Modeling coupled heat and mass transport applied to the hydrothermal system of the Upper Harz Mountains (Germany)

Numerical modeling of coupled heat and mass transport is applied to simulate the temporal and spatial evolution of temperature and quartz precipitation in a hydrothermal vein system. In detail, the computer model simulates the time-dependent temperature evolution of a shear zone and its vicinity by convective and conductive heat transport. A reaction term allows calculation of precipitation and dissolution of vein minerals, here quartz, due to flow-controlled mass transport. Assuming different flow scenarios, examples for the probable evolution of temperature and mineralization of hydrothermal systems are presented. The concept for the model is given by the geological, geochemical, and isotopic studies of hydrothermal vein systems of the Upper Harz Mountains. The suggested scenarios seek to approximate conditions typical for veins showing repeated opening and sealing.