Upper Devonian/Lower Carboniferous volcanism and mineralisation in the area east of the Rio Tinto mines, Iberian Pyrite Belt
Upper Devonian/Lower Carboniferous volcanism and mineralisation in the area east of the Rio Tinto mines, Iberian Pyrite Belt
Felsic and mafic volcanics dominate the structurally complex area to the east of the world-famous Rio Tinto mines. A detailed stratigraphy has been established, subdividing the Volcanic-Sedimentary Group into four formations. Facies variations within the felsic volcanics have been mapped in detail. The development of the felsic volcanic palaeotopography is assessed by palinspastic restoration of 27 measured sections. Corrections for tectonic deformation are incorporated into the restorations. The concept of regional volcanic cycles is found to be inapplicable. Oxide facies horizons, representing the termination of episodic volcanic activity, interdigitate in a complex facies-controlled manner. Subaqueous eruptions, from volcanic centres in the Valdezalamea and Sierra Blanca areas, generated acid lava flows which form the bulk of the volcanic pile. Other volcanic deposits, including pyroclastic flows and volcaniclastic turbidites have sources outside the area. The Rio Tinto ore bearing unit has been traced eastwards. Lithogeochemical studies show that major anomalies are absent both from this unit and from other oxide facies horizons. Although no major stockwork/hydrothermal centres have been identified, there is evidence to suggest further hidden ore deposits exist. Palaeogeographic studies reveal a consistent topographic depression in the area now occupied by the Rio Tinto Syncline. Models of ore genesis imply that the Rio Tinto Syncline should be regarded as a promising exploration target. Parellels are drawn between the development of the Pyrite Belt as an ensialic back-arc rift and the Ordovician marginal basin of Wales. The closest present-day analogue is the Taupo-Rotarau depression of New Zealand. (D73968/87)
University of Southampton
1986
Oswin, Wayne Mark
(1986)
Upper Devonian/Lower Carboniferous volcanism and mineralisation in the area east of the Rio Tinto mines, Iberian Pyrite Belt.
University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.
Record type:
Thesis
(Doctoral)
Abstract
Felsic and mafic volcanics dominate the structurally complex area to the east of the world-famous Rio Tinto mines. A detailed stratigraphy has been established, subdividing the Volcanic-Sedimentary Group into four formations. Facies variations within the felsic volcanics have been mapped in detail. The development of the felsic volcanic palaeotopography is assessed by palinspastic restoration of 27 measured sections. Corrections for tectonic deformation are incorporated into the restorations. The concept of regional volcanic cycles is found to be inapplicable. Oxide facies horizons, representing the termination of episodic volcanic activity, interdigitate in a complex facies-controlled manner. Subaqueous eruptions, from volcanic centres in the Valdezalamea and Sierra Blanca areas, generated acid lava flows which form the bulk of the volcanic pile. Other volcanic deposits, including pyroclastic flows and volcaniclastic turbidites have sources outside the area. The Rio Tinto ore bearing unit has been traced eastwards. Lithogeochemical studies show that major anomalies are absent both from this unit and from other oxide facies horizons. Although no major stockwork/hydrothermal centres have been identified, there is evidence to suggest further hidden ore deposits exist. Palaeogeographic studies reveal a consistent topographic depression in the area now occupied by the Rio Tinto Syncline. Models of ore genesis imply that the Rio Tinto Syncline should be regarded as a promising exploration target. Parellels are drawn between the development of the Pyrite Belt as an ensialic back-arc rift and the Ordovician marginal basin of Wales. The closest present-day analogue is the Taupo-Rotarau depression of New Zealand. (D73968/87)
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Published date: 1986
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Local EPrints ID: 461065
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/461065
PURE UUID: 43560f94-9a16-4e19-982b-b8b5b91c115d
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Date deposited: 04 Jul 2022 18:34
Last modified: 04 Jul 2022 18:34
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Author:
Wayne Mark Oswin
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