Zebra rocks: compaction waves create ore deposits

Kelka, U., Veviakis, M., Koehn, D. and Beaudoin, N. (2017) Zebra rocks: compaction waves create ore deposits. Scientific Reports, 7, 14260. (doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-14541-3) (PMID:29079847) (PMCID:PMC5660191)

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Abstract

Nature has a range of distinct mechanisms that cause initially heterogeneous systems to break their symmetry and form patterns. One of these patterns is zebra dolomite that is frequently hosting economically important base metal mineralization. A consistent generic model for the genesis of these periodically banded rocks is still lacking. In this contribution, we present for the first time a fully consistent mathematical model for the genesis of the pattern by coupling the reactive fluid-solid system with hydromechanics. We show that visual banding develops at a given stress and host-rock permeability indicating that the wavelength and occurrence of the pattern may be predictable for natural settings. This finding offers the exciting possibility of estimating conditions of formation of known deposits as well as forecasting potential exploration targets.

Item Type:Articles (Letter)
Additional Information:This research has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme under grant agreement no. 316889.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Beaudoin, Dr Nicolas and Kelka, Mr Ulrich and Koehn, Dr Daniel
Authors: Kelka, U., Veviakis, M., Koehn, D., and Beaudoin, N.
Subjects:Q Science > QE Geology
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
Journal Name:Scientific Reports
Publisher:Nature Research
ISSN:2045-2322
ISSN (Online):2045-2322
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 The Authors
First Published:First published in Scientific Reports 7(1):14260
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
594831Flow and Transformation in Porous Media (FlowTrans)Daniel KoehnEuropean Commission (EC)N/AGES - GES ADMINISTRATION