Hydrothermal Vents and Mineral Emission

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary element emitted by black smokers at higher temperatures?

Barium

Calcium

Iron (correct)

Silicon

White smokers operate at higher temperatures than black smokers.

False

What are extremophiles and where are they typically found?

Extremophiles are organisms that thrive in extreme environments, typically found around hydrothermal vents.

Cinnabar is scientifically known as ______.

mercury sulfide Signup and view all the answers

Match the following elements to their specific gravity rankings:

Gold = Heaviest Silver = Intermediate Copper = Lightest Signup and view all the answers

What conditions allow H2O and CO2 to be considered as 'fluids'?

Modest temperatures and pressures allowing for liquid and gas phases Signup and view all the answers

The primary composition of smoke emitted from white smokers is rich in iron and sulfur.

False Signup and view all the answers

What happens to cinnabar in the process of gold extraction?

Cinnabar is heated to extract mercury. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mineral associated with the gossan zone?

Iron oxides Signup and view all the answers

Realgar is a bright red mineral that contains arsenic sulfide.

True Signup and view all the answers

What economic and political challenges are often faced by countries with rich natural resources?

Dependency Signup and view all the answers

The process of mining can lead to _____, which acidifies waterways.

acid mine drainage Signup and view all the answers

Match the mining zones with the minerals they contain:

Gossan zone = Iron oxides Leached zone = Clays, oxides, carbonates Enriched zone = Copper, silver, gold Primary ore = Sulfide minerals Signup and view all the answers

How deep is the deepest gold mine in the world going to be after new drilling?

4.5 km Signup and view all the answers

The temperature in the deepest gold mine can reach up to 80°C.

False Signup and view all the answers

What type of rock typically holds ancient placer deposits of gold?

Conglomerate rock Signup and view all the answers

Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

White and Black Smokers

White smokers have lower temperatures (30–350°C) and emit lighter-colored minerals primarily calcium, barium, and silicon.
Black smokers have higher temperatures (up to 400°C) and emit darker mineral particles, mainly iron and sulfur.
Both are mineral-laden water plumes emitted from hydrothermal vents.
Location: Oceanic ridges and volcanic areas (e.g., hotspots). Average depth ~2,000m.
Extremophiles (bacteria, tube worms, clams) inhabit these environments.

Hydrothermal Fluids

Water (H₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) are common volatiles.
Considered fluids at modest temperatures and pressures due to their ability to dissolve and transport materials. The critical point occurs when the volume change from gas to liquid becomes zero, and they're no longer different phases.
Other volatiles: Hydrogen sulfide, methane, nitrogen.

Gold, Silver, and Copper Alloys

This ternary system forms a continuous solid solution (gold readily mixes with silver and copper indefinitely).
Atomic structure: Face-centered cubic (FCC) lattice.
Bonding: Metallic bonding.
Properties: High conductivity, malleability.
Specific gravity: Gold > Silver > Copper.
Color change with composition: Gold (yellow) > Silver (white) > Copper (red). Greater ratios of gold give yellow, greater ratios of copper give red, greater ratios of silver give whitish colors.

Cinnabar and Gold Extraction

Cinnabar (HgS): Mercury sulfide used in gold extraction by amalgamation.
Process: Heating cinnabar to release mercury, which then combines with gold (amalgamation).
Environmental Concerns: Mercury pollution and toxicity.

Quartz Veins and Ore Deposits

Quartz veins often host gold and other ore minerals.
Formation occurs through hydrothermal processes associated with large igneous systems.

Gossan and Ore Bodies

Gossan: Oxidized weathered zone of ore bodies, indicates sulfide ores beneath.
Minerals by Zone:
- Gossan: Iron oxides
- Leached zone: Clays, oxides, carbonates
- Enriched zone: Copper, silver, gold
- Primary ore: Sulfide minerals

Realgar

Realgar (As₂S₂): Bright red arsenic sulfide mineral.
Nickname "Powder of the Mine" for its powdery form and use in early mining.

Resource Curse

Countries with abundant resources often face economic and political challenges due to dependence.

Acid Mine Drainage

Acid mine drainage forms when exposed sulfide minerals react with water to form sulfuric acid, contaminating waterways and harming ecosystems.

Environmental Effects of Mining

Environmental effects include deforestation, habitat loss, water contamination, air pollution, and soil erosion.

Deepest Gold Mine

Located in South Africa, approximately 4 km deep.
New drilling target: 4.5 km.
Discovery: Early 20th century
Temperature: Up to 60°C (from Earth's core heat)
Main danger aside from blasting: Rock bursts due to pressure.
Gold origin: Ancient placer deposits (conglomerate rocks).
Age of gold: Very old.
Extraction: Crushing, grinding, cyanidation.
Blasting safety: Keep mouths open during blasts to prevent eardrum damage from pressure changes.

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Description

Explore the fascinating world of hydrothermal vents with this quiz. Learn about the differences between white and black smokers, the unique extremophiles they host, and the role of hydrothermal fluids. Test your knowledge on the mineral-laden plumes found in these extreme environments.