Giant gas-rich hydrothermal systems and their role in the generation of vapor-dominated geothermal fields and ore mineralization

Abstract

This paper characterizes certain unique geological structures on the earth, viz., giant gas-rich hydrothermal systems with major vapor-dominated geothermal fields that are generated beneath them during the present phase of evolution. A review of the relevant literature and materials of our own research are used to show that such systems are formed in zones of deep-seated faults at junctions of oceanic and continental plates, in structures of volcanic island arcs, and in areas of crustal tectono-magmatic activity. The systems extend throughout the crustal thickness and possess enormous geothermal and ore potentials. It was found that in these systems the ascending high-temperature gas-water fluid, as well as all types of mixed waters, and new mineral compounds in the hypergenesis zone of geothermal anomalies, all take part in the transport, accumulation, and rearrangement of complex compounds of many metals (Fe, Al, Ti, Au, Ag, Hg, As, Sb, and others). It was inferred that gas-rich hydrothermal systems and the vapor-dominated geothermal fields that are formed beneath them reflect the conditions for the generation of mesothermal and epithermal gold and complex ores and of Au-Ag-Cu-Mo porphyric deposits.