DEHYDRATION OF ROCKS WITHIN THE EARTH CRUST AS A POSSIBLE SOURCE OF GENESIS OF DIAMOND-BEARING STRUCTURES IN VARIOUS REGIONS OF THE EARTH

Abstract

Based on the results of laboratory studies of the elastic-density properties of rocks at high pressures and temperatures, taking into account numerous geological and geophysical factual data, a new concept on the genesis of earthquakes, hydrocarbons, diamond-bearing structures, geofluids and other products is presented. Among the problematic issues discussed is the genesis of diamond-bearing structures not only within the upper mantle, but also within the earth crust due to the dehydration of serpentinized rocks in various regions of the Earth.

The genesis of diamonds, despite numerous studies by specialists in developed countries of the world, is still debated. Particular attention has been paid to the study of inclusions of deep-seated minerals captured during the formation of diamonds, making it possible to determine the conditions under which diamonds were formed. Initial publications noted that diamonds are formed in the upper mantle at depths greater than 150 km.

Near the surface of the crust, diamonds are located in kimberlite structures and in blast tubes. Subsequently, diamonds were discovered in non-kimberlite igneous rocks. Diamonds were sometimes discovered in industrial concentrations, in rocks different from kimberlites in composition and genesis: in metamorphic rocks, ophiolites, in products of modern volcanic eruptions. It was believed that both kimberlites and other volcanic rocks were only a transporter of diamonds. Thus, the genesis of other types of diamonds (metamorphic, ophiolitic, volcanic) remains debatable.

The concept proposed by us for the dehydration of serpentinized rocks at various depths of the earth crust in different regions of the Earth shows clarity both in the formation of kimberlite structures and explosion pipes, and in the genesis of metamorphogenic diamonds and diamonds in ophiolites and in volcanic eruptions.

This concept is characterized by more than 17 criteria that ensure the success of prospecting and exploration work for oil, gas and diamond-bearing structures in various regions of the Earth, including the territory of Armenia.