Earth's continental crustal gold endowment

摘要: Abstract The analysis of the temporal distribution gold deposits, combined with production data as well reserve and resource estimates for different genetic types deposit, revealed that bulk known to be concentrated in ore bodies was added continental crust during a giant Mesoarchaean event at time (3 Ga) when mantle temperature reached maximum dominant style tectonic movement changed from vertical, plume-related subhorizontal plate tectonic. A magmatic derivation first generation crustal relatively hot characterized by high degree partial melting is inferred chemistry, specifically Os contents. While large proportion still present only marginally modified palaeoplacer deposits Witwatersrand Basin South Africa, accounting about 40% all gold, remainder has been recycled repeatedly on lithospheric scale, predominantly plate-tectonically induced hydrothermal fluid circulation, produce current variety deposit types. Post-Archaean juvenile addition limited, but contribution some largest orogenic or intrusion-related indicated, notably Late Palaeozoic Tien Shan province. Magmatic fluids active margins seem most effective transport medium mobilization, giving rise volcanic-arc related deposits. Due their generally shallow level formation, they have low preservation potential. In contrast, those form greater depth are more widespread also older rocks. This explains (including intrusion-related) (32%) amongst overall 7 × 10− 7 estimated total amount available crust. less than solubility Au common fluids. potential existence voluminous, hitherto undiscovered, resources may thus inferred.