19-34. Paleo fluid model for critical minerals on the Colorado Plateau

The Colorado Plateau is rich in both petroleum and metal resources that formed in response to the processes of basin evolution. The superb exposures of geology throughout the Plateau have been studied for the last 150 years, which has led to good understandings of the province’s geological framework, petroleum and mineral (predominantly uranium, vanadium, and copper) systems (Alpine, 2010; Lillis et al., 2014; McLemore, 2011; Nuccio and Condon, 1996; Sanford, 1992; Shawe, 2011; Thorson, 2018; Whidden et al., 2013). At the district scale, local control of mineral systems in the Colorado Plateau are fairly well understood and have been extraordinary well documented. However, there are critical knowledge gaps in the regional deposit model. The timing of uranium, vanadium, and copper mineralization on the plateau is not well understood, nor is the source, mechanism and scale of leaching and transport of metals. This research opportunity seeks a Mendenhall Fellow to help resolve some of the uncertainties in understandings of mineral systems through the development of a predictive 4D basin model.

The petroleum and mineral systems are inexorably linked on the Colorado Plateau. Both uranium and vanadium are redox sensitive elements that formed economic deposits where fluids encountered reducing conditions. These conditions are often related to the concentration of organic matter in the host rock. In some models reducing fluids flow through and bleach red beds to release, mobilize and concentrate uranium and vanadium. In other models, brines are proposed to transport metals.  The movements of mineralizing paleo fluids and hydrocarbons are controlled by deposition and burial of sediments and the influence of Paleocene Laramide tectonism, Oligocene igneous activity, the formation (Permian to Jurassic) and dissolution and collapse (Neogene) of salt walls, and the slow rise of the Plateau which led to dissection, exposure and rejuvenation of fluid flow systems. These factors have not been integrated on a regional scale, with the exception of a conceptual model by Wallace and others (2002) and Sanford’s 1992 trailblazing, but high level, regional synthesis.

Construction of a predictive basin model will be complex. Data will likely be integrated from multiple sources including mineral resource databases, geologic maps, cross-sections, thermal maturity data, and seismic data. The modeler will need to be inquisitive and nimble to seek out and incorporate disparate data into the model. If the modeler selects to apply a traditional petroleum system model using standard software, techniques will need to be modified and expanded to resolve the movement and drivers of multiple fluids in the system. These approaches to basin modelling are common in the study of petroleum systems and have been applied at some level to portions of the Plateau (e.g. Paradox Basin - Nuccio and Condon, 1996), but not yet to mineral systems.

Analyzing the results of the model, the researcher should seek to develop a more comprehensive genetic mineral model for mineral deposits on the Plateau. This will require that the researcher independently and iteratively analyze inputs to and propose variables responsible for the regional metallogenic systems. This requires a strong background in economic geology and experience creating 3D models. Experience with 4D basin modelling would be a bonus.

The Mendenhall Fellow will be stationed at the USGS Energy Program’s Central Energy Resources Science Center in Denver, Colorado. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Research Advisor(s) early in the application process to discuss project ideas.

References:

Alpine, Andrea E., ed., 2010, Hydrological, geological, and biological site characterization of breccia pipe uranium deposits in northern Arizona: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2010–5025, 353 p., 1 pl., scale 1:375,000

Lillis, P., Whidden, K., Anna, L., Pearson, K., and  Dubiel, R., 2014, Geology and Total Petroleum Systems of the Paradox Basin, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona: Mountain Geologist, v. 51, p. 119-138.

McLemore, V. T., 2011, The Grants Uranium District, New Mexico: Update on source, deposition, and exploration: The Mountain Geologist, v. 48, p. 23-43.

Nuccio, V. F., and  Condon, S. M., 1996, Burial and thermal history of the Paradox Basin, Utah and Colorado, and Petroleum Potential of the Middle Pennsylvanian Paradox Formation: US Geological Survey Bulletin 2000-O, 41 p. and 2 plates.

Sanford, R. F., 1992, A new model for tabular-type uranium deposits: Economic Geology, v. 87, p. 2041-2055.

Shawe, D. R., 2011, Uranium-Vanadium Deposits of the Slick Rock District, Colorado: US Geological Survey Professional Paper 576F, 80 p.

Thorson, J. P., 2018, Paradox basin fluids and Colorado Plateau copper, uranium, and vanadium deposits: overview: Society of Economic Geologists, Guidebook Series 59, p. 13-46.

Wallace, C. A., Thorson, J. P., Wright, J. V., and  Keller, J. W., 2002, Metals and Brines of the Paradox Basin, Colorado and Utah, AAPG Hedberg Conference: Vail, CO, 3 p.

Whidden, K. J., Lillis, P. G., Anna, L. O., Pearson, K. M., and  Dubiel, R. F., 2013, Geology and total petroleum systems of the Paradox Basin, Utah, Colorado,  New Mexico and Arizona: The Mountain Geologist, v. 51, p. 119-138.

Proposed Duty Station: Lakewood, CO

Areas of PhD: Geology, economic geology, or related fields (candidates holding a Ph.D. in other disciplines, but with extensive knowledge and skills relevant to the Research Opportunity may be considered).

Qualifications: Applicants must meet the qualifications for: Research Geologist

(This type of research is performed by those who have backgrounds for the occupations stated above.  However, other titles may be applicable depending on the applicant's background, education, and research proposal. The final classification of the position will be made by the Human Resources specialist.)

Human Resources Office Contact: Joseline Martinez Lopez, 303-236-9559, jmartinezlopez@usgs.gov

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