Abstract:Hydrothermal systems are sets of processes that redistribute energy and mass in response to circulating H20 fluids. These systems are active today in the oceanic and continental crusts, and their foss...Hydrothermal systems are sets of processes that redistribute energy and mass in response to circulating H20 fluids. These systems are active today in the oceanic and continental crusts, and their fossilized equivalents constitute a substantial portion of the geologic record. Throughout the Earth's history they have effectively stabilized the physical and chemical states of the crust by dispersing perturbations in fluid pressure and density. Although hydrothermal systems can be generated by many types of perturbations, those related to magma-induced thermal anomalies are the most active class. Vigorous hydrothermal systems typify the roofs of mid oceanic ridge magma chambers, while less active ones occur along chamber walls and extend to at least the base of the crust (Walther & Orville 1982, Lister 1977, 1980, J. R. Delaney 1980, Gregory & Taylor 1981, Norton & Taylor 1979). The net result is that in the vicinity of these magma chambers, the entire oceanic crust becomes hydrothermally altered and then ther mally dehydrated during subduction processes, and is ultimately converted to mineral assemblages stable at high temperatures and pressures (Delany & Helgeson 1978). This process releases H20 and produces favorable thermal gradients for hydrothermal flow within the subducting lithospheric plate. Magmas within convergent plate environments transport thermal energy and mass into the continental crust and form batholiths and stocks. The batholiths generate hydrothermal systems equal in magnitude and duration to those associated with the ocean-ridge magma chambers (Taylor 1977, Criss et al 1982). Independent of the source of the parent magmas, as soon as the magma contacts the fluid-rich rocks in the crust, hydrothermal activity begins. This activity precedes magma infiltration and guides it through the crust. Cooled by the circulating fluids, the magmaRead More
Publication Year: 1984
Publication Date: 1984-05-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 191
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