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The Okinawa Trough is a back-arc basin behind the Ryukyu trench-arc system and located along the eastern margin of the Eurasian continent. Sulfide and sulfate mineralization associated with hydrothermal activity has been recognized in ten hydrothermal fields in the Okinawa Trough. Hydrothermal mineralization recognized in these fields is commonly represented by coexisting occurrence of zinc- and lead-enriched polymetallic sulfides and abundant sulfate minerals. The mineralogy and geochemical signatures present has led researchers to suggest these areas may be a modern analogue for the formation of ancient Kuroko-type volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits. Recent seafloor drilling during IODP (Integrated Ocean Drilling Program) Expedition 331 documented the subseafloor structure of a hydrothermal system at the Iheya North Knoll. Mineral textures and hydrothermal assemblages …