Surplus Space Method: A New Numerical Model for Prediction of Shallow-seated Magmatic Bodies

Based on the data of field measurement and drilling in the Tongling area, a series of numerical simulations are carried out by using the “Surplus Space Method” (SSM), which is first put forward in this paper and applied to predict the shallow-seated magmatic bodies. The results of the numerical simulations show the existence and the 3-D shape of a conical magmatic structure at a depth of −1000 m beneath the center of the area: its top offsets southwards and bifurcates to several branches, while its lower part stretches northeastwards and contracts rapidly to a point at about −1000 m depth. This point is reckoned to be a “sink” of magma system, transferring ore materials and heat energy from the deep magma chamber to the sub-surface apophyses. The preliminary application of the SSM proves that it may be developed as a new detection means for determining the existence of shallow-seated magmatic bodies and analyzing their three-dimensional features.