Structural controls on mineralization and hydrothermal alteration using integrated radiometric and aeromagnetic data, Wadi El Miyah, Red Sea, Egypt
摘要
The paper integrates aeromagnetic data with airborne radiometric data from the areas surrounding Wadi El Miyah in the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt to identify subsurface characteristics and hydrothermal alterations zones linked with mineralized zones. To gain insights into the structure framework and geological limits, the aeromagnetic data were subjected to a series of filters for analysis and interpretation, including reduction to pole (RTP), total horizontal gradient derivative (THDR), tilt derivative (TDR), and analytical signal amplitude (AS or ASA), as well as the CET technique. For recognizing the hydrothermal alterations zones by determining the areas of potassium enrichment associated with the ores, the K/Th ratios map, F parameter and the potassium ternary composite image were applied. The results point to a strong correlation between high structural density and the hydrothermal alteration zones which represent the main pathways for hydrothermal fluids along the Northeast and Northwest trends. Numerous shear zones have been observed in the research region, which represent optimal locations for mineralization. These zones are associated with the Najd fault system. Seven new prospective zones were identified for mineralization emplacement, including G. Umm Bisilla, El Nab’a, Um Saltit, Umm Salim, G. Abo Marwa, G. Umm El Rus, and G. Atwani. The area studied exhibits a large range of radioactivity (more than 39 to less than 1 μW/m3), resulting in the generation of radiogenic heat production (RHP). The characterization of the geological and lithological features of the area reveals that granites have the highest RHP value, followed by metavolcanic, serpentinites, and metagabbro exhibit lower RHP values. It can be posited that G. Umm Bisilla, G. Umm Gheig, G. Kadabora, and G. Homrit Waggat are areas of heat production, resulting in highly radioactive mineral concentrations. These areas could be utilized for geothermal resource exploration.