European Phanerozoic metallogenesis

Abstract

Phanerozoic metallogenesis in Europe displays divergent characteristics which may be related to the variable nature of the three great European Phanerozoic orogens: Caledonian, Variscan and Alpine. These reflect different geodynamic processes. The Caledonian orogen resulted from the interaction of essentially oceanic with continental lithosphere, whilst the Variscan and Alpine orogens evolved mainly from continent-continent collisions with the involvement of a series of smaller oceanic basins. Each major stage of the orogenic processes is characterised by a typical metallogeny. The occurrence of subduction-related processes in the Caledonian orogeny gave rise to extensive VHMS deposition with characteristic Zn:Cu ratio signatures. The relative lack of abundance of metal-rich, Andean-type porphyry-type mineralisation remains unexplained, unless present erosional levels have prevented the preservation of such deposits. Continent-continent collisions do not appear to result in extensive mineralisation unless elevated heat flows result, possibly as a result of lithospheric delamination at the peak collisional stage. The development of late stage and peri-orogenic sedimentary basins are characterised by extensive Pb-Zn-Ba-F mineralisation as expressions of basinal fluid flow of regional dimensions.