Variations in Types of Hydrothermal Systems - Module 7

Abstract

What we have discussed so far is the "basic" model of a hydrothermal system. There are several factors which can cause variations in the nature of hydrothermal systems. These occur in a systematic way, leading to the development of a number of identifiably different types of hydrothermal system. It is important to correctly identify which type of hydrothermal system one is dealing with, so that the most applicable model is used in exploration. These concepts are also useful at the conceptual stage of exploration, as the different types of hydrothermal system occur in different geological settings. So if one knows the geological environment, it is possible to predict which types of hydrothermal system are the most likely to be present. An example of this principle, comparing New Zealand and Sumatra, is given in Appendix 4. The types of hydrothermal system distinguished here are end members: any real system can have characteristics of several types.