Hydrothermal processes on Earth have played an important role in the evolution of our planet. These processes link the lithosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere in continuously evolving dynamic systems. Terrestrial hydrothermal processes have been active since water condensed to form the hydrosphere, most probably from about 4.4 Ga. The circulation of hot aqueous solution (hydrothermal systems) at, and below, the Earth’s surface is ultimately driven by magmatic heat. This book presents an in-depth review of hydrothermal proceses and systems that form beneath the oceans and in intracontinental rifts, continental margins and magmatic arcs. The interaction of hydrothermal fluids with rockwalls, the hydrophere and the biophere, together with changes in their composition through time and space, contribute to the formation of a wide range of mineral deposit types and associated wallrock alteration. On Earth, sites of hydrothermal activity support varied ecosystems based on a range of chemotrophic microorganisms both at surface and in the subsurface. This book also provides an overview of hydrothermal systems associated with meteorite impacts and explores the possibility that hydrothermal processes operate on other terrestrial planets, such as Mars, or satellites of the outer planets such as Titan and Europa. Possible analogues of extraterrestrial putative hydrothermal processes pose the intriguing question of whether primitive life, as we know it, may exist or existed in these planetary bodies. <EM>Audience: This volume will be of interest to scientists and researchers in geosciences and life sciences departments, as well as to professionals and scientists involved in mining and mineral exploration.
Hydrothermal Processes and Mineral Systems
Hydrothermal Processes and Mineral Systems
Franco Pirajno Geological Survey of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
Foreword by Peter A. Cawood
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Geological Survey of Western Australia
Franco Pirajno Geological Survey of Western Australia 100 Plain St. East Perth WA 6004 Australia
[email protected]
ISBN: 978-1-4020-8612-0
e-ISBN: 978-1-4020-8613-7
Library of Congress Control Number: 2008933283 # Springer ScienceþBusiness Media B.V. 2009 No part of this work may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, microfilming, recording or otherwise, without written permission from the Publisher, with the exception of any material supplied specifically for the purpose of being entered and executed on a computer system, for exclusive use by the purchaser of the work. Cover illustration: Fig. 3.1 in this book. Figure designed and produced by Murray C. Jones. Printed on acid-free paper 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 springer.com
To my wife
Foreword
The Earth is a complex and dynamic system that over 4.5 billion years has evolved to form the environment we live in and the resources we depend on. Franco Pirajno’s book ‘‘Hydrothermal Processes and Mineral Systems’’ provides an authoritative and comprehensive overview of hyrdrothermally controlled major mineral resources that have developed in this dynamic system, and where appropriate their links with the development of life and extraterrestrial hydrothermal systems. Discovery and recovery of mineral resources are fundamental to sustaining human society. Yet the discovery of world-class to giant mineral deposits has declined alarmingly over the last few decades. It is only through a comprehensive understanding of current systems that we can hope to find future deposits. This book provides an unparalleled over