Sediment-hosted deposits are the main source of zinc and lead. In this volume, the reader will find the most recent developments in research including: - Fluid migration leading to formation of Zn-Pb ores in sedimentary basins. Relationships to orogenic events and to geothermic anomalies - Transport of metals and precipitation mechanisms. The role played by fluid mixing, fluid-rock reaction, organic matter, and thiosulfates - Paleomagnetic dating of ore deposits - The association of Mississippi Valley-type ore deposits to diapiric salt structures - Geochemical investigations applied to exploration for sediment-hosted Zn-Pb deposits - Economic aspects. The broad geographical coverage is an additional aspect which will interest both researchers and explorationists.
Fluid flow is fundamental to many geological processes, including the development of natural resources of hydrocarbons, ore deposits and water. Modelling of these processes requires information on the timing of fluid flow events and the interaction of fluids with surrounding rocks. In addition to isotopic methods, a diversity of approaches has been developed to assess the timing of events, including palaeomagnetism, fission track analysis and fluid inclusion studies. Many techniques also provide information on the duration of fluid flow events. The papers in this volume represent the range of approaches available to determine the dating and duration of fluid flow events and fluid-rock interaction: first overview of methods of dating fluid flow; examples of commercial application of dating methods; explanations of methodology suitable for advanced teaching; extensive bibliographies.
Results of selected projects on Exploration R & D, one of the major research areas implemented by the Commission of European Communities in Brussels on the subject of mineral raw materials, are presented on an international basis. All aspects of the geology and geochemistry of ore deposits and their host rocks are covered. Main headings are according to commodity, i.e. tungsten, chromite, and base metals, rather than by scientific criteria. The scope and subject matter varies from the metallogenic province to the individual deposit. The question of possible application to exploration methodology is explored in several papers. Particularly structural and geochemical techniques are discussed.
The considerable exploration success achieved by geochemistry over the last several decades - and still continuing - has provided both the basis and rationale for the Handbook of Exploration Geochemistry series, including Volume 6, Drainage Geochemistry in Mineral Exploration. With contributions from 25 experts of truly global professional experience in drainage geochemistry, this book is a thorough appraisal of the state of the art in the use of surface and sub-surface waters, stream and lake sediments, heavy minerals for mineral exploration in tropical rain forests, temperate glaciated terrains, mountain chains, arid deserts and regions of agricultural and industrial pollution. Additional attention is given to gold and uranium exploration, and to the growing role of drainage geochemistry as a multi-purpose environmental mapping technique with applications in human health studies, ore deposit modelling and pollution monitoring. It comprises 16 chapters, more than 250 figures and a bibliography of some 1600 references. This book is the most extensive and detailed single work on the principles and applications of drainage geochemistry in mineral exploration blending both theoretical considerations and practical implementations.