Degree
Master of Science
Program
Geology
Collaborative Specialization
Planetary Science and Exploration
Supervisor
Osinski, Gordon R.
Abstract
Alteration mineralization at impact craters gives insight into the hydrothermal system generated post-impact. This is the first work to document the alteration mineralization to characterize the East Clearwater impact-generated hydrothermal system. The East Clearwater hydrothermal system in the impact melt rocks and melt-bearing breccias transitions from zeolite-smectite assemblages to chlorite-dominant assemblages with depth. pH evolution of the East Clearwater impact-generated hydrothermal system reflects magmatic-driven hydrothermal systems in granitic rocks. West Clearwater has a different alteration style. Given an impact forms a hydrothermal system, the style of alteration will not only vary dependent on target lithologies (i.e., crystalline, sedimentary, mixed target), but also due to paleogeographic setting (i.e., costal, shallow marine, intracontinental). The impact-generated hydrothermal system of East Clearwater contains millerite, vaesite-pyrite, and galena due to a percentage of impactor imparted into the melt. Given ideal impact velocities do not completely vapourize an impactor, alteration products, especially metals, can influence secondary mineralization.
Recommended Citation
King, Derek, "The impact-generated hydrothermal system of the East Clearwater Lake impact structure, Quebec, Canada" (2019). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 6144.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/6144