Geochemical anomaly separation by multifractal modeling in Kahang (Gor Gor) porphyry system,Central Iran

Geochemical anomaly separation using the concentration–area (C–A) method at Kahang (Gor Gor) porphyry system in Central Iran is studied in this work. Lithogeochemical data sets were used in this geochemical survey which was conducted for the exploration for Cu mineralization in dioritic and andesitic units at Kahang Cu–Mo porphyry system. Similar surveys were also carried out for Mo and Au exploration in these rock units. The obtained results have been interpreted using rather extensive set of information available for each mineralized area, consists of detailed geological mapping, structural interpretation and alteration data. Anomalous threshold values for the mineralized zone were computed and compared with the statistical methods based on the data obtained from chemical analysis of samples for the lithological units. Several anomalies at a local scale were identified for Cu (224 ppm), Mo (63 ppm), and Au (31 ppb), and the obtained results suggests existence of local Cu anomalies whose magnitude generally is above 1000 ppm. The correlation between these threshold values and ore grades is clearly interpreted in this investigation. Also, the log–log plots show existence of three stages of Cu enrichment, and two enrichment stages for Mo and Au. The third and most important mineralization event is responsible for the presence of Cu at grades above 1995 ppm. The identified anomalies in Kahang porphyry system, and distribution of the rock types, are mainly monzodiorite and andesitic units, do have special correlation with Cu and monzonitic and dioritic rocks, especially monzodioritic type, which is of considerable emphasis. The threshold values obtained for each element are always lower than their mean content in the rocks. The study shows threshold values for Cu is clearly above the mean rock content, being a consequence of the occurrence of anomalous accumulations of phyllic, argillic and propyllitic alterations within the monzonitic and dioritic rocks especially in monzodioritic type. The obtained results were compared with fault distribution patterns which reveal a positive direct correlation between mineralization in anomalous areas and the faults present in the mineralized system.     

Nannostratigraphy,nannofossil events,and paleoclimate fluctuations in the lower boundary of Kalat formation in East Kopet Dagh (NE Iran)

The biostratigraphy and the response of calcareous nannofossils to the End Cretaceous warming are investigated in the lower boundary of Kalat formation through the record of species richness, diversity, distribution patterns, and statistical treatments. The Kalat formation comprised of coarse-grained detritus limestone with subordinate sandstone intercalations. In the studied sections, the number of ten samples were taken and prepared with smear slide. In Dobaradar, section 22 species; in Kalat, section 25 species; and in Chahchaheh, section 32 species have been determined. Based on nannoplanktons and as a result of biostratigraphic studies, the nannofossil standard zones (CC25–CC26) were identified in all of sections. According to these zones in all of sections, the age of the studied thickness is Late Maastrichtian–Late Late Maastrichtian. In these sections, the presence of Micula murus at the end of Neyzar formation and the presence of this species at the lower part of Kalat formation indicate that the investigated boundary is Late Maastrichtian in age. The paleoecological results point to warm climate. The presence of warm water indicators (M. murus and Micula prinsii) and the absence of cool water indicators (Ahmuellerella octoradiata, Kamptnerius magnificus, and Nephrolithus frequens) suggest warm surface water conditions in these areas. In the lower boundary of Kalat formation, base on Lithraphidites spp. and Watznaueria barnesae, lowered fertility condition with low productivity at the end of the Maastrichtian were suggested, and the studied area was deposited in shallow marine environment in relatively low latitude.     

Nannostratigraphy and investigation of sedimentation conditions of the lower boundary and the upper boundary of the Aitamir Formation in the east and west Kopet Dagh,northeast of Iran

By attention to the stratigraphic value of calcareous nannoplanktons for the age determination of sedimentary beds, for the first time Late Cretaceous calcareous nannofossil taxa, their distributions and relative abundances were recorded from the lower and the upper boundary of Aitamir Formation located in northeast Iran. In the present study, biostratigraphy and paleoecological conditions were reconstructed. The Aitamir Formation comprises glauconitic sandstones and olive-green shales. In this work, samples were prepared with smear slides, and nannofossils of these boundaries are listed and figured. They were photographed under a light microscope. Based on nannoplanktons and as a result of biostratigraphic studies, the age of the lower boundary of the Aitamir Formation in the east Kopet Dagh is Early/Middle Turonian, the age of the lower boundary in the west Kopet Dagh is Late Turonian/Early Coniacian, the age of the upper boundary of the Aitamir Formation in the east Kopet Dagh is Late Santonian, and the age of the upper boundary of this Formation in the west Kopet Dagh is Early Campanian. Based on paleoecological interpretation, the Aitamir Formation was deposited in a shallow marine environment, at relatively low latitude. A deepening trend of the sedimentary basin is recognized passing from Aitamir Formation to the overlying Abderaz Formation while in the lower boundary from Sanganeh to Aitamir Formation depth decreased.     

An appropriate multiple criteria decision making method for solving electricity planning problems, addressing sustainability issue

In the past, decision making within the energy sector, especially in Iran, was limited to economic analysis. Lately, multiple criteria decision making has gained great popularity. However, this is not enough to make a right decision by considering sustainability. This paper deals with designing an appropriate multiple criteria decision making method to address the multifaceted nature of such problems. This task is the second precondition to make a decision which meets the sustainability criterion. This is done by revealing new facts about quantitative and qualitative data and the degree of compensation between the criteria. Moreover, this paper illustrates the capability of different methods with regard to sustainable energy planning and management in two steps: 1) comparison of two main approaches in the strategic energy planning context; 2) evaluation of multi attribute decision making methods and combining them. Combining four methods including Analytical hierarchy process, Preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluation II, geometric mean and weighted sum seems to result in designing an appropriate method which meets the sustainability criterion. These contributions are proposed for comparing the renewable energy technologies with non-renewable ones. Nevertheless, these seem to be applicable in any comparison between discrete alternatives in the energy sector.     

Delineation of mineralization zones in porphyry Cu deposits by fractal concentration–volume modeling

The purpose of this study was to identify the various mineralization zones especially supergene enrichment and hypogene in two different Iranian porphyry Cu deposits, based on subsurface data and by using the proposed concentration–volume (C–V) fractal method. The Sungun and Chah-Firuzeh porphyry Cu deposits, which are situated in NW and SE Iran, respectively, were selected for this study. Straight lines fitted through log–log plots showing C–V relations for Cu were employed to separate supergene enrichment and hypogene zones from oxidation zones and barren host rocks in the two deposits and to distinguish a skarn mineralized zone from the hypogene zone in Sungun deposit. In the proposed C–V fractal method, the identification of mineralization zones is based on power–law relationships between Cu concentrations and the volume of rocks hosting porphyry Cu mineralization. Separate subsurface data from the two deposits were analyzed by C–V fractal method and the results have been compared with geological models which included alteration and mineralogical models. The comparison shows that the interpreted zones based on the C–V fractal method are consistent with the geological models. The proposed C–V method is a new approach to defining zones in a mineral deposit and there was no commercial software available to perform the relevant calculations; therefore, a fractal concentration–volume (FCV) software was designed by the authors to achieve this goal.     

Application of number–size (N-S) fractal model for separation of mineralized zones in Dareh-Ashki gold deposit, Muteh Complex, Central Iran

The goal of this study is to separate different mineralized zones in Dareh-Ashki gold deposit located in Muteh Complex, Central Iran, by using number–size (N-S) fractal model. The N-S log–log plot shows seven geochemical populations and four Au-mineralized zones. Based on obtained results, Au thresholds are 0.17, 0.32, 6.3, and 12.6 ppm which represent weakly, moderately, highly, and extremely mineralized zones in terms of Au grades, respectively. Au values lower than 0.17 ppm illustrate wall rocks. Main mineralization stage of gold commences from 6.3 ppm in this deposit. The moderately mineralized zone with Au values between 0.32 and 6.3 ppm has occupied the biggest part of the studied deposit. However, highly (with Au values between 6.3 and 12.6 ppm) and extremely (higher than 12.6 ppm) mineralized zones have small extension. Correlation between geological model and results from N-S fractal model reveals that the gold mineralized zones specifically the moderately mineralized zone are situated in green schist units.     

Identification of geochemical anomalies by using of number–size (N–S) fractal model in Bardaskan area, NE Iran

Geochemical anomaly separation and identification using the number–size (N–S) model at Bardaskan area, NE Iran is studied in this paper. Lithogeochemical data were used in this study which was conducted for the exploration for Au and Cu mineralization and enrichments in Bardaskan area. There are two major mineralization phases concluded epithermal gold and a disseminated systems. N–S log–log plots for Cu, Au, Sb, and As illustrated multifractal natures. Several anomalies at local scale were identified for Au (32 ppb), Cu (28 ppm), As (11 ppm), and Sb (0.8 ppm) and the obtained results suggest existence of local Au and Cu anomalies whose magnitudes generally are above 158 and 354 ppm, respectively. The most important mineralization events are responsible for presence of Au and Cu at grades above 1,778 and 8,912 ppm. The study reveals threshold values for Au and Cu are a consequence of the occurrence of anomalous accumulations of phyllic and silicification alteration zones and metamorphic rocks especially in tuffaceous sandstones and sericite schist types. The obtained results were correlated with fault distribution patterns, revealing a positive direct correlation between mineralization in anomalous areas and the faults present in the mineralized system.     

Application of concentration–number (C–N) multifractal modeling for geochemical anomaly separation in Haftcheshmeh porphyry system, NW Iran

Geochemical anomaly separation using the concentration–number (C–N) method at the Haftcheshmeh porphyry system in NW Iran is the aim of this study. We used lithogeochemical data sets to explore Cu, Mo, Au and Re mineralization in gabbroic, dioritic and monzonitic units at the Haftcheshmeh Cu–Mo porphyry system. The obtained results were interpreted using a rather extensive set of information available for each mineralized area, consisting of detailed geological mapping, structural interpretation and alteration data. Threshold values of elemental anomalies for the mineralized zone were computed and compared with the statistical methods based on the data obtained from chemical analyses of samples for the lithological units. Several anomalies at local scale were identified for Cu (40 ppm), Mo (12 ppm), Au (79 ppb), and Re (0.02 ppm), and the results suggest the existence of local Cu anomalies whose magnitude generally is above 500 ppm. The log–log plots show the existence of three stages of Cu and Mo enrichment, and two enrichment stages for Au and Re. The third and most important mineralization event is responsible for presence of Cu at grades above 159 ppm. The identified anomalies in Haftcheshmeh porphyry system, and distribution of the rock types, are mainly gabbrodiorite–monzodiorite, granodiorite and monzodiorite–diorite that have special correlation with Cu–Mo and gabbroic and monzonitic rocks, especially the gabbrodiorite–monzodiorite type, which is of considerable importance. The study shows that these elemental anomalous parts have been concentrated dominantly by potassic and phyllic, argillic and propylitic alterations within the gabbroic, monzonitic and dioritic rocks especially in the gabrodioritic type in certain parts of the area. The results, which were compared with fault distribution patterns, revealed a positive correlation between mineralization in anomalous areas and the faults present in the mineralized system.     

Modeling habitat suitability of range plant species using random forest method in arid mountainous rangelands

Mountainous rangelands play a pivotal role in providing forage resources for livestock, particularly in summer, and maintaining ecological balance. This study aimed to identify environmental variables affecting range plant species distribution, ecological analysis of the relationship between these variables and the distribution of plants, and to model and map the plant habitats suitability by the Random Forest Method(RFM) in rangelands of the Taftan Mountain, Sistan and Baluchestan Province, southeastern Iran. In order to determine the environmental variables and estimate the potential distribution of plant species, the presence points of plants were recorded by using systematic random sampling method(90 points of presence) and soils were sampled in 5 habitats by random method in 0–30 and 30–60 cm depths. The layers of environmental variables were prepared using the Kriging interpolation method and Geographic Information System facilities. The distribution of the plant habitats was finally modelled and mapped by the RFM. Continuous maps of the habitat suitability were converted to binary maps using Youden Index(?) in order to evaluate the accuracy of the RFM in estimation of the distribution of species potentialhabitat. Based on the values of the area under curve(AUC) statistics, accuracy of predictive models of all habitats was in good level. Investigating the agreement between the predicted map, generated by each model, and actual maps, generated from fieldmeasured data, of the plant habitats, was at a high level for all habitats, except for Amygdalus scoparia habitat. This study concluded that the RFM is a robust model to analyze the relationships between the distribution of plant species and environmental variables as well as to prepare potential distribution maps of plant habitats that are of higher priority for conservation on the local scale in arid mountainous rangelands.     

Active Control of A Piston-Type Absorbing Wavemaker with Fully Reflective Structure

China Ocean Engineering - Multiple reflections of the waves between structure and wavemaker in hydraulic flumes could change the frequency content of the desired incident wave or result in...