Theses and Dissertations
Issuing Body
Mississippi State University
Advisor
Paul, Varun
Committee Member
Kirkland, Brenda
Committee Member
Gabitov, Rinat
Date of Degree
12-10-2021
Document Type
Graduate Thesis - Open Access
Major
Geology
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.)
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Department of Geosciences
Abstract
Mississippi Valley Type (MVT) lead and zinc deposits provide a significant source of sedimentary galena and sphalerite. However, geochemical characteristics and genesis including the source and production of hydrogen sulfide required for galena and sphalerite ore formation and the reasoning for quick, episodic mineralization is not fully understood. By simulating regional MVT brines, the input and effect of biological by-products during the development of these ores as well as the cause of cyclicity within MVT deposits have been observed. Experiments using compositions from MVT fluid inclusions were conducted over two-week periods. Variables during the experiments included temperature, CO2, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), lead and zinc. Removal of H2S at 70 oC caused no sulfide precipitation. Conclusions of this study are that fluid mixing or in-situ sulfur reduction by thermochemical or biogenic means are the primary mechanisms of MVT deposition, while at low temperatures biogenic sulfur reduction is the main driver.
Recommended Citation
Makowsky, Daniel John, "Identifying biogeochemical factors responsible for the cyclical precipitation of sphalerite and galena in low temperature Mississippi Valley Type ore deposits" (2021). Theses and Dissertations. 5347.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/5347
Included in
Biogeochemistry Commons, Geochemistry Commons, Geology Commons