Microanalysis of Fluid Inclusions in Crustal Hydrothermal Systems using Laser Ablation Methods

Quantitative analysis of microscopic fuid inclusions by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) has greatly improved our understanding of fuid-rock interactions and ore deposit formation. Spatially resolved analysis can track the chemical evolution of fuids within texturally complex veins and along fuid pathways. LA-ICP-MS makes it possible to analyze chemical (e.g. Br/Cl) and isotopic tracers (e.g. Pb), and to identify fuid sources and timescales of transient fuid fow. LA-ICP-MS analysis has demonstrated that selectively metal-enriched fuids control the formation of magmatic-hydrothermal and sediment-hosted ore deposits and that sulfur decisively infuences the partitioning, transport, and precipitation of metals in crustal fuids.