Diffuse flows of high-temperature fluids and their role in the formation of hydrothermal deposits

The compositions of the hydrothermal deposits formed at the oceanic bottom by diffuse and concentrated high-temperature hydrothermal flows are highly variable. The role of these flows in the formation of hydrothermal ores varies depending on the maturity of the hydrothermal mounds, the volcanism, and other factors. The average composition of the mature hydrothermal deposits is largely determined by the diffuse fluxes of hydrothermal fluids rather than by their concentrated flows.