Geochemical Modeling of Stream Sediment Samples by “Sample Catchment Basin" Approach

Document Type : research - paper

Authors

Isfahan University of Technology

Abstract

Geochemical modeling by sample catchment basin approach has been exercised on stream sediment samples in central British Columbia, located between 124˚ - 124˚ 30΄ (W) and 52˚ 30΄- 52˚ 50΄ (N). In the study area 54 stream sediment samples are collected over 560 square kilometer and are chemically analyzed for 34 elements. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and geographical position of the samples are used for sample catchment delineation and geological maps are digitized for further processing in UTM system. Background concentrations for elements of interest are calculated for each catchment by weighted average method and then residuals are calculated for the each catchment. In the next step, the positive residual are corrected for dilution effect. Due to multivariate nature of the geochemical data, multivariate techniques are employed in this study for more clear definition of anomalies related to gold mineralization. The results of this research have highlighted the "Baez" area in northeast in which occurrence of low sulphidation epithermal gold mineralization has been proven and this has verified the modeling and algorithm practiced in this research.

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