Van Tuyl Lecture, November 18, 2024, Berthoud 205, 12-1pm

Matthew Steele-MacInnis, University of Alberta

Old Problem, New Solution: Molten Salts and the Origins of Magnetite-apatite Deposits

Abstract: The origins of magnetite-apatite (aka iron-oxide-apatite, or IOA) deposits have been deeply controversial for nearly a century, mostly because the fluids that form these deposits have remained elusive. Here, I will describe my group’s recent efforts to unravel the origins of these deposits by characterizing the fluids involved in their formation. Our results reveal widespread involvement of fluids dramatically different from what have been previously envisioned or assumed: essentially anhydrous molten salts, dominated by chloride, sulfate and carbonate components. I will discuss where these liquids come from, what they do, and how their growing recognition helps clarify what these deposits represent and why they have been so contentious for so long.

Bio: Matthew Steele-MacInnis is a professor of geology at the University of Alberta whose research focuses on geologic processes that involve fluids, especially formation of mineral deposits. Matthew has been a recipient of the Hisashi Kuno award from the American Geophysical Union; a CAREER award from the US National Science Foundation; the Young Scientist Award from the Mineralogical Association of Canada; and the SGA Young Scientist Award from Society for Geology Applied to Mineral Deposits.

This lecture is scheduled in a hybrid format. If you would like to join the meeting please:

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://mines.zoom.us/j/92940433016?pwd=r3AeZGVduaW8dbPt9QnZDD1s26FblW.1
Meeting ID: 929 4043 3016
Password: 740862

Refreshments will be served.