Open Chemical Processes in Ore-Forming Weathering Stable Cratons

将对化学风化过程进行详细的实地和实验室研究，以评价亚热带地区红土和铝土矿的形成。目前的科学计划将只把重点放在西非的实地研究上，以描述灰尘在金属富集和化学扩散中的作用。这项工作将通过对澳大利亚西部样品的类似研究得到加强。痕量金属质量平衡研究也将用于量化热液与机械运输机制，理论建模将用于模拟风化过程。

Detailed field and lab studies of processes of chemical weathering will be carried out to evaluate formation of laterites and bauxites in sub-tropical regions. The current science plan will focus only on field studies in W. Africa to characterize the role of dust in metal enrichment and chemical dispersal. This work will be augmented by similar studies of W. Australia samples. Trace metal mass balance studies will also be used to quantify hydrothermal vs. mechanical transport mechanisms, and theoretical modelling will be used to simulate weathering processes.