Deep flow paths in VMS systems: Porosity and permeability of epidosite alteration in the Semail ophiolite, Oman

Brett, Alannah Charlotte; Diamond, Larryn William; Gilgen, Samuel (19 August 2017). Deep flow paths in VMS systems: Porosity and permeability of epidosite alteration in the Semail ophiolite, Oman. In: Proceedings of the 14th Biennial SGA Meeting, Quebéc, Canada 2. The Society for Geology Applied to Mineral Deposits (SGA)

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The classic model of hydrothermal alteration of the upper oceanic crust identifies epidosites (basalts altered to epidote + quartz + titanite ± Fe-oxides) as markers of discharging hydrothermal fluid. Epidosites are depleted in metals and therefore they have been proposed as sources for the metals in volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits. However, this model is challenged by recent observations in ophiolites. One way to test the model is by reactive-transport simulations of the alteration. In preparation for this we report new observations of flow paths and of the porosity and permeability of epidosites and their precursor rocks in the Semail ophiolite Oman. We have found that discharge through the layer of pillow lavas is not controlled by fractures or faults but rather occurs via pervasive rock-matrix flow. Interpillow hyaloclastite is first altered to epidosite, followed by the cores of pillows and then by the rims of pillows. Our measurements show that the metasomatism leading to epidotisation of pillow lavas increases their connected porosity by 4–10 vol.% and it increases their permeability by 1–3 orders of magnitude. Thus, enhancement of permeability by epidotisation enables self-propagation of the discharging fluid through the extrusive oceanic crust.

Item Type:

Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)

Division/Institute:

08 Faculty of Science > Institute of Geological Sciences

UniBE Contributor:

Brett, Alannah Charlotte, Diamond, Larryn William, Gilgen, Samuel

Subjects:

500 Science > 550 Earth sciences & geology

ISBN:

978-2-9816898-0-1

Publisher:

The Society for Geology Applied to Mineral Deposits (SGA)

Language:

English

Submitter:

Larryn William Diamond

Date Deposited:

29 Apr 2021 09:35

Last Modified:

05 Dec 2022 15:50

BORIS DOI:

10.48350/155926

URI:

https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/155926

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