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Meaningful and reproducible domestic and international mineral-resource assessments as well as interpreting the effects of mineralized and mined ground on the environment require scientific understanding of the processes that localize mineralizing hydrothermal systems and the ores within them and quantitative mineral-deposit models derived from this understanding. We currently do not understand (1) where within geologically permissive terranes mineralizing hydrothermal systems are likely to occur, (2) the geologic conditions and interdependent natural phenomena necessary for the deposition of ore-grade material, (3) how climate and topography affect the ore-forming potential of hydrothermal systems, (4) what conditions are conducive to the formation of "giant" or "world-class" deposits, and (5) what conditions lead to the economic "failure" of a hydrothermal system to form substantial tonnages of highgrade material within it.
| Byron Berger | Box 25046 MS 964 Denver, CO 80225 |
(303) 236-5533 bberger@usgs.gov |
|---|
U.S.
Department of the Interior || U.S. Geological
Survey
