Geochemical anomaly definition using multifractal modeling,validated by geological field observations: Siah Jangal area,SE Iran

Recognition of geochemical anomalies is a pivotal assignment in exploration projects. This study aims to delineate different AuCu geochemical anomalies using number-size (N-S) and concentration-area (C-A) multifractal models in the Siah Jangal area, SE Iran. In this research, lithogeochemical datasets were applied for the exploration of Au and Cu. A comparison between geochemical anomaly maps based on the N-S and C-A fractal models shows the N-S fractal modeling is a powerful tool for separation of weak elemental geochemical anomalies in all of sampling zones. Based on a comparison between the results of these two methods and field studies, the geochemical anomaly zones, defined by the N-S fractal model, are more accurate than those recognized by the C-A fractal model. The obtained results of the N-S and C-A fractal models have been interpreted with the extensive set of information including structural interpretation, geological and alteration data. Au and Cu mineralization in the Siah Jangal area are hosted mainly by Oligocene-Miocene sub-volcanic rocks, especially strongly altered porphyric quartz diorite, hornblende diorite and diorite. Moreover, the positive dependence between various alteration zones and high concentrations of Au and Cu proves that strongly anomalous areas are correlated with these alteration zones. High grade Au (> 1000 ppb) and Cu (>150 ppm) are associated with the altered sub-volcanic rocks in the northern, eastern, and SW parts of the study area. Therewith, the strong anomaly populations are mostly occurred within the fault and fracture systems in the study area. This is a promising signal because quartz-sulfide veins and veinlets are associated with such structures.     

Incorporation of principal component analysis,geostatistical interpolation approaches and frequency-space-based models for portraying the Cu-Au geochemical prospects in the Feizabad district,NW Iran

Delineation of mineralization-related geochemical anomalies of stream sediment data is an essential stage in regional geochemical exploration. In this study, principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to 12 selected elements to acquire a multi-element geochemical signature associated with Cu-Au mineralization in Feizabad district, NE Iran. The spatial distribution of enhanced multi-element geochemical signature of the second component (PC2) was modeled by different geostatistical procedures including variogram calculation, ordinary kriging (OK) and inverse distance weighting (IDW) interpolation techniques. Concentration-area (C-A) fractal and U-spatial statistics models were then applied to the continuous-value interpolated models for delineation of geochemical anomalies. Quantitative comparison of results based on the known mineral occurrences in the study area was carried out using normalized density index and success-rate curves. All generated models represent a high positive relation with known Cu (±Au) deposits in the study area, although, comparison of the results revealed that the OK-based U-spatial statistics model was superior to the rest of models. Besides, the low, moderate and high-intensity anomalies are spatially associated with geological-structural features in the study area.     

Controlling factors on changes of gold mineralization in Saqqez (Kurdistan) shear zones and reagent ratios of the mineralized section

Investigating the secondary geochemical environments, river, and stream sediments are considered as one of the geochemical exploratory methods on a primary scale, which is justifiable regarding the expenses and time of execution. Evaluating the factors related to mineralization of gold shear zones based on stream and river sediment sampling, located in the southwest of Saqqez (Kurdistan), is the main purpose of this research. Using multivariable analyses and investigating the cluster graph of the elements, controlling factors of mineralization have been investigated and effective factors are divided into two groups, one is probably related to the mineralization of gold in the region which contains the elements (Pb, Zn, Mo, Ag, Cu, Bi, etc.), and other is related to typical petrogenetic processes which contains the elements (Co, V, Cr, Ti, Ni, Mn, etc.). Based on factor analysis, seven main factors, which justify about 80% of the changes of the region, were introduced; factors 3, 1, 5, and 6 were related to mineralization and factors 2, 4, and 7 were related to the lithology of the region. For a more precise separation of the processes related to mineralization, various ratios were investigated and reagent ratios (Au/Bi and Au/Mo) were identified. It is found that the ranges of [23–100] for Au/Bi and [8–80] for Au/Mo are related to gold mineralization. Using the modeling of the reagent ratios probability graph and determining the exploratory threshold, significant parameters in gold mineralization were separated from insignificants.     

Comparison of U-spatial statistics and C–A fractal models for delineating anomaly patterns of porphyry-type Cu geochemical signatures in the Varzaghan district,NW Iran

The delineation of populations of stream sediment geochemical data is a crucial task in regional exploration surveys. In this contribution, uni-element stream sediment geochemical data of Cu, Au, Mo, and Bi have been subjected to two reliable anomaly-background separation methods, namely, the concentration-area (C–A) fractal and the U-spatial statistics methods to separate geochemical anomalies related to porphyry-type Cu mineralization in northwest Iran. The quantitative comparison of the delineated geochemical populations using the modified success-rate curves revealed the superiority of the U-spatial statistics method over the fractal model. Moreover, geochemical maps of investigated elements revealed strongly positive correlations between strong anomalies and Oligocene–Miocene intrusions in the study area. Therefore, follow-up exploration programs should focus on these areas.     

多重地球化学背景下地球化学弱异常增强识别与信息提取

为对钦州湾-杭州湾成矿带(南段)庞西垌地区地球化学数据进行异常识别研究与信息提取,利用含量-面积法(C-A)得出庞西垌地区成矿主元素的异常下限,得到各元素异常分布图,并与已知矿(床)点进行叠加分析,发现已知矿(床)点与C-A法分析得到的异常区基本吻合,可根据该异常区预测未知矿床,从而为该研究区矿产资源潜力评价提供依据。为进一步从研究区复杂的地球化学背景中分离出与成矿有关的地球化学异常,采用分形滤波技术(S-A)提取致矿异常。研究表明,S-A法可在C-A法揭示的区域异常的基础上更深层次地提取出与矿化有关的局部异常用以反映研究区的多重地球化学背景,S-A法可有效地使弱异常增强进而提取出致矿异常,为庞西垌地区探寻隐伏矿体提供依据。     

多重分形滤波方法和地球化学信息提取技术研究与进展

圈定地球化学异常是勘查地球化学和环境地球化学研究中的一项基础性工作。笔者通过详细分析近30年来与地球科学密切相关的分形和多重分形等现代非线性理论和新方法的迅速发展和应用,特别是以解决地球化学复杂背景与叠加异常分解难题为例,介绍了广义自相似理论与分形滤波技术的发展和应用,相信在资源、环境、灾害的其他应用领域也将发挥重要影响。文中阐明了多重分形是更具普适性的地球化学元素分布模式,"密度-面积"分形模型是刻画地球化学异常的基础模型,并为多个空间开展分形滤波和分解地球化学复杂背景与叠加异常的理论基础。该方法的显著优势在于将地球化学场的各向异性、尺度不变性、广义自相似性等特征集于一体,具有压制变化性背景干扰,突出局部异常的能力,其中C-A和S-A业已广泛应用于矿产勘查靶区圈定和环境污染模式识别,形成了分解地球化学复杂背景和叠加异常的常用技术,在国内外多个成矿区带取得了显著的找矿效果。     

钦-杭结合带南段庞西垌地区Ag-Au致矿地球化学异常信息识别与提取

基于分形与多重分形理论的非线性化探数据处理方法及以空间加权主成分分析模型为代表的地学多源信息融合技术,为致矿地球化学异常信息的识别和提取提供了有力的工具。本文以钦-杭结合带南段庞西垌地区1∶5万水系沉积物地球化学数据为例,研究如何综合运用多重分形局部奇异性与空间加权主成分分析这两种地学信息处理方法来识别和提取致矿地球化学异常信息。首先,采用滑动窗口的方法绘制了研究区与银金矿化关系密切的五种地球化学元素Au、Ag、Cu、Pb和Zn的局部奇异性指数图以增强局部弱缓异常信息。然后,在控矿条件分析的基础上,运用北东向断裂构造这一重要控矿要素对Ag-Au成矿作用的影响范围,即距离北东向断裂的距离,作为应变量来构建用于空间加权主成分分析的空间权重系数的计算模型,以此来突显化探样品在控矿地质条件约束下的空间相关性。进而,采用空间加权主成分分析方法来得到Au、Ag、Cu、Pb和Zn多元素奇异性指数值的组合异常(第一主成分因子得分)。结果表明:综合运用多重分形局部奇异性与空间加权主成分分析方法可以有效的识别和提取Ag-Au致矿地球化学异常信息,圈定具有示矿意义的多元素组合异常区。     

Exploratory Data Analysis Applied in Mapping Multi-element Soil Geochemical Anomalies for Drill Target Definition: A Case Study from the Unpha Layered Non-magmatic Hydrothermal Pb-Zn Deposit,DPR Korea

A factor analysis was applied to soil geochemical data to define anomalies related to buried Pb-Zn mineralization. A favorable main factor with a strong association of the elements Zn, Cu and Pb, related to mineralization, was selected for interpretation. The median + 2MAD (median absolute deviation) method of exploratory data analysis (EDA) and C-A (concentration-area) fractal modeling were then applied to the Mahalanobis distance, as defined by Zn, Cu and Pb from the factor analysis to set the thresholds for defining multi-element anomalies. As a result, the median + 2MAD method more successfully identified the Pb-Zn mineralization than the C-A fractal model. The soil anomaly identified by the median + 2MAD method on the Mahalanobis distances defined by three principal elements (Zn, Cu and Pb) rather than thirteen elements (Co, Zn, Cu, V, Mo, Ni, Cr, Mn, Pb, Ba, Sr, Zr and Ti) was the more favorable reflection of the ore body. The identified soil geochemical anomalies were compared with the in situ economic Pb-Zn ore bodies for validation. The results showed that the median + 2MAD approach is capable of mapping both strong and weak geochemical anomalies related to buried Pb-Zn mineralization, which is therefore useful at the reconnaissance drilling stage.     

Enhancing Geological Understanding and Identifying Gold Anomalies in the Ailaoshan Orogen

The Ailaoshan Orogen in the southeastern Tibet Plateau, situated between the Yangtze and Simao blocks, underwent a complex structural, magmatic, and metamorphic evolution resulting in different tectonic subzones with varying structural lineaments and elemental concentrations. These elements can conceal or reduce anomalies due to the mutual effect between different anomaly areas. Dividing the whole zone into subzones based on tectonic settings, ore cluster areas, or sample catchment basins (Scb), geochemical and structural anomalies associated with gold (Au) mineralization have been identified utilizing mean plus twice standard deviations (Mean + 2STD), factor analysis (FA), concentration-area (C-A) modeling of stream sediment geochemical data, and lineament density in both the Ailaoshan Orogen and the individual subzones. The FA in the divided 98 Scbs with 6 Scbs containing Au deposits can roughly ascertain unknown rock types, identify specific element associations of known rocks and discern the porphyry or skarn-type Au mineralization. Compared with methods of Mean + 2STD and C-A model of data in the whole orogen, which mistake the anomalies as background or act the background as anomalies, the combined methods of FA and C-A in the separate subzones or Scbs works well in regional metallogenic potential analysis. Mapping of lineament densities with a 10-km circle diameter is not suitable to locate Au deposits because of the delineated large areas of medium-high lineament density. In contrast, the use of circle diameters of 1.3 km or 1.7 km in the ore cluster scale delineates areas with a higher concentration of lineament density, consistent with the locations of known Au deposits. By analyzing the map of faults and Au anomalies, two potential prospecting targets, Scbs 1 and 63 with a sandstone as a potential host rock for Au, have been identified in the Ailaoshan Orogen. The use of combined methods in the divided subzones proved to be more effective in improving geological understanding and identifying mineralization anomalies associated with Au, rather than analyzing the entire large area.     

Stream sediment geochemical exploration for gold in Central Eastern Desert,Egypt: Application of the concentration-number fractal model,factor analysis,and geochemical mineralization probability index

Geochemical exploration by stream sediment sampling using bulk leach extractable gold (BLEG) technique and applying concentration-number (C-N) fractal model, factor analysis (FA), and geochemical mineralization probability index (GMPI) resulted in the recognition of new Au occurrences around the Sukari gold mine in the central Eastern Desert of Egypt. The geochemical data of 128 stream sediment samples collected from the study area was used for delineating the geochemical anomalies and characterizing the dispersion trains of ore and associated elements (Au, Ag, As, Sb, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mo). Statistical analysis of the geochemical data applying the C-N fractal modeling enabled us to identify significant anomaly and background populations of the investigated elements and to construct reliable geochemical anomaly maps. Factor analysis using centered log-ratios (CLR), to address the problem of closed compositional data, revealed significant element associations for mineralization (Au, As, Mo, Zn, Ba), country rock compositions (Rb, Li, Be, Sn, Bi for granite, and Co, Cr, Ni for mafic rocks), and element mobility (e.g. Sb, Zr, and Ag). Weak and moderate Au anomalies that cannot be detected by factor score maps can be delineated clearly by using the C-N fractal method and GMPI distribution map. Our study revealed that Ag, As, and Sb are the main pathfinder elements for gold mineralization in arid to semiarid regions exemplified by the Sukari gold district. Silver can be used as a “direct” pathfinder, whereas As and Sb are “indirect” pathfinders for Au in such regions. The spatial distribution of Au and Ag anomalies indicate that gold mineralization in the Sukari district is structurally controlled. However, the spatial distribution of Cu, Pb, Zn, and Mo is controlled by mineralogical and lithological factors and is not related to any significant base metal deposits.     

Separation of a geochemical anomaly from background by fractal and U-statistic methods,a case study: Khooni district,Central Iran

Separation of geochemical anomalies from background are one of the important steps in mineral exploration. The Khooni mineral district (Central Iran) has complex geochemical surface expression due to a complex geological background. This region was chosen as a study area for recognition of the spatial distribution of geochemical elements and separating anomalies from background using stream sediment geochemical data. In the past decades, geochemical anomalies have been identified by means of various methods. Some of these separation methods include: statistical analysis methods, spatial statistical methods and fractal and multi-fractal methods. In this article, two efficient methods, i.e. U-statistics and the fractal concentration-area for separation and detection of anomalous areas of the background were used. The U spatial statistic method is a weighted mean, which considers sampling point positions and their spatial relation in the estimation of anomaly location. Also, fractal and multi-fractal models have also been applied to separate anomalies from background values. In this paper, the concentration–area model (C–A) was suggested to separate the anomaly of background. For this purpose, about 256 stream sediment samples were collected and analyzed. Then anomaly maps of elements were generated based on U spatial statistics and the C-A fractal methods for Au, As and Sb elements. According to obtained results, the U-statistics method performed better than C-A method. Because the comparisons of the known deposits and occurrences against the anomalous area created using thresholds from U-statistics and C-A method show that the spatial U-statistics method hits all of 3 known deposits and occurrences, the C-A fractal method hits 1 and fails 2. In addition, the results showed that these methods with regard to spatial distribution and variability within neighboring samples, in addition to concentration value frequency distributions and correlation coefficients, have more accurate results than the traditional approaches.     

内蒙古阿拉善左旗查干德日斯铜(金)矿化地质特征及找矿前景

通过对查干德日斯铜(金)矿区地质地球化学勘查工作,区内发现铜矿体1条、铜(金)矿化体1条、铜矿化蚀变带8条。铜(金)矿化体均赋存于NEE向、NNW向断裂破碎带内,且以NEE向为主;矿化与褐铁矿化石英脉密切共生,伴随明显的硅化、钾化热液蚀变。认为矿区Cu-Au-Ag原生晕组合异常明显,与断裂构造套合良好;铜(金)矿化受构造控矿特征明显,热液充填-交代作用强烈,初判为热液充填交代型矿床。矿区深部矿成矿地质条件优越,找矿前景良好。     

The geochemical multi-fractal characteristics and mineralization of the Dehelongwa copper-gold deposit

The spatial distribution of ore-forming elements is the result of interaction and influence among multiple factors in the process of mineralization, and is the specific embodiment of non-linearity and coupling of mineralization. The fractal theory has such functions as to characterize non-lineariry and coupling, and can find out the deterministic law from the complicated coupling process. The primary geochemical fractal distribution of metallogenic elements such as Cu and Au possesses the characteristics of multi-fractal distribution in the Dehelongwa copper-gold deposit. Copper follows 2-d fractal distribution, and Au follows 3- or 4-d fractal distribution. The primary geo- chemical fractal distribution has a certain similarity on the same prospecting line, and this similarity is not obvious among different prospecting lines. The secondary geochemical fractal distribution of Cu and Au is higher in similar- ity, and simpler than the primary geochemical fractal distribution. These results show that the mineralization of Cu and Au is out of sync and also is inconsistent in this deposit, and the mineralization of Cu mainly experienced two mineralization stages, while the mineralization of Au experienced three to four mineralization stages. Besides the mineralization of Cu and Au shows a certain direction and along the strike of vertical orebodies it is relatively bal- anced. While along the strike of the ore bodies the mineralization of Cu and Au shows a significant difference. The hypergenic geologic process has a certain effect on the balance of spatial distribution of Cu and Au. From these it can be seen that the mineralization process of this deposit is well characterized by the geochemical fractal distribu- tion of Cu and Au.     

地球化学分区标准化方法在区域化探信息提取中的应用

从区域化探数据中提取找矿地球化学信息是目前化探工作的重要研究课题,地球化学背景与异常划分是提取找矿地球化学信息的关键。水系沉积物是岩石风化的产物,是上游汇水盆地物质的天然组合,在化学成分上与上游汇水盆地岩石组成具有明显的继承性。水系沉积物中成矿成晕元素含量与常量元素含量之间亦有着密切关系。笔者基于水系沉积物样品特点,采用地球化学分区标准化方法圈定地球化学异常。研究发现,利用常量元素进行地球化学分区是可行的;分区标准化数据处理可以有效地压抑高背景区非矿异常,并强化低背景区矿致异常,突出了找矿信息。以成矿成晕元素标准化数据的因子得分圈定矿化类型综合异常,集中体现了矿致异常信息。     

Delineation of the porphyry-skarn mineralized zones (NW Turkey) using concentration–volume fractal model

This study is carried out for delineation of the Tepeoba porphyry-skarn Cu-Mo ± Au mineralized zones at the Biga peninsula (NW Turkey) using the concentration–volume (C–V) fractal model. The power-law C–V relationships of Cu, Mo, and Au reveal five mineralized zones of Cu, three zones of Mo, and five zones for gold in the Tepeoba deposit. The main phase of the mineralization has average ore grades of 0.257% Cu, 0.357% Mo and 5.3083 ppm Au. Cu–Mo sulfide-rich hypogene ore zone overlain by mineralized oxidation zone are encompassed by three main alteration types, which are represented by biotite ± muscovite-K-feldspar, actinolite-albite and outer chlorite-epidote-calcite mineral associations occurring within the porphyritic microgranite and hornfels in the mine area. The delineated mineralization trend, based on the C–V fractal model, suggested that Cu and Mo enrichment zones were controlled by the same geochemical processes in the deposit due to their similar trends with the C–V log-log plot. Cu and Mo occurred mainly within the breccia zones along with stockwork veining at the contact between the hornfels and the biotite (±muscovite)-K-feldspar-altered Eybek microgranite. The main mineralization zone of Au developed in the oxidation zone due to of supergene enrichment processes.     

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.     

辽宁省抚顺棋盘山矿区物化探地质特征及找矿方向浅析

本文论述了辽宁省抚顺棋盘山矿区的地质、物化探及、矿化体特征,指出花岗斑岩体具有良好的分带性,是低阻高极化体且与土壤地球化学异常吻合。分析了Au、Mo矿化体的空间分布规律、原生晕的分带规律以及矿化体与蚀变之间的关系,指出Au矿化体多产于岩体内部的断裂带内,且与硅化、褐铁矿化、黄体矿化关系密切;而Mo矿化体呈矿化带产于岩体的外接触带中,与硅化关系密切;原生晕在轴向上具有Pb-Ag-Zn-Au-Mo-Cu的分带特征。根据矿区的地质、物化探异常以及蚀变,概括了可能的找矿标志,认为物化探异常地段以及岩体接触带应是今后找矿的重点方向。     

地球化学块体方法在冀北金矿资源潜力估算中的应用

本文利用河北省1:20万化探扫面数据,以2.4ng/g为Au元素异常下限值,圈出了分布于冀北的3个金地球化学块体.选取矿产研究和开发程度均较高的两个块体和1个区域异常,计算得出河北省金矿的成矿率为0.45%.在此基础上,估算了勘查程度较低的地球化学块体及全省金异常区内的潜在资源量.得出全省Au的潜在资源量为1836.3 t,其中勘查程度较低的2号地球化学块体内潜在资源量占到该块体资源总量的3.8%,为河北省金矿下一步的重点勘探区域.     

A spatial analysis method for geochemical anomaly separation

One purpose of using statistical methods in exploration geochemistry is to assist exploration geologists in separating anomalies from background. This always involves two types of negatively associated errors of misclassification: type I errors occur when samples with background levels are rejected as background; and type II errors occur when samples with anomalous values are accepted as background. A new spatial statistical approach is proposed to minimize errors of total misclassification using a moving average technique with variable window radius. This method has been applied for geochemical anomaly enhancement and recognition as demonstrated by a case study of Au and Au-associated data for 698 stream sediment samples in the Iskut River area, northwestern British Columbia. Similar results were obtained using the fractal concentration-area method on the same data. By employing spatial information in the analysis, the process of selecting anomalies becomes less subjective than in more traditional approaches.     

Fractal models for estimating local reserves with different mineralization qualities and spatial variations

The concentration-area model, one of the widely applied fractal models, is utilized to describe the spatial distribution of mineralization variables, i.e., orebody thickness and grade-thickness. And based on the concentration-area model, a new fractal model for reserve estimation (abbreviated as FMRE-CA) is established. Via the demarcation values obtained in the concentration-area model, the orebody is spatially divided into several parts with different value ranges and spatial variation of mineralization variable. Based on the FMRE-CA, the local ore reserves in the parts are estimated, and the global reserve is obtained by addition of the local reserves. In the FMRE-CA, the spatial variation of the mineralization variable in a local reserve is characterized by a fractal dimension, and a greater fractal dimension denotes a more variation. Compared to traditional reserve estimations based on discrete and linear functions, the FMRE-CA is established via continuous and nonlinear function, and it is easier in calculation process and different in the way in which the local reserves are delimitated. Compared to another fractal model for reserve estimation based on number-size model (abbreviated as FMRE-NS), the FMRE-CA is capable of estimating the local reserves. A gold orebody in Southwest Yunnan and two bauxite orebodies in Western Guangxi, China, are selected for case study. In the case study, the global reserve calculated via the FMRE-CA and those derived from the FMRE-NS and traditional geometric block method are analogous.