DISTRIBUTION PATTERN OF SUBMARINE HYDROTHERMAL SULFIDE DEPOSITS AND CONTROLLING FACTORS

The latest data on global hydrothermal vent sites are used in this paper to discuss the tectonic settings of submarine polymetallic sulfide deposits and other ore-controlling factors, such as the deep magmatic activity, fault structure and sediment cap. Results show that the submarine hydrothermal polymetallic sulfide vent sites are mainly located at the divergent and convergent plate boundaries; the deep magmatic activity and the fault structures are the most important factors controlling the distribution of the hydrothermal polymetallic sulfide on mid-ocean ridges; and the speed of sea floor spreading contributes to the size of polymetallic sulfide deposits. Conclusions of this study could be used as the reference in the exploration of submarine hydrothermal polymetallic resources.