Project description
A closer look at the magmatic-hydrothermal processes
Samail Ophiolite in Oman is the world’s largest and best-exposed section of oceanic lithosphere. Representing an important source of base metals and revenue for the country, it hosts more than 20 volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits. Analysing the oceanic crust of this ophiolite will provide a deeper understanding of the magmatic-hydrothermal processes forming VMS deposits. The aim of the EU-funded SEA METAL FLUX project is to unravel how sulfur and metals are mobilised during hydrothermal circulation and transported to form VMS deposits close to the seafloor. There is also evidence that hydrothermal circulation in the oceanic crust reaches the crust-mantle transition, but how it influences the shallow VMS-forming processes remains an open question.
Objective
The Samail Ophiolite in Oman is the largest and best preserved fragment of oceanic lithosphere on land, exposing otherwise inaccessible crust and mantle. It hosts 20+ Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide (VMS) deposits which are an important source of base metals and revenue for the country. Here I propose a new research pathway that uses the Samail ophiolite to unravel magmatic-hydrothermal processes leading to the formation of VMS deposits. Current studies suggest that the flux of metals to generate VMS may be provided by leaching of magmatic sulfides from the sub-volcanic units, but the role of magmatic oxides is poorly understood. Also, evidence that hydrothermal circulation in ophiolites reaches the crust-mantle transition demands an assessment of the bulk crustal metal budget. The Oman Drilling Project (ODP) is an international effort that provided drill-core sampling of the Samail ophiolite. My aim is to seize the timely synergies between the ODP and my ongoing studies of VMS, and investigate for the first time, the metal fluxes in a complete profile of oceanic crust to constrain VMS formation. To achieve this I will: 1) disentangle the factors that contribute to VMS metal signatures using mineralogy and trace element/multi-isotope geochemistry; 2) characterise the primary metallic mineral phases in the crustal profile to establish the metal budget available for cycling; 3) trace fluid pathways using cutting edge multiple S and Sr isotopes; and 4) deliver an integrative numerical model for metal cycling in the oceanic crust. The proposal builds on my multidisciplinary research experience bridging metallogeny and petrology in mafic systems, my VMS investigations and a multi-institution partnership that will consolidate my research profile and yield a significant knowledge transfer to my country. The results emerging from this MSCA can establish innovative mineral exploration guides, particularly for critical metals, adding value to land and sea hosted VMS deposits.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences geochemistry
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences geology mineralogy
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences geology petrology
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2019
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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.
1749 016 Lisbon
Portugal
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.