Basalt And Sedimentary Hosted Seafloor Polymetallic Sulfide Deposits And Their Ancient Analogues

Massive polymetallic sulfide deposits, ancient and contemporary, are rift-related. The seafloor deposits amply demonstrate that the tectonic setting of the rift and the type of underlying rocks have a profound influence on the nature of the deposit that is produced, an influence that probably explains the diversity of ancient massive sulfide deposits as well. The synergistic feedback among researchers studying ancient and modern deposits is an important step in our better understanding of and exploration for both types.