Large Magmatic Systems for Minerals
This project continues work on large magmatic systems in the U.S., where critical mineral commodities important to clean energy technologies can be concentrated. Modeling of large mafic intrusion extents will continue, and new geophysical methods will be applied to improve understanding of magmatic systems.
Science Issue and Relevance
Several mineral commodities important to clean energy technologies can be concentrated in large magmatic systems. These commodities include those used in batteries (lithium, cobalt, nickel, and vanadium) and fuel cells (the platinum-group elements - PGEs). The elements are also critical materials because supply for the U.S. primarily comes from a few foreign countries and could be vulnerable to supply disruptions. Exploring for these elements in large magnetic systems relies heavily on understanding the geophysical signature of the entire magmatic system, from regional to detailed scales. Previous USGS studies developed the approaches of employing a variety of geophysical methods for delineating the extent and layering in ultramafic-to-mafic layered intrusions and their application to mineral prospectivity. Workflows were developed to constrain 3D modeling of intrusions, lower crustal staging chambers and identifying layering and sedimentary basins from geophysical data.
Methods to Address Issue
This project will build on the previous work, extending the work done on intrusions in the United States, and broadening the scope by investigating intrusions in other countries and their relation to sedimentary basins in collaboration with geophysicists in Australia, Canada, Finland, and South Africa.
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Continue modeling the extents of large mafic intrusions, including potential magma staging chambers in the lower crust with gravity and magnetic data constrained by other geophysical and geological data.
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Apply new methods to understanding the magmatic systems of platinum group elements (PGE) deposits: seismic receiver functions to estimate crustal thickness, critical to gravity modeling.
Related science projects.
Geophysical Studies on the Architecture of Large Igneous Systems Hosting Magmatic Ore Deposits
Critical commodity studies, Stillwater Complex, Montana and Duluth Complex, Minnesota
Data releases from our project.
Magnetotelluric data from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Upper Michigan, 2015-2019
Thin section images of AMAX drill core from the Stillwater Complex, Montana
Stillwater Complex, Montana: Logs of core drilled by Cyprus in the Chrome Lake area, 1971 to 1980
Thin section images of drill core from the Crescent Creek area in the Stillwater Complex, Montana
Project publications.
Electromagnetic and magnetic imaging of the Stillwater Complex, Montana, USA
Subsurface characterization of the Duluth Complex and related intrusions from 3D modeling of gravity and magnetotelluric data
The 180-km-long Meers-Willow Fault System in the Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen: A potential U.S. mid-continent seismic hazard
Geometry of the Bushveld Complex from 3D potential field modelling
Mapping the 3-D extent of the Stillwater Complex, Montana—Implications for potential platinum group element exploration and development
This project continues work on large magmatic systems in the U.S., where critical mineral commodities important to clean energy technologies can be concentrated. Modeling of large mafic intrusion extents will continue, and new geophysical methods will be applied to improve understanding of magmatic systems.
Science Issue and Relevance
Several mineral commodities important to clean energy technologies can be concentrated in large magmatic systems. These commodities include those used in batteries (lithium, cobalt, nickel, and vanadium) and fuel cells (the platinum-group elements - PGEs). The elements are also critical materials because supply for the U.S. primarily comes from a few foreign countries and could be vulnerable to supply disruptions. Exploring for these elements in large magnetic systems relies heavily on understanding the geophysical signature of the entire magmatic system, from regional to detailed scales. Previous USGS studies developed the approaches of employing a variety of geophysical methods for delineating the extent and layering in ultramafic-to-mafic layered intrusions and their application to mineral prospectivity. Workflows were developed to constrain 3D modeling of intrusions, lower crustal staging chambers and identifying layering and sedimentary basins from geophysical data.
Methods to Address Issue
This project will build on the previous work, extending the work done on intrusions in the United States, and broadening the scope by investigating intrusions in other countries and their relation to sedimentary basins in collaboration with geophysicists in Australia, Canada, Finland, and South Africa.
-
Continue modeling the extents of large mafic intrusions, including potential magma staging chambers in the lower crust with gravity and magnetic data constrained by other geophysical and geological data.
-
Apply new methods to understanding the magmatic systems of platinum group elements (PGE) deposits: seismic receiver functions to estimate crustal thickness, critical to gravity modeling.
Related science projects.
Geophysical Studies on the Architecture of Large Igneous Systems Hosting Magmatic Ore Deposits
Critical commodity studies, Stillwater Complex, Montana and Duluth Complex, Minnesota
Data releases from our project.
Magnetotelluric data from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Upper Michigan, 2015-2019
Thin section images of AMAX drill core from the Stillwater Complex, Montana
Stillwater Complex, Montana: Logs of core drilled by Cyprus in the Chrome Lake area, 1971 to 1980
Thin section images of drill core from the Crescent Creek area in the Stillwater Complex, Montana
Project publications.