The perspective taken by Ridge Interdisciplinary Global Experiments (RIDGE) is that the global mid-ocean ridge is a single, dynamic system of focused energy flow from the earth's interior to the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. The long-term goal of RIDGE is to understand the causes and predict the consequences of mass and energy transfer within the global ridge system through time. RIDGE program components are intended to complement existing types of ridge-crest research by forming an integrated, interdisciplinary investigation focused on key research objectives best accomplished with high levels of coordination and/or long-term commitment of funding. RIDGE includes both global change research objectives and broader geoscience components. In addition, the ecological dynamics of life in and around hydrothermal vents are investigated.

Relative to global change, the primary objective of RIDGE is to understand the geological, chemical, biological, and physical oceanographic interactions between the oceans and hydrothermal circulation of seawater through the ocean crust. Most of the heat loss from the interior of the Earth occurs through the mid-ocean ridge system by means of this circulation. While hydrothermal circulation is steady-state on global and million year time scales, it is episodic on regional and shorter time scales. Consequentially, hydrothermal venting at mid-ocean ridges produces a wide variety of important effects in the overlying water column, including the formation of turbulent, buoyant plumes, the introduction of chemicals, nutrients, and biota, and the modification of deep ocean circulation and mixing patterns.

Related Links

Program Announcement
RIDGE Homepage
RIDGE Science Plan