Thematic integration of spatial data sets to delineate favourable zones for uranium exploration in Gangpur basin and parts of Kunjar and Darjing basins,Odisha

Surface exploration techniques have been key contributors in discovering mineral deposits over the past three decades. However, in the last decade there has been a growing emphasis on integrating remote sensing, geological, geophysical and geochemical exploration techniques to compliment them in identifying concealed deposits. Successful integrated exploration requires putting mappable petrophysical property contrasts in terms of geological and geochemical process that could be associated with different mineralisation environment. The Precambrian Gangpur basin comprising volcanic free sedimentary sequence is considered as a potential geological setting for hosting uranium mineralisation. The Gangpur basin with metasediments of low to medium metamorphic grade classified as the Gangpur Group are known for hosting manganese, limestone and lead-zinc deposits. Uranium mineralization is reported in limonitic carbonaceous phyllite and sheared quartzite of Kumarmunda Formation at Jhamankele-Bhalulata areas. Several uranium anomalies have been associated with gossan at Kaedarpani, Jamdra and in ferruginised laterite at Badekachar, Jarmal, Jhagarpur, Kadorpani, Karamabahal, Tetelkela & Kumtinunda. In the present study geological, geophysical and remote sensing data sets are processed and integrated with other available data to delineate target zones for uranium exploration. Even though direct detection of uranium mineralisation remains unresolved in exploration strategy, instead it is becoming increasingly instructive to focus on mapping suitable depositional environments. The enhanced satellite imagery is interpreted in terms of thematic layers viz. trend lines, lineaments, faults and geological contacts. The aeromagnetic data is processed and interpreted thematic layers of magnetic breaks and linears from total magnetic intensity (TMI), the reduced to pole (RTP), tilt derivative and amplitude of analytical signal grid images. The radiometric data is processed based on their broad lithology and radio-elemental distribution maps viz. count maps, ratio maps, ternary (%K-eTh-eU) and eU/K ? eU/eTh ? eU images are generated to aid in mapping uranium favourability zones. The favourability image zones with high eU/K, eU/eTh and eU counts zones are classified into class based on statistics and anomalous high zones are picked up as uranium favourable locales. The thematic layers of geological contacts, lineaments and faults interpreted from satellite imagery, magnetic linears interpreted from aeromagnetic data and uranium favourability zone extracted from Airborne Gamma Ray Spectrometric (AGRS) data are overlaid. Based on spatial association of favourable features few locals are delineated for uranium exploration.     

Integrated mineral magnetic and lithologic studies to delineate dynamic modes of depositional conditions in the Leh valley basin, Ladakh Himalaya, India

We present here lithofacies and mineral magnetic results from a ～50 m thick composite record of fluvial, lacustrine and aeolian facies within the Leh valley basin of Indus River in Ladakh Himalaya. Mineral magnetic studies decipher interplay of two contrasting sediment sources viz., the unimodal ferrimagnetic source derived from Ladakh batholithic glacial domain and mixed ferri-to antiferromagnetic source derived from Indus sedimentary sequence. The lithofacies variability expresses dynamic changes in the depositional regimes controlled by base level fluctuations that are governed by the interaction of basin fill conditions and the response to Late Quaternary climatic perturbations. A three stage evolution of the Leh valley basin is proposed after comparison to other characteristic lithofacies changes within the valley as: (I) the basin under-fill conditions marked by fluvial and fluvio-lacustrine phase till ～24m (～64 Ka OSL age) above modern base level followed by (II) predominantly varved, glacio-lacustrine, basin overfill phase till 38m (～28 Ka) gradually passing into an aeolian phase; and (III) basin incision that began at the earliest Holocene warming. Advancement and retreat of glaciers from the transverse valleys, attributed to climatic oscillations, appears to have greatly controlled the basin-fill conditions in the Leh valley. The present approach demonstrates its larger scope in recording the Late Quaternary response of individual valley basins to delineate local and regional attributes of climate change in the Himalayan and Karakoram region.     

松辽盆地庆安地区白垩纪沉积体系和目的层地球化学特征及与铀矿化的关系

本在分析松辽盆地所处大地构造背景和构造演化特征的前提下，着重研究了松辽盆地庆安地区白垩系的沉积特点、沉积体系特点和泉头组目的层地球化学特征，初步论述该地区砂岩型铀矿成矿特点及与白垩纪地层的关系，并提出了该地区可能产出的铀矿床类型。     

Integrated approach for delineating potential zones to explore for groundwater in the Pageru River basin, Cuddapah District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Hydrogeomorphological, hydrogeological and geophysical investigations were carried out in the Pageru River basin of Cuddapah district, Andhra Pradesh, to delineate potential zones for future groundwater exploration. The study area is underlain by Proterozoic formations of the Indian Peninsula comprising limestones and shales as the sedimentary cover. Limestone and shale formations of the Cuddapah Super group that are later overlain by the Kurnool group (shale, limestone and quartzite) are exposed extensively. The high drainage density (2.61 km/km²) in the western region also suggests that the area is characterized by low permeable zones compared with low drainage density (1.04 km/km²) of the flood plains, which form the potential aquifers in the east. The hydro-geomorphological data are further supported from evidence of the water-table fluctuation in wells and resistivity of the saturated formations. The results indicate that the favourable, moderately favourable and poor zones characterized geomorphologically, have water-level fluctuations in the range of 0–2, 2–6 and above 6 m, respectively. The resistivities of these zones are also in the range of 1–26, 40–466, and >1,900 ohm-m. A few pumping tests have also been conducted to assess the broad range in the values of aquifer parameters. Based on these data, good to poor potential zones for obtaining groundwater have been delineated in the study area.

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Resumen Se llevaron a cabo investigaciones hidrogeomorfológicas, hidrogeológicas y geofísicas en la cuenca del Río Pageru del distrito Cuddapah, Andhra Pradesh, con objeto de delimitar zonas potenciales para exploración futura de aguas subterráneas. El área de estudio consiste de formaciones Proterozoicas de la Península India con calizas y lutitas como cubierta sedimentaria. Las formaciones de caliza y lutita del Grupo Cuddapah Superior afloran extensamente y están cubiertas por el Grupo Kurnool (lutita, caliza, y cuarcita). La alta densidad de drenaje (2.61 km/km²) en la región occidental también indica que el área se caracteriza por zonas de baja permeabilidad en comparación con las planicies de inundación de baja densidad (1.04 km/km²) que forman los acuíferos potenciales del oriente. Los datos hidrogeomorfológicos tienen apoyo adicional a partir de evidencia proveniente de la fluctuación del nivel freático en pozos y resistividad de las formaciones saturadas. Los resultados indican que las zonas caracterizadas geomorfológicamente como zonas favorables, moderadamente favorables, y pobres tienen fluctuaciones de niveles de agua en el rango de 0–2, 2–6, y mayor de 6 m, respectivamente. Las resistividades de estas zonas también se encuentran en el rango de 1–26, 40–466, y mayores de 1,900 ohm-m. Se realizaron algunas pruebas de bombeo para evaluar los amplios rangos que tienen los valores de los parámetros de los acuíferos. Basado en esta información se delimitaron zonas con potencial bueno a pobre para obtener agua subterránea en la zona de estudio.

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Résumé Des investigations hydrogéomorphologiques, hydrogéologiques et géophysiques ont été menées sur le bassin de la rivière Pageru du district de Cuddapah, Andhra Pradesh, pour délimiter les zones potentielles dans la future recherche deaux souterraines. La zone étudiée est, à la base, constituée par les formations protérozoïques de la péninsule indienne comprenant les calcaires et les shales de la couverture sédimentaire. Les calcaires et les shales du Super Groupe Cuddapah qui sont recouverts par le Groupe Kurnool (shale, calcire, quartzite) sont exposés de manière extensive. La densité importante de drainage (2.61 km/km²) dans la région ouest montre également que la zone est caractérisée par des perméabilités faibles par comparaison avec les plaines dinondation (densité de drainage: 1.04 km/km²), formant les aquifères potentiels de lEst. Les données hydrogéomorphologiques vont également dans le sens des données de fluctuation de la nappe et de résistivité des formations saturées. Les résultats indiquent que les zones caractérisées géomorphologiquement comme favorables, moyennement favorables et pauvres, possèdent des fluctuations respectives de lordre de 0 à 2, 2 à 6 et de plus de 6 m. La résistivité de ces zones est également de lordre de 1 à 26, 40 à 466 et de plus de 1900 ohm-m. Quelques pompages dessais ont également été conduits pour déterminer les valeurs moyennes des paramètres de laquifère. En se basant sur ces données, des zones potentielles bonnes à pauvres pour lexploitation des eaux souterraines ont été délimitées.

     

High resolution multispectral satellite data interpretation and limited ground checking: A proxy for geological mapping and uranium exploration in Mahakoshal Fold Belt of Son valley area,Madhya Pradesh

This research aims at integrating remote sensing data and field studies to prospect for uranium mineralisation in the Palaeoproterozoic Mahakoshal Group of rocks in the Son valley area, Central India. In present work, a revised geological map of Mahakoshal Fold Belt (MFB) bounded by Son-Narmada north fault (SNNF) and Son-Narmada south fault (SNSF) along Chorhut-Sidhi-Chitrangi sector falling in Sidhi, Rewa and Shahdol districts of Madhya Pradesh has been prepared based on interpretation of digitally enhanced satellite images. The satellite image interpretation is supported by limited field works, radioelemental measurements (eU, eTh and % K) of in-situ rocks by four channel Portable Gamma Ray Spectrometer (PGRS) and existing published geological maps of Geological Survey of India. In search for mineral potential areas, accurate and up-to-date geological maps are essential as it represent the most basic information for carrying out further exploration activities. However, available geological maps of MFB and sedimentary formations ofVindhayan Supergroup along SNNF and Chhotanagpur Granite Gneissic Complex (CGGC) and Gondwana Supergroup along SNSF available in public domain are discontinuous and multi-scaled.     

内蒙古西胡里吐盆地有机质特征及其与铀矿化的关系

在砂岩型铀矿床中 ,有机质与铀矿化之间有着较为密切的关系。西胡里吐盆地的有机质主要是以松柏类和蕨类等高等植物残体为母质的腐殖型有机质。通过镜质体反射率、有机质碎屑的颜色、粘土矿物X 衍射和古地温恢复等分析测试发现 ,有机质的成熟度较低 ,处于未成熟—低成熟早期阶段。有机质的类型和成熟度决定了其在热演化中产生了大量腐殖酸并保存在地层中。褐煤、腐殖酸、残余植物碎屑和地沥青等是现存有机质的主要类型。除大量产出的煤层外 ,有机质主要呈碎屑状和细分散状分布于地层之中。 70 %的岩石中有机质的丰度在 0 1 %～ 3 % ,对铀矿化的形成较为有利。铀与有机质的紧密共生以及二者之间的正相关性 ,表明了有机质在西胡里吐盆地铀矿化形成中所起的重要作用。有机质中的腐殖酸与铀矿化的关系最为密切 ,有机粘土复合体、蚀变岩屑、植物碎屑和地沥青等吸附剂对铀的吸附均与腐殖酸有关。腐殖酸吸附铀后可以将铀还原 ,还可以与铀酰离子等进行络 (鳌 )合形成铀酰腐殖酸盐 ,并最终引起铀的沉淀富集。     

龙川江盆地沉积演化与团田矿区铀储层配置

在构造-沉积-成矿背景、铀源地质体配置研究的基础上,选择滇西腾冲地块龙川江盆地南部团田地区老矿床外围部署验证工程,获得了重要找矿发现。本文以第一手钻探资料为素材,通过分析上新世龙川江盆地演化过程,建立含矿层系芒棒组的沉积体系和圈定有利赋矿微相组合,重建赋矿古冲积扇体的岩相古地理格局,为该地区和同类盆地砂岩型铀矿勘查提供科学依据。芒棒组沉积期,龙川江盆地演化经历了断陷成盆期、火山沉积期及盆地回返期3个阶段,其中断陷成盆期沉积了砂岩型铀矿主力发育层段-芒棒组下段,此时未形成具规模的湖盆,具备汇水盆地的古地理模式。盆地东、南部分布多个潜在赋矿的古冲积扇体,本文的研究重点团田地矿区位于旱坝寨扇体。团田矿区芒棒组下段识别出3种沉积相和6种亚相,根据其沉积演化序列显示,在冲积扇扇中/扇端沼泽的纵向序列转换面附近,形成“沼泽相炭质泥岩层-煤层/扇中砾质辫状河道”的有利控矿微相组合。分析团田矿区主矿层、矿层顶板层沉积期底古地理格局可发现,在扇中-扇端沉积转换期的湖泛（相对水位上升）控制下,受晚期扇端（沼泽）覆盖的早期扇中沉积相区是最有利的赋矿相区和部位。基于上述认识,提出砂岩型铀矿勘查应加强沉积微相和岩相古地理研究,建立赋矿有利相带的空间分布模式;结合铀源和成矿作用类型的分析,可更准确地定位潜在的铀矿体。     

准噶尔盆地顶山地区乌伦古河组氧化带元素地球化学特征及其与铀矿化的关系

主要对准噶尔盆地顶山地区乌伦古河组潜水氧化带和层间氧化带的砂岩进行主量元素、微量元素、稀土元素地球化学特征分析和对比.主微量元素特征显示：潜水氧化带的黏土作用,碳酸盐化作用,U、V、Mo的相关性比层间氧化带强.稀土元素特征显示：层间氧化带与潜水氧化带具统一的物源、沉积环境和构造背景,潜水氧化带轻重稀土分异程度、后生蚀变作用较层间氧化带强,层间氧化带Eu负异常较潜水氧化带明显.     

Application of 3D Euler deconvolution of aeromagnetic data and pseudogravity transforms in mineral exploration: a case study of the pegmatite-rich zones of Lafiagi,Central Nigeria

Structural evaluation of the pegmatite-rich zones in a part of Lafiagi (Sheet 203), Central Nigeria, was carried out. It was aimed at identification of the structures responsible for the rich mineralization of the area. This work involved the qualitative and quantitative analysis of aeromagnetic data and pseudogravity transforms by using Oasis Montaj? software. The 3D Euler deconvolution results from acquired aeromagnetic data and pseudogravity transforms augmented with geological information obtained from reliable sources were employed in the structural interpretation work. The results have shown that the abundance of 2D and 3D structures that are commonly associated with gemstones and precious minerals explain why the study area is rich in mineral deposits.     

新疆莎车盆地钾异常发现及有利找钾区预测

塔里木盆地古代钾盐找矿是一项艰巨且亟需突破的科学技术问题,在半个多世纪的找钾历程中,虽然获得少许找钾线索,但一直没有突破.塔里木盆地中、新生代发生多期次海侵—海退,发育多期蒸发岩地层,如西南部的莎车次级盆地、北部的库车次级盆地,岩盐厚度从几十米到上千米,自20世纪70年代以来,塔里木盆地一直是找钾重点区.笔者依托国家科...     

Geological interpretation of Bouguer gravity and aeromagnetic data from the Gobi-desert covered area,Eastern Tianshan,China: Implications for porphyry Cu-Mo polymetallic deposits exploration

In this study, Bouguer gravity and aeromagnetic data have been used to better understand the geology and mineral resources near the late Carboniferous-late Permian porphyry Cu-Mo polymetallic mineralization in the Chinese Eastern Tianshan belt, which is extensively covered by Gobi-desert. The reduced-to-pole (RTP) transformation of regional-scale aeromagnetic data shows that the porphyry Cu-Mo deposit is within a cluster of magnetic anomaly highs that overprint on a northeast trending magnetic gradient belt generally along the crustal-scale Kanguertag-Huangshan fault. The 10 km upward continuation transformation of both Bouguer gravity and aeromagnetic data indicates that the known porphyry Cu-Mo polymetallic deposits are located on the flanks of prominent gravity and magnetic anomaly highs. These anomalies are spatially correlated with the late Carboniferous-late Permian igneous rocks and in the Tuwu-Yandong mineralization district are centered over the granodiorite rocks genetically related to porphyry copper systems. In order to minimize interpretational ambiguities, a useful approach that is correlation analysis (CA) based on correlation coefficient (CC) given by gravity and magnetic data was employed to separate positively and negatively correlated anomalies features. The CA procedure is applied to 10 km upward continuation transformation of both Bouguer gravity and RTP transformed aeromagnetic data for mapping correlative magnetization and density contrast anomalies from deep sources, which may be associated with the porphyry Cu-Mo polymetallic mineralization. Five prominent CC positive anomalies have been found in the southern margin of Dananhu-Tousuquan arc. Those anomalies zones could be interpreted to reflect a late Carboniferous-late Permian magmatic belt that is favorable for additional discoveries of late Carboniferous to late Permian porphyry copper systems in north region of Eastern Tianshan.     

Integrated studies for characterization of lineaments used to locate groundwater potential zones in a hard rock region of Karnataka, India

An integrated study was carried out to investigate the subsurface geological conditions in a hard rock environment, with the aim of identifying zones with groundwater resource potential. The study, in Bairasagara watershed, Karnataka, India, considered geomorphology, water level, resistivity imaging, self potential, total magnetic field and susceptibility. The signatures due to lineaments have been clearly identified and their role in groundwater movement has been documented. Synthetic simulation methods were used to model the electrical response of the lineament using finite differential modeling scheme. The inverted image of the field data is compared with the synthetic image and iteration were performed on the initial model until a best match was obtained resulting on the generation of the calibrated resistivity image of the subsurface. Resistivity imaging revealed that the dykes are weathered/fractured to a depth of 6–8 m and are compact at deeper levels, and that they behave as barriers to groundwater movement, yet facilitate a good groundwater potential zone on the upgradient side. The results of magnetic surveys were utilized in differentiating granites and dolerite dykes with an insignificant resistivity contrast. Geomorphological expression alone cannot reveal the groundwater potential associated with a lineament. However, characterizing the nature of the feature at depth with integrated geophysical methods provides essential information for assessing that potential.An erratum to this article can be found at     

Integrated geo-microbial and trace metal anomalies for detection of hydrocarbon microseepage in Ahmedabad block of Cambay basin,India

The aim of the present work is to define the geo-microbial signatures along with trace metals, and to investigate whether the geo-microbial anomalies have correlation with trace metal anomalies in Ahmedabad block of Cambay basin. The surface geochemical techniques are based on seepage of light hydrocarbon gases from the oil and gas pools to the shallow surface and can bring up near-surface oxidation reduction zones that favor the development of a diverse array of chemical and mineralogical changes. The paper reports the role of hydrocarbon microseepage in surface alterations of trace metal concentrations and hydrocarbon oxidizing bacteria and its interrelationship. For the purpose a total of 90 soil samples are collected in grid pattern of 2 x 2 km interval. The paper reports the chemical alterations associated with trace metals in soils that are related to hydrocarbon microseepages above some of the major oil and gas fields of this petroliferous region. The concentrations of V (0 to149 ppm), Cr (2 to 192 ppm), Cu (4 to 171 ppm), Se (98 to 440 ppm), Zn (56 to 1215 ppm) are obtained. It is observed that the concentrations of trace elements are tremendously increased when they are compared with their normal concentrations in soils. In this study the hydrocarbon oxidizing bacterial counts ranged between 1.0 x 10³ and 1.59 x 10⁶ cfu/g of soil sample respectively. The attempt has made for the first time, which revealed good correlation as both these anomalies are found as apical in relation. Integrated studies between trace elements and hydrocarbon oxidizing bacterial anomalies showed positive correlation with existing oil and gas wells in the study area.     

Palaeomagnetism of metadolerite dykes and sills from Proterozoic Shillong basin,NE India: Implications related to the age and magmatism

The basement gneiss of the Shillong plateau and the overlying rocks of the Shillong basin have been dissected by a number of mafic dyke swarms represented by older Proterozoic dolerite dykes and sills named as Khasi greenstone and the younger set of Cretaceous dykes. The older dolerites dykes of Shillong basin are partly metamorphosed and have undergone low-grade metamorphism compared to the fresh unmetamorphosed Cretaceous dykes dominantly exposed in the BGC of West Garo hills region. The Khasi greenstones are tholeiitic in composition and range from basalt to basaltic andesite. Most of the metamorphosed mafic dykes indicate continental nature with some amount of overlapping oceanic tectonic setting. Palaeomagnetic study of the metadolerite dykes show a direction of magnetization of Dm=29, Im=38 (α₉₅ = 28.84; k = 48.33; N = 2) with a palaeolatitude of 21.3° N to the Indian sub-continent that clearly support the Proterozoic dyke/dyke swarm emplacement in the region. The magnetic carrier as inferred from IRM studies is magnetite in the range of psuedosingle to multi domain (MD) states with minor contribution from hematite.     

Field and petrological evidence for the development of an ensialic marginal basin related to the Hercynian orogeny in the Massif Central,France

Six lithologic units in tectonic contact with each other have been defined during mapping of the Devonian in the Beaujolais area of the northeastern Massif Central. Five main igneous suites have been recognized:

1. A transitional basaltic suite restricted to a single unit.
2. An acid volcanic-plutonic suite the members of which are related by fractional crystallization and magma mixing.
3. Low-TiO₂ volcanic rocks with calc-alkaline affinities.
4. A TiO₂-rich tholeiitic suite related to an ophiolitic complex.
5. A plutonic suite with close resemblances to Alaskantype intrusions.

The transitional metabasalts (1) form the oldest igneous suite and could represent either an intraplate magmatic forerunner of rifting or tectonic slices of weakly metamorphosed rocks representing a pre-Acadian event. The next three suites may be related to a short-lived ensialic marginal basin that developed between the Acadian and Bretonian orogenies. The basin is asymmetric, with the ophiolite of the central part flanked by an acid ridge on one side and a passive continental margin on the other. Quartz-keratophyres (2) and calc-alkalic basic volcanic rocks (3) were intercalated in varying proportions to form a bimodal volcanic pile before the rifting event that led to the formation of the ophiolites (4). The acid ridge (2) may be due to the reactivation of a continental basement. Cumulate rocks with Alaskan-type affinities occur as olistoliths, emplaced before the formation of the rift basin, supporting a comparison of the Hercynian belt with accreted magmatic arc terranes.     

中亚萨亚克矿田成矿岩体矿物学和地球化学:岩浆性质与成矿意义

萨亚克大型铜矿田位于哈萨克斯坦北巴尔喀什斑岩成矿带中部,以矽卡岩型矿床为主。通过对矿区石英闪长岩的矿物化学和地球化学研究,发现石英闪长岩呈斑状结构,斑晶为斜长石和角闪石,其中的斜长石斑晶主要为中长石,角闪石斑晶为镁质普通角闪石;岩石属于高钾钙碱性系列,富集Rb、Sr、Ba等大离子亲石元素和轻稀土元素,亏损Nb、Ta和重稀土元素,高Sr/Y、La/Yb比值,与埃达克岩相似。地球化学特征指示萨亚克矿区侵入岩形成于岛弧环境,为矽卡岩-斑岩型成矿提供了有利的构造背景,岩石可能是岛弧玄武质岩浆在高压下经结晶分异而成。根据角闪石温压计及其成分与氧逸度和岩浆中水含量之间的关系,确定萨亚克石英闪长玢岩中角闪石斑晶结晶时岩浆的温度为799~843℃、处于3.6~9.6km深度范围内(P=1.2~3.2kbar)、氧逸度logfO2=-11.5~-12.0(ΔFMQ=2.0~2.8)、平均水含量为1.2%,相对较高的氧逸度和水含量有利于形成富含挥发分和Cu、Au等成矿物质的岩浆,是最终演化形成大型岩浆-热液型铜矿田(斑岩型、矽卡岩型)的有利条件。