Toward an integrated genetic model for vent-distal SEDEX deposits

Abstract

Although genetic models have been proposed for vent-proximal SEDEX deposits, an equivalent model for vent-distal deposits has not yet appeared. In view of this, it is the object of this paper to present a preliminary integrated vent-distal genetic model through exploration of four major components: (i) nature of the ore-forming fluid, (ii) role of density of the unconsolidated host sediments, (iii) dynamics of sulfate reduction and (iv) depositional environment. Two sub-groups of SEDEX Pb-Zn deposits, vent-proximal and vent-distal, are widely recognized today. Of the two, the latter is by far the largest in terms of metal content with each of the 13 largest containing in excess of 7.5 M (Zn+Pb) metal. In contrast, only one vent-proximal deposit (Sullivan) falls within this size range. Vent-proximal deposits are characteristically underlain by local networks of sulfide-filled veins (commonly regarded as feeder veins) surrounded by a discordant complex of host rock alteration. These attributes are missing in vent-distal deposits, which has led to the widespread view that vent-distal ore-forming fluids have migrated unknown distances away from their vent sites. Because of the characteristic fine grain size of ore minerals, critical fluid inclusion data are lacking for vent-distal ore-stage sulfides. Consequently, hypothetical fluids such as those which formed MVT deposits (120 °C, 20% NaCl equiv.) are considered to represent vent-distal fluids as well. Such high-salinity fluids are capable of carrying significant concentrations of Pb and Zn as chloride complexes while the relatively low temperatures preclude high Cu contents. Densities of such metalliferous brines result in bottom-hugging fluids that collect in shallow saucer-shaped depressions (collector basins). Lateral metal zoning in several deposits reveals the direction from which the brines came. Relative densities of the ore-forming fluid and sediment determine whether the ore-forming fluid stabilizes on top of the sediment column or sinks into it. Metal sulfide precipitation occurs when bacterially produced H2S, diffusing upward from anoxic conditions within the sediment, reacts with metal-bearing chloride complexes in the ore-forming fluid. Since H2S is produced by bacterial sulfate reduction within the first 2 m of the sediment column even where overlain by oxic water, sulfide precipitation will always occur within the anoxic sediment regardless of where the ore-forming fluid comes to rest. Because of the high porosity of the sediment, replacement is precluded as a mechanism of sulfide emplacement in favour of void filling. Detailed textural analyses of the HYC and Howards Pass deposits have demonstrated the abundance of pre-exhalative framboidal pyrite and provide evidence for sulfate-reducing bacteria operating in these basins under normal steady-state conditions before arrival of the ore-forming fluids. The sudden presence of ore-forming fluid, however, dramatically changes the formerly steady-state situation of the local bacterial environment. A major result of this new condition is recorded in the sulfur isotope compositions of the sulfides. Whereas pre-exhalative framboidal pyrite is isotopically light, ore-stage sulfides are significantly heavier and display a reduced fractionation relative to contemporaneous seawater sulfate. Much of the reduced fractionation is linked to the increase in H2S production by sulfate-reducing bacteria. The major factor contributing to this increase is the life-saving action of sulfate-reducing bacteria during which the metal toxicity is mitigated by removal of the toxic ions by precipitating them out as sulfides. Several scenarios representing hypothetical thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) conditions convincingly demonstrate the extreme improbability that TSR played a role in formation of vent-distal deposits. A wide range of depositional environments is suggested by host rocks which range from impure carbonate to calcareous or dolomitic siliciclastics to normal siltstones and greywackes to calcareous and siliceous siliciclastics to highly siliceous (cherty) shales. Using the analyses of Mo concentrations as a proxy indicator of euxinia in ancient bottom waters in three vent-distal deposits ranging from Late Cambrian to Early Silurian, euxinia was excluded in all three cases. Regardless of the redox condition of the water column, however, the overriding necessary condition for vent-distal deposits to form is that the water column be quiescent to permit the establishment of a pre-exhalative sulfate-reducing bacterial community. The paper concludes with a six-stage genetic model beginning with exhalation of a dense brine and concluding with sulfide preservation in anoxic sediment.