The possible role of sulfate-reduction kinetics in the formation of hydrothermal uranium deposits

Open-File Report 79-673
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Abstract

As a sulfate-bearing, hydrothermal solution cools to less than about 200°C, kinetic factors prevent sulfate from entering into oxidation-reduction reactions. Consequently, the reducing effect of H2S (and other reduced species) is not balanced with the oxidizing effect of SO4= to the same extent as at higher temperatures. The result is a lower effective Eh of the system. This decrease in the effective Eh due to a slowing of the rate of sulfate reduction with cooling may be the precipitation mechanism for many types of ore deposits.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title The possible role of sulfate-reduction kinetics in the formation of hydrothermal uranium deposits
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 79-673
DOI 10.3133/ofr79673
Year Published 1979
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description 9 p.
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