Finite Element Modelling of Three-Dimensional Steady-State Convection and Lead/Zinc Mineralization in Fluid-Saturated Rocks

We use the finite element method to model three-dimensional steady-state convective pore-fluid flow and the relevant mineralization in fluid-saturated rocks when they are heated from below. In particular, we investigate lead/zinc precipitation and dissolution patterns caused by the reactive sulfide and sulfate fluids mixing in three-dimensional hydrothermal systems. The related numerical results demonstrated that: (1) The finite element method is useful in and applicable to the modelling of three-dimensional ore body formation and mineralization problems in fluid-saturated porous rocks; (2) The mixing of reactive sulfide and sulfate fluids is an important mechanism to generate high-grade lead/zinc deposits in three-dimensional hydrothermal systems in the upper crust of the Earth.