Linking earthquakes and serpentinization of the oceanic lithosphere

Serpentinization of oceanic lithosphere has long been a study object among the geologist. It has a important role in various aspects. Geologically, it changes the density, rheology and seismic velocity of the crust. The isochemical reaction of serpentinization comsumes and releases many chemical elements (i.e. Al, Ca, Mg, B, Si etc.) and it creates an element flux in the hydrothermal system throught metasomatism. It also exhumes organic compounds such as methane to fuel the organisms which metabolise using methane. It is therefore considered as a life-drive in deep ocean environment where sunlight cannot be reached. Earthquakes on the other hand, are usually perceived as a natural hazard which poses threat to human s life and properties, is actually considered to be a helping hand to enhance serpentinization in oceanic lithospshere. It basically assists both actively (seismic pumping and forced metasomatic deposition) and passively (opening up cracks as hydrothermal conduits). The field observation in Leka allows us to crudely quantify the amount of crust that are being sheared each year volume-wise. The results is 17.4 km3per year within the study area. The relationship between magnitude and volume sheared is positive even though higher magnitude earthquake appears less than the lower ones