The geophysical exploration of Mesozoic iron-copper mineral system in the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt: a synthesis

doi:10.13745/j.esf.sf.2020.3.18

Abstract

Abstract:

Mineral systems driven by deep Earth processes are self-organized critical systems involving the transfer and accumulation of mass and energy. During the formation and evolution of such a system, “fingerprints” are left at different scales across the lithosphere, which can be detected or observed through geophysical, geochemical, and remote sensing methods. In this study, we first analysed multi-scale geophysical and geochemical data over the last decade from the Middle and Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt. Based on the theoretical framework of a deep-seated mineral system, we then attempted to identify the geophysical and geochemical “fingerprints” for the source, channel, and site of a typical intracontinental mineral system. Finally, we attempt to establish a structural model of the mineral system. We concluded that the Late Mesozoic large-scale Fe-Cu polymetallic mineralization in the Middle and Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt may be considered a holistic mineral system, consisting of three subsystems: (1)a skarn-porphyry subsystem related to high-K calc-alkaline magmatic rocks,(2) a terrestrial volcanic iron (sulphur) subsystem related to shoshonite formation, and (3) a Cu-Au (uranium) subsystem related to alkaline rocks. The source area of the mineral system was derived from the melting and underplating of an enriched mantle and subsequent multi-level mixing with lower crustal materials at the crust/mantle boundary. The type of metal formed depended upon the mixing ratio of the mantle-derived magma and crust materials. Moreover, the “crocodile” structure developed in the Middle and Lower Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt is the main channel of the Fe-Cu mineral system. The site of ore precipitation (“termination” of the mineral system)was predominantly controlled by near-surface folds, faults, interlayer detachment faults, and their resultant fracture network. Regional magnetic, radioactive, and geochemical data are the signatures (or “fingerprints”) of a mineral system; by analysing these multi-scale signatures, we can deepen our understanding of the spatial structures of mineral systems and effectively predict deep targets.

Key words: Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt, lithosphere architecture, deep processes, mineral system, geophysical exploration

CLC Number:

LÜ Qingtian, MENG Guixiang, YAN Jiayong, ZHANG Kun, GONG Xuejing, GAO Fengxia. The geophysical exploration of Mesozoic iron-copper mineral system in the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River Metallogenic Belt: a synthesis[J]. Earth Science Frontiers, 2020, 27(2): 232-253.

Figures/Tables 11

Fig. 1 Regional geological map and distribution of iron and copper multi-metal deposits in metallogenic belt of Middle and Lower Yangtze River

Fig. 2 Three-dimensional velocity perspective image of P-wave teleseismic tomography in metallogenic belt of Middle and Lower Yangtze River. Adapted from [50].

Fig. 3 Electrical structure sections across metallogenic belt of Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River. Adapted from [55].

Fig. 4 Moho surface distribution of Middle and Lower Yangtze River area derived from gravity inversion. Adapted from [64].

Fig. 5 Edge detection results derived from Worms techniques of gravity anomaly. Adapted from [68].

Fig. 6 Aeromagnetic anomalies in scale of 1∶200000 and deposit distribution in metallogenic belt of Middle and Lower Yangtze River and adjacent area

Fig. 7 Stereoscopic image of aeromagnetic anomalies of Lu-Zong mineral district and typical ore field

Fig. 8 Geochemical anomalies map of elements in Middle and Lower Yangtze Metallogenic Belt and adjacent area. Date adapted from [73].

Fig. 9 Interpreted structural fault system of Lu-Zong ore district showing locations of integrated geophysical profiles. Adapted from [19].

Fig. 10 Results of edge detection of potential field from Lu-Zong ore district. Adapted from [19].

Fig. 11 Model illustrating multi-level magmatic fluid system beneath Lu-Zong volcanic area. Adapted from [73].

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