Hydrothermal Mineral Deposits of Continental Rift Environments

Abstract

In Chapter 6 (Sect. 6.2.2) we introduced the subject of continental rifts and aulacogens, and their related mineral deposits. In this chapter, we take a more detailed look at rifting phenomena, their possible causes, mechanisms, magmatic activity, sedimentation, time and space distribution, associated hydrothermal processes and mineral deposits. At least four types ofrift environments may be considered: (1) rifting at oceanic spreading centres; (2) back-arc rifting; (3) continental intraplate rifting; and (4) rifting related to continental collisions (impactogens). The first two are often difficult to separate in the geological record; they result in the creation and emplacement of oceanic crust which is discussed in Chapter 12. In this chapter we are concerned with continental intraplate rifting and impactogens.