Distinctive Features of Two Genetic Types of Sulfide Ores in the Central Atlantic.

The results of long-term studies of the localization conditions, morphology, structure, mineral and chemical compositions of modern ocean sulfide ores, carbonate sediments, as well as ore- and metal-bearing sediments, at 13°–20° N Mid-Atlantic Ridge are summarized. This paper considers the features of sulfide ores formed in various geological and physicochemical environments: (1) on the bottom surface during the hydrothermal solution–seawater ("black smokers") interaction; (2) under the bottom surface during the hydrothermal solution–biogenic carbonate sediment (hydrothermal-metasomatic ore) interaction. These ore types have some common features, and they are not always distinguished by researchers. A set of distinctive features is proposed to identify the hydrothermal-metasomatic ores that can be used in the search and prediction of sulfide ores in the ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]