Quaternary low-temperature serpentinization and carbonation in the New Caledonia ophiolite.

ABSTRACT: The low-temperature alteration (< 150 °C) of ophiolites by infiltrated meteoric waters removes atmospheric CO₂ through mineral carbonation and is assumed to generate H₂ and possibly CH₄ according to so-called serpentinization reactions. This overall alteration pattern is primarily constrained by the chemical composition of alkaline springs that are issued in several ophiolites worldwide. Here we report on the fingerprint, as veinlet mineralization, of the reactive percolation of such meteoric waters in the New Caledonia ophiolite (Massif du Sud). The mineralization which resulted from carbonation and serpentinization reactions, is young (< 2 Ma) and formed at a temperature of ca. 95 °C. It is mainly composed of lizardite, dolomite, magnetite ± pyroaurite. T

SUBMITTER: Corre M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10632469 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature