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The redox evolution of arc magmas: from the oxygenation of the Earth’s atmosphere to the genesis of giant hydrothermal ore deposits

Project description

Exploring redox reactions during magma genesis

Arc magmas are richer in volatile elements and more oxidised. These qualities are responsible for the genesis of big magmatic–hydrothermal ore deposits and eventually the concentration of the oxygen budget of the Earth’s atmosphere. However, the origin of the higher oxidation state of arc magmas remains a question in petrology. The EU-funded OXYGEN project will work to obtain a quantitative understanding of redox reactions occurring during magma genesis, differentiation and degassing. The project will combine high-pressure temperature experiments, field-based studies and computational simulations. OXYGEN will apply the findings to assess if arc magmatism is crucial for Earth’s atmosphere oxygenation and aims to identify the most prospective regions for giant ore deposit generation.

Objective

Arc magmatism at subduction zones is responsible for much of the mass transfer of chemical elements between the Earth’s lower and upper spheres. Arc magmas are significantly more oxidized and richer in volatile elements than other voluminous magma types on Earth. These characteristics promote the genesis of large magmatic-hydrothermal ore deposits and potentially also the build-up of the oxygen budget of the Earth’s atmosphere. Despite its great significance, the origin of the higher oxidation state of arc magmas is still one of the most debated questions in petrology. I will combine high-pressure-temperature experiments, field-based studies and computational simulations to obtain quantitative understanding of redox reactions taking place during magma genesis, differentiation and degassing. Subsequently, I will apply this new knowledge to assess if arc magmatism may have been a key to the oxygenation of the Earth’s atmosphere, and to pinpoint the most prospective regions for the generation of giant ore deposits. Most experiments will rely on revolutionary new instrumentation and methodologies, which I have recently developed or will develop as a part of the project. For example, we will determine for the first time the speciation of sulfur in aqueous fluids in situ at magmatic temperatures and upper crustal pressures by using a prototype spectroscopic cell, so that its critical role in redox transfer and ore genesis can be quantified. Similarly, the field-based studies will employ a new method to constrain the redox evolution of magmas with unparalleled precision, which will be developed experimentally by using a prototype high-pressure apparatus with a unique capability to control redox conditions. In addition, these will also apply a powerful combination of novel and challenging analytical methods including the analysis of Au, Pt, Pd and Re concentrations and S isotope ratios in silicate melt inclusions in minerals to identify the key agents of magma oxidation.

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) ERC-2019-COG

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Host institution

UNIVERSITE DE GENEVE
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 2 406 972,00
Address
RUE DU GENERAL DUFOUR 24
1211 Geneve
Switzerland

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Region
Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Région lémanique Genève
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 2 406 972,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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