Preliminary numerical simulation of tectonic deformation-driven fluid flow: Implications for ore genesis in the Dachang district, South China

This paper presents for the first time numerical simulation of fluid flow driven by tectonic deformation related to the ore genesis in the Dachang district, South China. Our modeling results, based on a 2-D conceptual model, indicate that tectonic deformation, in particular shortening, can drive significant fluid flow in the targeted area. The mixing of the down-going surface water due to the tectonically-induced topography with the up-going deep fluid from basement due to the compressional stress occurs in the lower Dachang fault. The mixed fluids travel laterally into and become confined in the nearby Upper Devonian silicalite limestone, over which mineral deposits may form. These results are consistent with field observations.