What does VHMS mean in UNCLASSIFIED
Volcanic Hosted Massive Sulfide (VHMS) deposits are a type of mineralized geological formation that is found in active or inactive volcanogenic settings. VHMS deposits often occur close to the surface and can be mined for their valuable content, which includes copper, zinc, silver, gold and other precious metals. VHMS deposits form when hydrothermal fluids containing large amounts of mineral-rich sulfur-bearing compounds pass through sedimentary bedrock that contains high concentrations of chemical elements such as iron, manganese and carbon. These minerals precipitate out to form massive sulfide deposits on the seafloor or up in sedimentary rocks near mid-ocean ridges and continental margins. VHMS deposits are a major source of metallic ores for economic exploitation worldwide.
VHMS meaning in Unclassified in Miscellaneous
VHMS mostly used in an acronym Unclassified in Category Miscellaneous that means Volcanic Hosted Massive Sulfide
Shorthand: VHMS,
Full Form: Volcanic Hosted Massive Sulfide
For more information of "Volcanic Hosted Massive Sulfide", see the section below.
Definition
VHMS stands for Volcanic Hosted Massive Sulfide, which is an ore deposit composed of sulfide minerals (usually pyrite) hosted within volcanic rocks. Such deposits typically form at mid-ocean ridges and are found in locations where hydrothermal venting has occurred deep beneath the seafloor or near continental margins. VHMS ore bodies have characteristic geological features including steeply dipping lenses that contain rich concentrations of precious metals such as gold, silver, copper, zinc and lead along with a variety of other useful substances.
Economic Value
VHMS ore deposits represent some of the world’s richest sources of base metal mineralization capable of providing industry with a significant supply advantage compared to terrestrial mines. The grade and distribution of these metal resources vary widely around the globe but generally provide an attractive cost/benefit ratio due to their location within relatively shallow ocean waters where infrastructure requirements tend not to be as extensive as those associated with terrestrial mining operations.
Essential Questions and Answers on Volcanic Hosted Massive Sulfide in "MISCELLANEOUS»UNFILED"
What is a Volcanic Hosted Massive Sulfide (VHMS)?
VHMS stands for Volcanic Hosted Massive Sulfide. It is the name given to certain deposits of sulfide minerals that form in hydrothermal vents during volcanic activity. These deposits can be found in submarine areas around the ocean floor, and are rich in sulfur, copper, zinc, and other precious metals.
How are VHMS deposits formed?
VHMS deposits form when hot hydrothermal mineral-rich fluids interact with rock, creating a variety of sulfur-bearing minerals. The abundance and diversity of this mineralization depend on many factors such as temperature, pressure, water chemistry and composition of the surrounding rocks.
Where can VHMS deposits be found?
VHMS deposits are commonly associated with seafloor spreading ridges or submarine volcanoes where tectonic plates diverge or magma rises through the ocean crust to create new seafloor. These areas provide ideal conditions for mineral formation due to elevated temperatures and conducive chemical environments.
What kind of metals are found in VHMS deposits?
VHMS deposits tend to contain high concentrations of copper, zinc, lead and gold as well as other valuable metals such as silver and cobalt. In some cases they may also contain rare earth elements such as yttrium, gadolinium and lanthanum.
How much metal is usually present in a VHMS deposit?
The amount of metal present in a particular deposit will vary depending on its size and location; however it is not uncommon for larger deposits to contain over 20% copper by weight along with significant concentrations of other metals such as zinc or lead.
What methods are used to extract metals from VHMS?
Extracting metals from a VHMS requires specialized knowledge and equipment due to its depth below the ocean floor. Commonly used extraction techniques include hydraulic mining or dredging followed by mountain removal operations which transport material to processing plants near shorelines where the metal can be further refined.
Are there any risks associated with extracting metals from a VHMS deposit?
While careful extraction techniques reduce the risk of environmental damage related to mining operations, it is important to remember that these processes involve chemicals which can have an adverse effect on local marine life if mishandled or leaked into the water supply during extraction or transportation stages. Additionally careless practices such as dynamite fishing have been known to limit access to potential resources like these so it is important that miners exercise caution when conducting operations in this area.
Final Words:
In summary, Volcanic Hosted Massive Sulfide (VHMS) deposits are valuable sources of base metal mineralization located close to the surface in geologically stable areas such as mid-ocean ridges or near continental margins. VHMS ore bodies offer numerous economic advantages over terrestrial mining operations and typically yield useful metals such as gold, silver, copper, zinc and lead along with a variety of other useful substances that many industries require for production purposes. As society moves further into the 21st century it will become increasingly important to identify new sources for these resources so that current needs can continue to be met without compromising future generations’ access to them.
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