Abstract:

Based on the 1∶200000 stream sediments data from Regional GeochemistryNational Reconnaissance (RGNR) Project in South China Continent, this paper described the spatial distribution of copper geochemical blocks, and studied their relationship with geologic bodies and metallogenic provinces. It was found that copper geochemical blocks in South China Continent are mainly distributed in the southwestern margin of Yangtze Block, the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, West Qinling, the JinshajiangLancangjiangNujiang Rivers and the border area of Hunan, Guangdong and Guangxi Provinces. The geochemical block in southwestern margin of Yangtze River is largely due to high background copper value in Emeishan basalt. The rest is consistent with the copper deposits related to Hercynian maficultramafic rocks and strata bound type copper deposits. The geochemical block in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River coincides with its mineralization belt. The geochemical block in West Qinling area is concerned with magmatic rocks, copper and other metal deposits. Many copper ores and metal deposits are distributed in the geochemical blocks of JinshajiangLancangjiangNujiang Rivers, and the border area of Hunan, Guangdong and Guangxi Provinces. The conclusion was drawn that copper geochemical block is related to high background copper value in rocks, metallogenic provinces or other deposits, in which copper acts as an accompanying element. The supply of huge metallogenic materials is basic for forming large ore deposits, such as in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, where copper geochemical block provides metallogenic materials for forming copper deposits. However, not each geochemical block results in metallogenic province, like the geochemical block in Emeishan basalt.

Key words:  South China Continent, copper, geochemical block, metallogenic province