Structural Processes, Petrogenesis, Mineralization, and Geochronology in the Earth’s Crust

Economic geology focuses on understanding the formation and distribution of mineral resources within the Earth's crust, which are essential for human survival and technological advancement. Despite the discovery of many accessible mineral resources, numerous hidden deposits remain unexplored, posing a significant challenge. A comprehensive understanding of the factors controlling ore body formation is crucial for economic geology. This includes examining the relationship between ore formation and continental dynamics, as well as reconstructing the spatial and temporal patterns of geological evolution in large metallogenic provinces. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of structural processes, which cause inhomogeneous strain in rocks, affecting magma transport and structural permeability. These processes influence the redistribution of hydrothermal fluids and the localized precipitation of ore. However, there is still a need for more detailed investigations into the spatial and temporal relationships between mineralization, structural zones, and host rocks to fully decipher the origin of ore deposits.

This research topic aims to gather papers on the structural processes, petrogenesis, mineralization, and geochronology in the Earth’s crust. Specific objectives include understanding the structural control of ore deposition, correlating the evolution of mineralizing fluids with the geomechanical development of deformation zones, and elucidating the mechanisms and environmental settings of ore deposition, including metallogenic chronology. By addressing these questions, we aim to foster a research paradigm that explores the origins of ore deposits and enhances our understanding of their deposition mechanisms.

To gather further insights into the structural processes, petrogenesis, mineralization, and geochronology in the Earth’s crust, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Structural control of ore deposition
• Evolution of mineralizing fluids and geomechanical development of deformation zones
• Mechanisms and environmental settings of ore deposition
• Metallogenic chronology
• Spatial and temporal relationships between mineralization and structural zones
• Petrogenesis and its role in ore formation
• Advances in geochronological techniques for dating mineralization events