Alteration and structural features mapping in Kacho-Mesqal zone, Central Iran using ASTER remote sensing data for porphyry copper exploration

ABSTRACT

Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) satellite imagery was used to identify argillic, phyllic and propylitic alteration zones and mapping geological structural features for porphyry copper exploration in the Kacho-Mesqal zone, Urumieh- Dokhtar Magmatic Arc, Iran. The image processing techniques such as specialised band ratio, Selective Principal Component Analysis (SPCA), and Spectral Angle Mapping (SAM) image processing methods were implemented to the visible and near-infrared and shortwave infrared bands of ASTER. Results indicate that the argillic alteration zone is broadly distributed in the granodiorite intrusion, andesitic rock, tuff breccia and ignimbrite. Phyllic alteration is mainly mapped associated with sandstone and some parts of andesitic lithology. Propylitic alteration zone is identified in andesite, sandstone, shale and marl, dacite to rhyodacite, andesite-basalt, tuff and andesite lava and granodiorite intrusion. The fracture density map shows that the argillic alteration is mostly abundant in the high-density fracture zone, whereas propylitic and phyllic zones are located in moderate to low-density fracture zones. Consequently, high potential zones for copper mineralisation in the study area are identified within the high to moderate fracture density zones associated with argillic and assemblage of argillic, phyllic and propylitic alteration zones in granodiorite and andesite units.

KEYWORDS:

• ASTER
• alteration/structural mapping
• porphyry copper exploration
• Urumieh–Dokhtar Magmatic Arc
• Iran

Acknowledgements

We would appreciate the Saint Petersburg Mining University for supporting this work that was funded to Soheyla Beygi. This study is part of the research activity carried out during the first author’s PhD research at the Saint Petersburg Mining University. The Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) is also acknowledged.