Abstract
We use the finite element method to model three-dimensional steady-state convective pore-fluid flow and the relevant mineralization in fluid-saturated rocks when they are heated from below. In particular, we investigate lead/zinc precipitation and dissolution patterns caused by the reactive sulfide and sulfate fluids mixing in three-dimensional hydrothermal systems. The related numerical results demonstrated that: (1) The finite element method is useful in and applicable to the modelling of three-dimensional ore body formation and mineralization problems in fluid-saturated porous rocks; (2) The mixing of reactive sulfide and sulfate fluids is an important mechanism to generate high-grade lead/zinc deposits in three-dimensional hydrothermal systems in the upper crust of the Earth.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 73-89 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Journal of Computational Methods in Sciences and Engineering |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2003 |
Externally published | Yes |