Structure of ore fields and deposits: Current status and outlook for further development

The current status of investigations of the structure of ore fields and deposits in Russia is considered. The importance of traditional lines of research in this field and the great body of information acquired is emphasized. The changes in ideas of geodynamic and tectonic crustal evolution have made it necessary to alter concepts of the geological and structural position of ore fields and deposits. New challenges are caused by these changes and progress in the knowledge of ore deposits and the depth of their formation, as well as geodynamic, tectonophysical, and hydrodynamic processes in ore-bearing crustal blocks. The results of hydrodynamic modeling of deposit formation controlled by deeply penetrating fault zones are discussed. Various relationships between hydrodynamic and structural factors in ore formation are considered.