Investigating the whole-lithosphere structure of a mineral system: Pathways and source of ore-forming fluids imaged with magnetotelluric modeling

Abstract

Whole-lithosphere structure has direct implications for both the genesis of minerals and the locations of mineral emplacement; thus knowledge of the deep structural framework of the lithosphere can advance understanding of the development and evolution of mineral systems (e.g., Huston et al., 2016; Groves et al., 2018; Davies et al., 2020). Transient tectonic and geodynamic processes — occurring at various spatial and temporal scales — control the structure of the lithosphere. In turn, this structure influences the transportation of fluids (including ore-forming fluids) through the crust, largely by controlling permeability (e.g., Huston et al., 2016).