A space to discuss aspects of the Caribbean geology, ore potential of the ophiolite belts, etc.
Saturday, August 17, 2024
https://youtu.be/ZhVXx6dPwNA
The origin of gold in the universe is closely linked to cosmic events such as gamma-ray bursts and the collision of neutron stars. Gamma-ray bursts, which are intense flashes of gamma radiation, can result from the explosive deaths of massive stars or the merger of neutron stars and black holes. These events are significant because they can lead to the formation of heavy elements through a process known as rapid neutron capture, or r-process nucleosynthesis. During this process, neutron-rich environments allow for the creation of elements heavier than iron, including gold. While neutron star collisions have been confirmed as a source of these heavy elements, they occur infrequently and cannot account for all the gold present in the universe.
Another potential source of gold is collapsars, which are massive stars that collapse into black holes, producing long gamma-ray bursts. These collapsars may generate heavy elements through r-process nucleosynthesis as well. However, recent observations, such as those from the BOAT (Brightest of All Time) gamma-ray burst, have raised questions about the efficiency of this process. The BOAT's host galaxy exhibited low metallicity, suggesting it lacked the necessary building blocks for heavy element formation. This finding challenges the current understanding of how collapsars contribute to the abundance of gold and other heavy elements, indicating that alternative processes might be responsible for their creation.
P. Geo. Ricardo A Valls, M. Sc. and Geo Gadfly
Valls Geoconsultant
ORCID ID- https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5421-0914
Scopus Author ID: 7003369619/35335510700
ResearcherID: S-6604-2018
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