Problems in Ore Metal Partitioning: Melt-Vapor-Brine Equilibria

知识价值。先前对熔融-蒸汽-盐水系统的实验研究最终表明，相对于蒸汽，铜的分区强烈地有利于盐水。然而，许多对岩浆-热液矿石和贫瘠体系的天然流体包裹体的研究显示出相反的行为。这一根本分歧必须得到调和，以便得出以下现实的模型：(1)岩浆热液矿石的形成；(2)地球上地壳元素的流动性；(3)岩浆热液矿床资源勘探。拟通过实验测试不同强度参数（O2、H2S、HCl、CO2等组分的温度和流量）对蒸汽与共存卤水间Cu分配的影响。实验将使用冷密封热液技术进行，在P&amp；T运行时，蒸汽和盐水相被困在破碎的石英中。Cu, Ag， Zn和其他阳离子将在石英中的蒸汽和盐水包裹体中进行分析（以及在存在熔融相的地方共存）。更广泛的影响。除了收集蒸汽+卤水+/-熔体平衡的重要数据，以及地壳中划分和元素再分配的基本原理外，这些数据还将为斑岩及相关矿床勘探模式的构建提供基础。该项目还将支持高中生、本科生、硕士生和博士生。研究生也参与本科教学。此外，pi和学生将在校园外展活动中强调这项研究。此外，pi积极参与各种其他形式的外展活动(退休社区和教会团体的科学讲座，GSA赞助的教育伙伴计划（PEP）；为国家公园管理局在约塞米蒂国家公园的护林员翻译项目提供培训；并参观马里兰州当地的小学，作为地球科学课程的一部分)。

Intellectual Merit. Prior experimental studies of melt-vapor-brine systems showed conclusively that copper partitions strongly in favor of a brine relative to a vapor. However, many studies of natural fluid inclusions from magmatic-hydrothermal ores and barren systems show the reverse behavior. This fundamental disagreement must be reconciled to arrive at realistic models for (1) formation of magmatic-hydrothermal ores; (2) the mobility of elements in the Earth's upper crust; and (3) exploration for the resources contained in magmatic-hydrothermal deposits. It is proposed to test experimentally the influences of various intensive parameters (including temperature and fugacities of O2, H2S, HCl, CO2 and other components) on Cu partitioning between vapor and coexisting brine. Experiments will be performed using cold-seal hydrothermal techniques, with vapor and brine phases trapped in situ in fractured quartz at run P&T. Cu, Ag, Zn and other cations will be analyzed in vapor and brine inclusions trapped in quartz (as well as coexisting the melt phase where present).Broader Impacts. Beyond the collection of important data on vapor+brine+/-melt equilibria, and the fundamentals of partitioning and element redistribution in the crust, these data will also serve as a basis for the construction of exploration models for porphyry and related deposits. The project will also support a mix of high school, undergraduate, masters and doctoral students. The graduate students are also involved in undergraduate teaching. Additionally, the PIs and students will highlight this research in campus outreach activities. Furthermore, the PIs actively participate in outreach in a variety of other formats (science lectures in a retirement community and a church group; Partners in Education Program (PEP) sponsored by GSA; training for the Ranger Interpreter Program in Yosemite National Park for the National Park Service; and visits to local Maryland elementary schools as part of the earth science curriculum).