Scales and Effects of Fluid Flow in the Upper Crust

Two of the most important agents of geological change, solar energy and internal heat from the mantle, meet and battle for dominance in propelling aqueous and related fluids in the earth's upper crust. Which prevails and how they interact are subjects of active research. Recent work has demonstrated that both agents can propel fluids over nearly continental-scale distances in a fashion that influences a host of important geological processes and leaves a record in chemical alteration, mineral deposits, and hydrocarbon resources.