Circum-Pacific epithermal gold deposits form at shallow crustal levels (typically <1-1.5 km depth) from hydrothermal fluids associated with subvolcanic, relatively oxidized I-type granitic magmas. These magmas are typically characterized by comparatively low initial H2O content and rapid ascent/emplacement at shallow depths, enabling boiling-related gold precipitation processes characteristic of epithermal systems.
Epithermal gold deposits, common throughout the Circum-Pacific 'Ring of Fire,' form in shallow, near-surface volcanic-hydrothermal environments, typically within the uppermost 1-1.5 km of the crust,...
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