Course Details
Volcaniclastics host a wide range of metals in both sub-aerial and sub-aqueous settings. The list of deposit types includes Volcanogenic Massive Sulfides, Lithium Clays, Epithermal, and Orogenic Gold. Mapping of these units in the sub-surface requires a through understanding of volcanic and depositional processes. Not only is it important to understand porosity-permeability controls within pyroclastic units – as in the case of the El-Indio High Sulfidation Epithermal Deposits in Chile, but also unconformities that may form high permeability streaks such as the ore zone in the Lepanto Copper-Gold deposit, Philippines.
A series of world-class outcrops have been picked from the Central San Juan Caldera Complex in Colorado, USA. Participants will be able to see:
1. Block and Ash Flow facies
2. Pyroclastic Fall, Flow and Surge facies
3. Hyaloclastites
4. Lithium-bearing clays
5. Coherent and auto-brecciated lava flow facies
6. Alteration zones in a High-Sulfidation Epithermal Deposit
7. Ag-bearing Intermediate-Sulfidation Epithermal Veins
Unlike your typical SEG field trip, this is not a “show-and-tell” excursion. Participants will be collecting data by measuring sections and will be participating in a series of exercises.
By the end of the trip you should be able to:
1. Identify common volcanic, pyroclastic and epiclastic facies
2. Predict alteration zones in high and intermediate sulfidation epithermal systems
3. Map volcanic units in the sub-surface
4. Describe and interpret volcaniclastic facies in core
5. Understand controlling parameters on Li grade in clay deposits
This field trip focuses on the controlling parameters on the distribution and stratigraphy of volcaniclastic host rocks, if you are wanting a field trip on magmatic hydrothermal systems please click here.
If you are working in SE Asia we would recommend attending a version of this course taught in Indonesia where we lead you to Ijen Crater Lake and the exposed porphyries of Pulau Merah.
Who Should Attend
• Geologists • Geochemists
• Mining Engineers • Resource Modelers • Geotechs
This course is meant for all who are required to describe volcanics and volcaniclastic strata in core and create maps and cross-sections