Mode of formation of gold-bearing mineralization on top of the boboras (Galicia, Spain) - The combined role of mechanical instabilities, strain localization and vein formation.

International audienceThe Galician Hercynian segment constitutes the core of the Ibero-Armorican orogenic arc, characterized by few tectonic units that record three main phases of deformation (D1 to D3). Four generations of granite, syn- to post-D3 intruded the major tectonic units. From older to younger, we find: i) syn-kinematic biotite-rich granodiorite (G1); ii) syn-kinematic two micas granites (G2) ; iii) biotite-dominant granites (G3) and iii) late-kinematic biotite-rich granodiorite (G4). Numerous sills, dykes and vein systems are widespread within the metasediments of the para-autochton unit. Gold-bearing quartz veins were spatially associated with G3 granites likely the Boborás intrusion, concerned by this work. The Boborás granite (G3) outcrops as a small NS-elongated elliptical intrusion. Granite is homogeneous and exhibits an equigranular texture composed of quartz, oligoclase, microcline, biotite dominant and muscovite

Effect of the thermal gradient variation through geological time on basin modeling; a case study: The Paris basin.

Many studies investigated the thermal modeling of the Paris basin for petroleum interests during the 1970s. Most of the softwares developed by oil companies or research centers were based on the assumption of a constant thermal gradient. In order to take into consideration the variation of the thermal gradient during basin evolution, we developed the TherMO's Visual Basic 1D program. We applied our model to twenty boreholes located along a cross-section roughly running EW over 150 km in the center of the Paris basin. The numerical results were calibrated with organic matter maturity data. TherMO's simulates the amount of heat provided to the sedimentary organic matter. The heat parameter simulated shows lateral variation along the cross-section. It decreases from Rambouillet to Trou Aux Loups boreholes (87–66 mW/m2) at about 100 km more to the east whereas the heat flux value simulated is 73 mW/m2 in St. Loup borehole. The mean thermal gradient calculated for liassic horizons at 87 My for the Rambouillet well is 50.4 °C/km. This value is similar to previously published results. By integrating the calculation of the thermal gradients and conductivities related to the burial of each stratigraphic sequence, our approach points out variations in the thermal regimes the sedimentary organic matter (SOM) has been subjected to through geological time

Implications of spatial and temporal evolutions of thermal parameters in basin modelling

International audienceThis paper presents the Paris Basin numerical modelling at a high sequential resolution scale (1–5 my). Simulations were carried out from the computation of thermal gradients and conductivities varying with the burial of genetic units. Geologic heating rates are also calculated throughout the burial of the stratigraphic sequences. Thermal energies are then deduced. The Paris Basin is well known for its hydrocarbon potential in Liassic sediments. This study is focused on an east–west cross-section through the basin. The results show spatial and temporal variations of thermal parameters from the western to the eastern part of the profile. The reactivation of Hercynian fracture systems during the Mesozoic may be responsible for the computed variations in thermal conductivities and thermal gradients. Major geodynamic events also played a role in the simulated thermal history. Variations of the thermal energy are observed and are well correlated with the burial history of the basin. We suggest linking the simulated thermal energies to the thermal cracking of the organic matter. Our results are consistent with the prediction of hydrocarbon potential in the Cretaceous period. Consequently, this approach provides new insights to improve petroleum generation modelling issues

Tracing the magmatic/hydrothermal transition in regional low-strain zones: The role of magma dynamics in strain localization at pluton roof, implications for intrusion-related gold deposits

International audienceStructural controls are critical during magmatic-to-hydrothermal transition in the formation of intrusion-related gold deposits. They may explain why only some parts of intrusions are mineralized and why only very few intrusions host large deposits. Moreover, most of these gold deposits postdate peak regional metamorphism and were formed in zones of relatively low strain. Indeed, the efficiency of structural gold traps is highest along favourably oriented intrusion/host-rock contacts where mechanical instability maintains high permeability in the cracked thermal aureole. This may be reinforced by melt injections from an underlying root zone. We present a structural analysis of the deformation features of a granite-pluton roof; large-scale dykes and a network of gold veins are intensively developed in this roof, recording a succession of mechanical instabilities. Our gravity survey underlines the presence of a pluton feeder zone located just beneath the mineralized network. It is argued that interferences between regional stress and melt injection in the feeder zone favoured the development of the network by strain located close to the granite roof. This stresses the role of mechanical instabilities triggered by the combined effects of regional stress and melt dynamics in determining the location and size of this type of gold deposit