Determination of relationship between basement faults and alteration zones in Bafq-Esfordi region, central Iran

Abstract

The remote sensing was utilized for mineral exploration specifically to look for the presence of altered minerals. In addition, airborne magnetic data have been used for modelling of basement faults/structures. Furthermore, these data provide a synoptic view, which is helpful in the identification and delineation of various land forms, linear features and structural elements. Moreover, mapping geological lineaments is essential for regional exploration of hydrothermal deposits. The aim of this study is the determination of relationship between faults/structures and hydrothermal alteration zones based on geophysical and remote sensing data in the Esfordi area, central Iran. Basement faults were extracted by magnetic airborne data and alteration zones were detected using remote sensing data. Statistical and geostatistical parameters were determined in this area including correlation between areas of alteration zones and distances to faults, variograms and anisotropic ellipsoid. These reveal that there is a direct correlation between alteration zones and basement faults in the study area.