CRYOGEOCHEMICAL PROCESSES IN THE ZONES OF OXIDATION OF ORE DEPOSITS (ANALYTICAL REVIEW). PART 1. GENERAL PHYSICOCHEMICAL REGULARITIES IN WEATHERING IN THE CRYOLITHIC ZONE

V. A. Abramova, A. B. Ptitsyn

Insti tute of Natural Resources, Ecology and Cryology SB RAS, Chita, Russia

The authors have reviewed physicochemical regularities in weathering in the cryolithic zone, in particular, some cryogeochemical features of sulfide deposits hypergenesis and their impact on the development of oxidation zones. It was revealed that the chemical interaction in the water – rock system in the permafrost environment is principally different from the similar processes at a positive temperature. Such factors as cryogenic melt concentration, cryogenic rock and ore fracturing at varying temperature, special properties of film water, and presence of acid solutions further a substantial increase in the rate of chemical reactions in the cryolithic zone and intensify mobilisation of some chemical elements (e. g. heavy metals). The subject is very topical in terms of the evaluation of effects on the environment of the planned development of several sulfide deposits in Transbaikal and Cisbaikal regions (Udokanskoye copper deposit, Ozernoye and Kholodninskoye polymetallic deposits etc.), as the wise solution of topical prospecting, appraisal, and geological tasks is impossible without studying geological and geochemical processes in the cryolithic zone.

Key words: cryogeochemistry, oxidation zone, sulfide deposits, permafrost, ore metals.

DOI 10.20403/2078-0575-2017-2-69-78 

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