Exploration for Mississippi-Valley type stratabound Zn ores with stream suspensates and stream sediments, Virginia, U.S.A.

Suspended and equivalent active sediments were collected from streams at 84 sites at the eastern and western sides of a ridge with stratabound Zn mineralization, Rockingham County, Virginia (USA). The purpose was to evaluate the relative effectiveness of suspended and bottom sediment in the geochemical exploration for Mississippi-Valley type Zn ores. The orebody is composed of sphalerite and minor amounts of galena with some chalcopyrite, strikes parallel to the enclosing dolomite beds at N34°E, and cuts vertically across the 30°SE dip. Oxidation of the ore extends to about 100 m in depth.Zinc was effective in detecting the mineralized zone. Zinc in the suspensates provided a denser anomaly system (7 strong and 2 moderate samples) than Zn in the <150 μm size of the bottom sediment, either totally dissolved (4 strong and 1 moderate anomalies) or extracted with cold 3% HCl (5 strong and 3 moderate anomalies). The magnitude of the high values for suspensate Zn was considerably higher than those for the other sample types studied. Suspensate Zn was complemented by 3 strong suspensate Cu anomalies. The suspensate Zn anomaly dispersion was about 850 m, 400 m of which was upstream from the mineralization. Lead was detected only in the cold acid extraction and in combination with Cu and Zn gave an extensive overlapping multielement anomaly string that targeted the ore zone and had a dispersion downstream from the mineralization of more than 1000 m. The Pb anomalies extended about 900 m upstream and 400 m downstream from the ore zone. Together with suspensate Zn, the Pb anomalies suggest a continuation of mineralization upstrike from the known orebody.The major anomaly systems are along the eastern side of the ridge with comparatively few anomalies present in the drainage along the western side. The concentration of anomalies in the eastern drainage and anomaly disposition with respect to known mineralization result from structural control on the hydromorphic dispersion of metals from the orebody.     

Large-scale distribution of metal contamination in the fine-grained sediments of the Clark Fork River,Montana, U.S.A.

Historic discharges from the mining and smelting complex at the head-waters of the Clark Fork River have resulted in elevated Ag, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations in the <60 μm fraction of both bed and flood-plain sediments of the river. Processes affecting the trends in longitudinal distributions of these metals were investigated by repeated sampling over a 380 km river reach between August 1986 and July 1989. At the most upstream site, bed-sediment metal concentrations were enriched 18–115 times above least enriched tributaries, depending on the metal. All metals decreased exponentially with distance downstream away from mining. The exponential model predicts that elevated metal concentrations should occur over 550 km downstream, in Lake Pend Oreille. Longitudinal trends, obvious on a scale of hundreds of kilometers, were obscured by small-scale spatial variability when shorter stretches of the river were considered. Longitudinal dispersion appeared to be controlled largely by physical dilution with less-contaminated sediments.Evidence suggests that erosion of contaminated flood-plains contributes to metal contamination in the bed sediments. Tributary input appeared to have little influence on the large-scale, downstream distribution of metals; however, it did contribute to local variability in bed-sediment metal concentrations. Association of metals with specific mineral grains, as well as variability in total organic C and Fe concentration, appeared also to contribute to variability.Some year-to-year variability in bed-sediment metal concentrations was observed, however, trends in longitudinal dispersion were not significantly different between at least two of the years sampled.     

长江三峡库区土壤与水系沉积物Cd地球化学特征

对长江三峡库区段不同介质中Cd的分布特征和长江水系沉积物在垂向、横向剖面上的元素分布特征的研究发现，残坡积型土壤与长江干流水系沉积物Cd含量差异较大，水系沉积物具明显的高Cd异常；各个沉积时期的水系沉积物中均存在Cd异常，上游来源的Cd是引起三峡库区水系沉积物高Cd异常的主要因素；人类活动对土壤和水系沉积物中Cd的含量影响明显，在厂矿、码头、生活垃圾场等地区土壤中Cd的含量远高于一般地区土壤中Cd的含量，城市排污水系沉积物Cd的含量也高于长江干流水系沉积物Cd的含量。自然源是沿长江流域Cd异常普遍存在的根本原因，而人为源却有可能是高Cd异常主要沿长江干流及支流两岸大中城市分布的重要影响因素。     

Geochemical features of rocks,stream sediments,and soils of the Fiume Grande Valley (Calabria,Italy)

The role of both natural weathering and anthropogenic pollution in controlling the distribution of major oxides and several trace elements in soils, stream sediments, and rocks of the Fiume Grande catchment was evaluated. The contents of major oxides and trace elements in soils appear to be governed by weathering and pedogenetic processes, although the use of fertilizers in agriculture could also partly affect K₂O and P₂O₅ contents. Stream sediments have concentrations of major oxides (except CaO) very similar to soils, as relevant amounts of soil materials are supplied to the stream channels by erosive phenomena. In contrast, stream sediments have concentrations of Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, As, and Pb significantly higher than those of soils, probably due to different conditions and rates of mobility of these elements within the three considered matrices and/or disposal of wastes in the drainage network. Comparison of the concentrations of PHEs in soils with the maximum admissible contents established by the Italian law shows that these limits are too restrictive in some cases and too permissive in other ones. The approach of setting these limits with no consideration for the local geological–geochemical framework may lead to improper management of the territory and its resources. Electronic supplementary material Supplementary material is available in the online version of this article at and is accessible for authorized users.     

Selective extraction of organically bound gold in soils, lake sediments and stream sediments

The extraction of organically bound gold from surficial materials is accomplished by using a solution of 5% sodium hypochlorite. A 10-g sample is digested at least twice with 50 mL of hypochlorite solution. The recovery of gold from the organic phase is nearly quantitative for lake sediments and stream sediments high in organic content. For stream sediments and soils low in organics, the recovery of gold is complicated by the sorption of released gold onto inorganic sample components. For these materials, recoveries as low as 70% of the organically bound gold are possible. For a stream sediment sample containing 53.4 ppb gold, the precision of the method is approximately 6% for a 10-g sample and 14% when a 5-g sample of stream sediment is used. The results obtained for all materials tested indicate that a substantial fraction of the gold found in sediments and soils exists as organically bound gold.     

The mineralogy of the Golden Sunlight gold-silver telluride deposit, Whitehall, Montana, U.S.A.

Summary The Golden Sunlight gold-silver telluride deposit, hosted primarily within the Mineral Hill breccia pipe (MHBP), is spatially related to a high-level, Late Cretaceous multiple intrusive, alkaline to subalkaline porphyry system. Base metal veins and manganese (rhodochrosite) mineralization occur up to 2km from the MHBP and form part of a regional mineral zonation pattern genetically related to a low-grade porphyry molybdenum system. Proterozoic rocks of the LaHood Formation and the informally named Bull Mountain Group host the MHBP and contain stratabound sulphides/ sulphosalts (up to 50% pyrite with minor to trace amounts of chalcopyrite, tennantite, pyrrhotite, sphalerite, galena, and molybdenite). Four periods of hypogene mineralization occur in the breccia pipe. Stages I and IV constitute ,99% of the mineralization; native gold (4–11 wt.% Ag), calaverite, tetradymite, tellurobismuthite, Se-bearing Bi sulphosalts (aikinite, lindströmite, krupkaite, gladite, bismuthinite, and ?benjaminite), tennantite (Zn, Fe, Te, and Bi varieties), coloradoite, melonite, galena (up to 6.7 wt.% Bi and 6.4 wt.% Se), stannite, chalcocite, and the rare mineral buckhornite are included in stage Ib. Minor amounts of base metals are present in stage II. Gold-silver tellurides (krennerite, petzite, sylvanite, and possibly the rare x-phase) developed in stage III whereas barite, fluorite, dolomite, magnesite, trace kaolinite, and sericite formed during stage IV. Utilizing the mineral assemblages in stage Ib, calculated values of logf Te₂ and logf S₂ range from -10.5 to -9.7, and -12.6 to -5.5, respectively.Ore forming components (e.g., Au, Ag, Te, Cu, Bi, Mo, and much of the S) were likely derived from the Late Cretaceous intrusive system with possible contributions from the Proterozoic host rocks.

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Mineralogie der Golden Sunlight Gold-Silber-Tellurid-Lagerstätte, Whitehall, Montana

Zusammenfassung Die Golden Sunlight Gold-Silber-Tellurid-Lagerstätte, die hauptsächlich im Brekzienschlot von Mineral Hill (Mineral Hill breccia pipe, MHBP) eingelagert ist, steht räumlich mit einem erzreichen, multi-intrusiven, alkalischen bis sub-alkalischen Porphyritsystem aus der Oberkreide in Beziehung. Erzadern und Mn-Mineralisation (Rhodochrosit) finden sich bis zu 2 km vom MHBP entfernt und sind Bestandteil einer regionalen Vererzung die genetisch zu einem erzarmen Mo-hältigen Porphyritsystem in Beziehung steht. Proterozoische Gesteine aus der LaHood-Formation und der inoffiziell benannten Bull Mountain Group umgeben den MHBP und enthalten schichtgebundene Sulfide und Sulfosalze (bis zu 50% Pyrit mit Neben- bis Spurenmengen von Kupferkies, Tennantit, Pyrrhotin, Zinkblende, Bleiglanz und Molybdänit).[Der Brekzienschlot zeigt vier Phasen hypogener Mineralisation. Stufen I und IV enthalten 99% der Mineralisation: gediegen Gold (4–11 Gew.% Ag), Calaverit, Tetradymit, Tellurobismuthit, Se-hältige Bi-Sulfosalze (Aikinit, Lindströmit, Krupkait, Gladit, Bismuthinit und ?Benjaminit) Tennantit (Zn-, Fe-, Te- und Bi-Varietäten), Coloradoit, Melonit, Bleiglanz (mit bis zu 6.7 Gew.% Bi und 6.4 Gew.% Se), Zinnstein, Chalcocit, sowie das seltene Mineral Buckhornit treten in Stufe Ib auf. Geringere Mengen von Buntmetallen kommen in Stufe II vor. Gold-Silber-Telluride (Krennerit, Petzit, Sylvanit und möglicherweise die seltene X-Phase) sind in Stufe III ausgebildet und in Stufe IV wurden Baryt, Flusspat, Dolomit, Magnesit, Spuren von Kaolin und Serizit gebildet. Unter Verwendung der Mineralassoziationen der Stufe Ib lassen sich Werte von logf Te₂ zwischen - 10.5 und - 9.7 und von logf S₂ zwischen - 12.6 und - 5.5 errechnen.[Die erzbildenden Komponenten (z.B. Au, Ag, Te, Cu, Bi, Mo und der Grossteil von S) stammen wahrscheinlich vom Intrusivsystem aus der Oberkreide, möglicherweise mit Beiträgen der proterozoischen Umgebung.[/ p]

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With 10 Figures     

Use of tourmaline in stream sediments to detect submarine exhalative sulfide deposits: example from central Virginia,U.S.A.

The detection of several unmined submarine exhalative sulfide deposits, most of which are concealed with no surface expression, was investigated using the distribution grain counts of tourmaline in stream sediment concentrates. The number of sulfide zones located using this method is comparable to that achieved using trace metal nalyses of fine-grained stream sediment andMnz.sbnd;Fe oxide coatings on stream pebbles. Because both dravite, associated with a sulfide zone, and schorl, from a pegmatite, are known to occur in the field area, it is likely that both will occur in stream sediment and will be included in tourmaline-grain-counts of sediment concentrates. Attempts to differentiate dravite and schorl in the sediment concentrates, based on microscopically observable physical properties, were unsuccessful, but semi-quantitative chemical analyses should readily accomplish this because of large differences in Mg and Fe concentrations.     

Geochemical characteristics of stream sediments,sediment fractions,soils, and basement rocks from the Mahaweli River and its catchment,Sri Lanka

Geochemical variations in stream sediments (n = 54) from the Mahaweli River of Sri Lanka have been evaluated from the viewpoints of lithological control, sorting, heavy mineral concentration, influence of climatic zonation (wet, intermediate, and dry zones), weathering, and downstream transport. Compositions of soils (n = 22) and basement rocks (n = 38) of the catchment and those of <180 μm and 180–2000 μm fractions of the stream sediments were also examined. The sediments, fractions, soils and basement rocks were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence to determine their As, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, V, Sr, Y, Nb, Zr, Th, Sc, Fe₂O₃, TiO₂, MnO, CaO, P₂O₅ and total sulfur contents. Abundances of high field strength and ferromagnesian elements in the sediments indicate concentration of durable heavy minerals including zircon, tourmaline, rutile, monazite, garnet, pyriboles, and titanite, especially in <180 μm fractions. The sediments show strong correlation between Ti and Fe, further suggesting presence of heavy mineral phases containing both elements, such as ilmenite and magnetite. The basement rocks range from mafic through to felsic compositions, as do the soils. The river sediments lack ultrabasic components, and overall have intermediate to felsic compositions. Elemental spikes in the confluences of tributary rivers and high values in the <180 μm fractions indicate sporadic inputs of mafic detritus and/or heavy minerals to the main channel. Al₂O₃/(K₂O + Na₂O) and K₂O/Na₂O ratios of the sediments and LOI values of the soils correlate well with the climatic zones, suggesting intense weathering in the wet zone, lesser weathering in the intermediate zone, and least weathering in the dry zone. Low Sr and CaO contents and Cr/V ratios in stream sediments in the wet zone also suggest climatic influence. Fe-normalized enrichment factors (EFs) for As, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni and Cr in stream sediments in the main channel are nearly all <1.5, indicating there is no significant environmental contamination. The chemistry of the sediments, rocks and the soils in the Mahaweli River are thus mainly controlled by source lithotype, weathering, sorting, and heavy mineral accumulation.     

安徽乔木湾地区水系沉积物地球化学特征及找矿远景

乔木湾地区位于青阳—南陵县凹陷盆地南部,目前在该区及周边地区已发现金属矿床(点)十余处,具有良好的金、钨、铜、锑、银矿找矿潜力。在1∶5万乔木湾幅水系沉积物测量成果的基础上,以田屋—车山一带为研究区,对区内Au、Ag、Cu、Pb、Zn等12种元素的地球化学特征进行研究。通过分析元素地球化学参数特征及元素组合特征,发现Au、Ag、Sb、Hg元素在研究区具有富集成矿的可能,为研究区主要成矿元素。在以Au为主的单元素异常的基础上,根据元素组合特征及异常特征,结合异常所处的成矿地质条件,共圈定6处地球化学综合异常,划分出4个找矿远景区,即车山找矿远景区、田屋找矿远景区、金山找矿远景区、栗阳找矿远景区,对远景区内的地质成矿条件进行了概述,为该区下一步找矿工作提供了重要依据。     

Impressions of algal mats from the Middle Proterozoic Belt Supergroup, northwestern Montana, U.S.A.

Irregular, low relief bedding-plane markings which probably represent impressions of thin, wrinkled algal mats have recently been detected in mudstones from the 1100 m.y. old Snowslip Formation, Belt Supergroup, Glacier National Park, Montana. Algal-mat impressions are rarely reported from ancient strata, yet algal mats are common in certain modern environments. Originating primarily in moist settings and in relatively quiescent shallow-water settings, such structures may be of some value in interpreting ancient depositional environments.     

南海北部湾全新世以来沉积物地球化学特征及物源分析

为探讨全新世以来南海北部湾沉积物的沉积环境变化,对北部湾海域的SO-31沉积物柱状样进行了元素地球化学分析。根据元素地球化学的垂向分布特征,将SO-31沉积柱划分为3个单元,反映了全新世不同时期的区域海平面波动以及沉积物物源的变化。SO-31沉积柱的稀土元素配分曲线和La/Co与La/Sc散点图分析表明:111 400~12 800 a BP(全新世前期),研究区海平面较低,红河、其他周边河流及海岸侵蚀物均为本区的主要物源;28 500~1 1400 a BP(全新世早期),随着海平面的逐渐上升,河口和岸线逐渐后退,各物源供给区对本区沉积物的贡献量也发生了相应变化,相对而言红河贡献率有所下降;30~8 500 a BP(中全新世至今),区域海平面持续上升导致了琼州海峡打开,北部湾水动力环境和物源供给发生了剧变,红河对本区的物源贡献逐渐变小,而来自北部湾东部的物质成为本区沉积物的主要物源。     

The Climax-Alma granite batholith of oligocene age and the prophyry molybdenum deposits of Climax, Colorado, U.S.A.

The porphyry molybdenum deposits of Climax, Colorado, are stockworks of quartz-molybdenite veinlets. They are apical to intrusive cupolas of leucocratic rhyolite-granite porphyry of Oligocene age (33 to 24 Ma). The upper parts of the orebodies are overprinted by overlying zones of phyllically altered rocks, and by stockworks of greisen-like veinlets, containing quartz, pyrite, topaz and huebnerite. The phyllic and/or greisen-like zones are surrounded by a propylitic zone, characterized by quartz-chlorite-hematite veinlets and chlorite after biotite. Late veins, radial and peripheral to the intrusive center, are common but widely scattered and discontinuous. Such veins typically contain quartz, fluorite, rhodochrosite, pyrite, dark sphalerite, galena, tetrahedrite, and traces of huebnerite, molybdenite, argentite, native gold and/or electrum.

The Alma district, 4 to 10 km southeast of Climax, contains widely scattered clusters of veins and replacement deposits. The veins cut chloritized to sericitized silicate host rocks, and the replacement deposits are in carbonate host rocks. The ore- and gangue-mineral assemblages of the veins of the Alma district resemble those of veins peripheral to the Climax molybdenum deposits. Veins of the Alma district cut dikes of Late white rhyolite (35 Ma), which resemble the rhyolite porphyries of Climax. A swarm of such dikes is parallel to the long axis of an elliptical drainage pattern, which bounds a structural dome, here called the outer Alma dome. The outer Alma dome (8 × 12 km) surrounds an inner Alma dome (6 × 8 km). Veins of the Alma district generally are axial and/or marginal to the outer Alma dome, and/or radial to the inner Alma dome. Veins and alteration minerals associated with the outer Alma dome formed between 35 and 27 Ma ago. Those associated with the inner Alma dome formed about 27 Ma ago, as indicated by fission-track age determinations on thermally annealed zircon grains from hydrothermally altered rocks, within and around the inner Alma dome.

Negative Bouguer gravity anomaly patterns indicate: (1) a regional, northeast-trending gravity low, associated with the composite monzonite-granodiorite-granite B batholith of the Colorado mineral belt (average density about 2.62 g/cm³); (2) a semi-regional gravity trough, within the gravity low of the Colorado mineral belt, extending northeastward across the Mosquito Range; (3) an oval pattern of gravity lows, coincident with the Alma domes; and (4) a closed gravity low associated with the Climax stock (density about 2.56 g/cm³) (Tweto and Case, 1972; Behrent and Bajwa, 1974; Corry, 1981).

The semi-regional gravity trough is interpreted as the gravimetric expression of a granite batholith, here called the Climax-Alma batholith. The gravity lows of the Climax and Alma districts are interpreted as expressions of cupolas on this granite batholith.

The highly differentiated rhyolite-granite intrusions of Climax plunge toward the Alma domes. The Climax intrusions are interpreted as products of apical differentiation of the inferred Climax-Alma granite batholith. Magmatic-hydrothermal fluids, associated with highly differentiated apical magmas, produced the Climax molybdenum orebodies. Most of the veins and replacement deposits of the Alma district are associated with lower, broader cupolas of the inferred granite batholith. The shape of the composite Climax-Alma magmatic-hydrothermal system resembles that of a teapot, with Climax above the spout and the Alma district above the lower, broadly domed lid.     

青海省滩北雪峰地区水系沉积物地球化学特征及找矿预测

文章基于滩北雪峰地区1∶5万水系沉积物地球化学测量数据,分析了元素富集特征,并通过因子分析、聚类分析确定了异常元素组合特征,在工区圈定地球化学综合异常24处。结合工区地质背景分析认为,区内Au、Ag、Cu、Ni、Pb找矿潜力较大,提出了3处成矿远景区：①莲花石沟北成矿远景区,以Au、Ni为主成矿元素,异常与地质、构造关系密切,是寻找与构造相关的金-铜镍多金属矿的有利地段;②小盆地成矿远景区,主要分布于古元古界金水口岩群地层区,异常构造关系密切,是寻找热液型金、铜矿的有利地区;③山间沟成矿远景区,含矿的主要地层为奥陶系祁漫塔格群,是寻找热液型、构造破碎蚀变岩型金、铜矿产的有利地段。     

湘东南水口地区水系沉积物地球化学特征及找矿预测

利用1∶5万水口幅水系沉积物测量成果,分析研究湘东南水口地区水系沉积物地球化学特征。利用DGSInfo软件对元素分布、单元素异常、元素相关性、异常元素组合等特征进行分析研究,认为W、Sn、Bi、Cu、Ag为区内的主要成矿元素,共圈出15处地球化学综合异常。结合综合异常所处的成矿地质条件进行综合分析,划分为下湾毒砂金锑找矿远景区、联坑—渣村钨钼铜铅锌多金属找矿远景区、曾子坳—鹰咀岩—田心钨锡铜多金属找矿远景区。通过对远景区内的综合异常查证,在下湾AS1综合异常区、联坑AS3综合异常区、曾子坳AS6综合异常区均找到了与异常相关的矿化信息。结果表明,水系沉积物地球化学测量在该区具有较好的找矿效果,为研究区下一步的找矿工作指明了方向。     

Oxygen isotope studies of early Precambrian granitic rocks from the Giants Range batholith,northeastern Minnesota,U.S.A.

Oxygen isotope studies of granitic rocks from the 2.7 b.y.-old composite Giants Range batholith show that: (1) δ(O¹⁸)_quartz values of 9 to 10 permil characterize relatively uncontaminated Lower Precambrian, magmatic granodiorites and granites; (2) granitic rocks thought to have formed by static granitization have δ(O¹⁸)_quartz values that are 1 to 2 permil higher than magmatic granitic rocks; (3) satellite leucogranite bodies have values nearly identical to those of the main intrusive phases even where they transect O¹⁸-rich metasedimentary wall rocks; (4) oxygen isotopic interaction between the granitic melts and their O¹⁸-rich wall rocks was minimal; and (5) O¹⁸/O¹⁸ ratios of quartz grains in a metasomatic granite are largely inherited from the precursor rock, but during the progression — sedimentary parent → partially granitized parent → metasomatic granite → there is gradual decrease in δ(O¹⁸)_quartz by 1 to 2 permil.     

A probe for sampling interstitial waters of stream sediments and bog soils

A probe for sampling interstitial waters of stream sediments and bog soils is described. Samples can be obtained within a stratigraphic interval of 2–3 cm, to a depth of 60–80 cm, and with little or no contamination of the samples by sediment or air.     

Geochemical exploration for mineralized breccia pipes in northern Arizona,U.S.A.

Thousands of solution-collapse breccia pipe crop out in the canyons and on the plateaus of northern Arizona. Over 80 of these are known to contain U or Cu mineralized rock. The high-grade U ore associated with potentially economic concentrations of Ag, Pb, Zn, Cu, Co and Ni in some of these pipes has continued to stimulate mining and exploration activity in northern Arizona, despite periods of depressed U prices. Large expanses of northern Arizona are comprised of undissected high plateaus; recognition of pipes in these areas is particularly important because mining access to the plateaus is far better than to the canyons. The small size of the pipes, generally less than 600 ft (200 m) in diameter, and limited rock outcrop on the plateaus, compounds the recognition problem. Although the breccia pipes, which bottom in the Mississippian Redwall Limestone, are occasionally exposed on the plateaus as circular features, so are unmineralized near-surface collapse features that bottom in the Permian Kaibab and Toroweap Formations. The distinction between these two classes of circular features is critical during exploration for this unique type of U deposit.Various geochemical and geophysical exploration methods have been tested over these classes of collapse features. Because of the small size of the deposits, and the low-level geochemical signatures in the overlying rock that are rarely dispersed for distances in excess of several hundred feet, most reconnaissance geochemical surveys, such as hydrogeochemistry or stream sediment, will not delineete mineralized pipes.Several types of detailed geochemical surveys made over collapse features, located through examination of aerial photographs and later field mapping, have been successful at delineating collapse features from the surrounding host rock: (1) Rock geochemistry commonly shows low level Ag, As, Ba, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn anomalies over mineralized breccia pipes; (2) Soil surveys appear to have the greatest potential for distinguishing mineralized breccia pipes from the surrounding terrane. Although the soil anomalies are only twice the background concentrations for most anomalous elements, traverses made over collapse features show consistent enrichment inside of the feature as compared to outside; (3) B. Cereus surveys over a known mineralized pipe show significantly more anomalous samples collected from within the ring fracture than from outside of the breccia pipe; (4) Helium soil-gas surveys were made over 7 collapse features with discouraging results from 5 of the 7 features.Geophysical surveys indicate that scaler audio-magnetotelluric (AMT) and E-field telluric profile data show diagnostic conductivity differences over mineralized pipes as compared to the surrounding terrane. These surveys, coupled with the geochemical surveys conducted as detailed studies over features mapped by field and aerial photograph examination, can be a significant asset in the selection of potential breccia pipes for drilling.     

Oxygen isotope map of the giant metamorphic-hydrothermal system around the northern part of the Idaho batholith, U.S.A.

Determinations of δ¹⁸O values from 100 outcrops of Belt Supergroup (Wallace Fm.) metasedimentary rocks in the Idaho panhandle reveal a regular regional pattern that was produced by pervasive fluid infiltration and isotopic exchange. Low grade argillites at large distances (60 km) from the Idaho batholith have high δ¹⁸O values +15, compatible with their probable primary values. Pelitic rocks with anomalously low δ¹⁸O values of + 8.7 to + 12.7‰ occur in the following zones: (1) in a 5000 km² zone of schist and gneiss peripheral to the Idaho batholith, generally coincident with high-grade (sillimanite-bearing) assemblages; (2) in high-grade metasedimentary roof pendants within the Idaho batholith; (3) peripheral to small Cretaceous stocks; and (4) within and near the scapolite-bearing zone south-west of St. Regis. On δ¹⁸O−δ¹⁸O plots, data from coexisting minerals define trends with unit slopes, indicating that the reductions in ¹⁸O occurred under high-grade metamorphic conditions. This metamorphism culminated in the emplacement of the Idaho batholith, probably as a consequence of profound crustal thickening associated with the Cretaceous accretion of the Wallowa-Seven Devils arc terranes with North America. The huge low-¹⁸O region is bounded by a “steep” δ¹⁸O gradient (0.1–0.5‰/km) that occurs in low-grade rocks along and near the Lewis and Clark Line, well below the biotite isograd. This boundary zone may be analogous to, but is not nearly as sharp as, those of meteoric-hydrothermal systems in many regions. The important ore deposits of the Coeur d'Alene district are located in this peripheral zone, suggesting that the metamorphic-hydrothermal system may have been intimately involved in their formation. In addition, the metamorphic-hydrotermal system in Idaho is larger, deeper and higher in temperature than typical meteoric-hydrothermal systems, and it involved fluids with much higher δ¹⁸O values that were probably dominantly derived from formation waters. Accordingly, this system produced rocks with δ¹⁸O values similar to those of the Idaho batholith, and mineral assemblages that approach isotopic equilibrium under high temperature conditions.     

黔北普宜地区水系沉积物地球化学特征及成矿预测

通过黔北普宜地区开展1∶5万水系沉积物测量工作,对研究区的地球化学特征进行初步研究,以获取成矿信息。对水系沉积物样品分析结果进行数理统计,运用成矿元素地球化学特征进行多元统计分析、单元素及组合异常分析,并运用奇异性分析方法对成矿异常进行识别。分析结果表明,Pb、Zn元素异常高值点较多、离散程度较高,地球化学和成矿地质条件优越,具有较好找矿前景。F与Li元素为显著正相关关系,氟病区锂的含量高,地质环境中含量较高的Li对地下水中氟的浓聚迁移可能有抑制作用。综合研究区已知矿化信息及地层构造格架,优选出铅锌成矿远景区4处,为普宜地区找矿潜力分析、成矿规律研究及地氟病预防治理提供科学依据。     

黑龙江东部完达山地区水系沉积物地球化学特征及成矿预测

完达山地区位于中国东北地区东部,主要由一套近南北走向的玄武岩、堆晶岩、(超)基性熔岩、硅质岩和泥质岩组成,为中国东部唯一的中生代海相地层发育区,出露有太平洋板块俯冲形成的增生杂岩组合。研究区矿产资源丰富,已发现中型矿床1处,小型矿床4处,找矿前景较好。在全区1∶20万水系沉积物测量基础上,对完达山地区16种成矿元素进行相关性分析、聚类分析、因子分析、单元素异常分析和组合异常分析。分析结果表明,Au、Ni、Cr、Bi、Hg异常高值点多、离散性强,地质及地球化学条件优越,成矿潜力强。Au成矿作用主要与中酸性岩浆岩相关,Ni、Cr成矿作用主要与(超)基性岩浆熔离作用相关。在此基础上,结合区内地质、构造、物探和已知矿床(点)等信息,优选出4处成矿远景区,即258高地金成矿远景区、八里桥—仙人台铜镍钨锡成矿远景区、四平山—358高地金银成矿远景区和跃进山—先锋北山金银铜铁成矿远景区,为完达山地区整体找矿工作部署和区域成矿规律研究提供科学依据。