Subduction of seafloor features

Aug 22, 2023·
Dr. Ben Mather
Dr. Ben Mather
· 0 min read
Abstract
We examine the spatial relationship between subducting seafloor features—fracture zones, seamount chains, and large igneous provinces—and the distribution of porphyry copper deposits along the Americas. Statistical analysis reveals that 96% of all deposits are located within 800 km of a subducting fracture zone and 70% lie within 250–650 km of a synthetic seamount trail, suggesting these features play a key role in promoting copper mineralisation.
Date
Aug 22, 2023 9:00 AM — 10:00 AM
Location

Sydney, Australia

events
Porphyry Copper Subduction Critical Minerals
Dr. Ben Mather
Authors
Dr. Ben Mather
ARC Industry Research Fellow

I am an ARC Industry Research Fellow in the School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at The University of Melbourne. I am an expert in fusing Earth evolution models with data to understand how groundwater moves critical minerals through the landscape. Related research interests include the cycling of volatiles within the Earth, probabilistic thermal models of the lithosphere to unravel past tectonic and climatic events, and understanding the how enigmatic volcanoes form.

I am a vocal advocate for the integral role of geoscience in responding to challenges we face in transitioning to the carbon-neutral economy. As an expert in my field, I have been interviewed in national and international print media, TV, and radio on a wide variety of subjects including earthquakes, volcanoes, groundwater, and critical minerals.