Conditions Of The Present-Day Hydrothermal Metamorphism Of Volcanic Rocks

Hydrothermal metamorphism in volcanic areas causes intense leaching of wall rocks with the development of secondary quartzites and rocks rich in alunite, dickite, and sericite. Three zones of different chemical activity, because of differences in P-T conditions, are evident: 1) zone of liquid hydrotherms (300m – 800m); 2) vaporization zone (10 m – 300m); and 3) condensation zone. Propylitization is common at greatest depth. In the vaporization zone, cooling and increase in pH lead to potassic metasomatism and development of zeolites and orthoclase. Argillization occurs at the surface. The change in the hot waters from acid solutions at depth to alkaline solutions at shallow depths is caused largely by vaporization of dissolved gases such as CO₂ and H₂S at lower pressures. Analyses of the deep circulating thermal waters in the Pauzhetka trough and of altered rocks in the discharge area are given as well as analyses of thermal waters and altered rocks in active volcanoes. Analyses of altered rocks from Wairakei are also compared.- -J. A. Redden.