This study will involve theoretical modelling of fluid circulation and ore-forming reactions in the MIssissippi Valley type deposits of southeast Missouri. The strengths primarily focus on combined expertise of the PIs and their application of fluid-flow models to well studied mineral deposits. The models will attempt to integrate constraints from hydrology, tectonics, basin structure, timing of flow and mineralization, and mechanisms for sulfide mineral precipitation. Ultimately, the relative role of these factors on ore formation will be assessed. The long-term benefits will include improvements in techniques for integrating diverse information to more realistically model ore formation processes.
