arsenide (GaAs)Arsenic standard name
    Se_STD_NAM
    Selenium primary standard assignment name. Blank values indicate that no analysis was performed. (Source: producer defined)
    ValueDefinition
    SPI-5 Selenium (Se)Selenium standard name
    Ag_STD_NAM
    Silver primary standard assignment name (Source: producer defined)
    ValueDefinition
    SPI-6 Silver Sulfide (Ag2S)Silver standard name
    Au_STD_NAM
    Gold primary standard assignment name (Source: producer defined)
    ValueDefinition
    SPI-3 Gold (Au)Gold standard name
    Entity_and_Attribute_Overview: The first line of the csv file is a header line.
    Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation: U.S. Geological Survey

Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
    • Kha C. Phan
    • Isabelle M. Shapiro
    • Dawn C.S. Ruth
    • Amy Gartman
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
    U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
    Attn: PCMSC Science Data Coordinator
    2885 Mission Street
    Santa Cruz, CA

    831-427-4747 (voice)
    pcmsc_data@usgs.gov

Why was the data set created?

These data serve to expand the knowledge and statistics for deep ocean marine mineral occurrences and composition within the global ocean.

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
    Date: 13-Jun-2022 (process 1 of 4)
    Rock samples were collected on the R/V Thomas G. Thompson between May 24, 2022, and June 13, 2022, during the TN403 Escanaba Trough expedition, which was led and staffed by USGS employees. Rocks were collected from the seafloor using the ROV Jason's manipulator arm at water depths between 3192 and 3319 meters. Rock samples were frozen immediately upon recovery from the ROV, stored frozen, and shipped on ice to the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center in Santa Cruz, California.
    Date: 24-Aug-2023 (process 2 of 4)
    In the USGS Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center Global Seabed Mineral Resources Lab, bulk rock samples were freeze dried, then cut with rock saw and subsampled. Select samples were encased in epoxy resin and sent to Spectrum Petrographics for thin section slicing.
    Date: 01-Nov-2023 (process 3 of 4)
    The JEOL JXA 8530 F+ Electron Probe Microanalyzer was used at the USGS California Volcano Observatory in Moffett Field, California. The microprobe is calibrated using the standards that are in the data file.
    Date: 18-Feb-2026 (process 4 of 4)
    Results from the lab analyses, detection limits, analytical method information, location data, and sample information were combined into a comma-delimited text values document (TN403_Microprobe_data.csv). Person who carried out this activity:
    Amy Gartman
    USGS
    Research Oceanographer
    2885 Mission Street
    Santa Cruz, CA

    831-460-7420 (voice)
    agartman@usgs.gov
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?

How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

  1. How well have the observations been checked?
    All geochemistry data were calibrated against certified reference materials SPI-22 Pentlandite ((Fe,Ni)9S8), SPI-6 Silver Sulfide (Ag2S), SPI-7 Skutterudite ((Co,Ni)As3), and SPI-16 Chalcopyrite (CuFeS2).
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    The location of rock samples were determined using ROV Jason's ultra-short baseline (USBL) navigation. Accuracy for this depth is approximately 6-26 meters (m). A formal accuracy assessment of the horizontal positional information in the dataset has not been conducted.
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
    Vertical accuracy was determined with ROV Jason's altimeter, which is accurate to less than 1 m. No formal positional accuracy tests were conducted.
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
    Dataset is considered complete for the information presented, as described in the abstract. Many samples do not have microprobe data because analyses were performed on representative samples only. Users are advised to read the rest of the metadata record carefully for additional details.
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
    Data are consistent with expectations for the given mineral type. Values fall within expected ranges. Data have been checked for duplication and omission. QMS procedures for the USGS Moffett Field Electron Microbeams Lab were followed during acquisition of the data.

How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
Access_Constraints No access constraints
Use_Constraints USGS-authored or produced data and information are in the public domain from the U.S. Government and are freely redistributable with proper metadata and source attribution. These data are marked with a Creative Common CC0 1.0 Universal License. Please recognize and acknowledge the U.S. Geological Survey as the originator of the dataset and in products derived from these data.
  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
    U.S. Geological Survey - ScienceBase
    Denver Federal Center, Building 810, Mail Stop 302
    Denver, CO

    1-888-275-8747 (voice)
    sciencebase@usgs.gov
  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? These data are available in .csv format contained in a single file.
  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
    Unless otherwise stated, all data, metadata and related materials are considered to satisfy the quality standards relative to the purpose for which the data were collected. Although these data and associated metadata have been reviewed for accuracy and completeness and approved for release by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the display or utility of the data on any other system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty.
  4. How can I download or order the data?
    • Availability in digital form:
      Data format: File contains table in .csv format in format comma-delimited text (version Microsoft Excel 16.16.17 for Mac) Size: 0.262
      Network links: https://doi.org/10.5066/P1KXSK8I
    • Cost to order the data: None.

  5. What hardware or software do I need in order to use the data set?
    These data can be viewed with Microsoft Excel or any text reader.

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 07-Apr-2026
Metadata author:
U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
Attn: PCMSC Science Data Coordinator
2885 Mission Street
Santa Cruz, CA

831-427-4747 (voice)
pcmsc_data@usgs.gov
Metadata standard:
Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
This page is <https://cmgds.marine.usgs.gov/catalog/pcmsc/DataReleases/ScienceBase/DR_P1KXSK8I/TN403_Microprobe_Metadata.faq.html>
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