LARS Tech Report Number
101073
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the value of ERTS-1 data as a supplement to mineral reconnaissance techniques. Field studies have revealed that the major mining districts in Lander and Eureka counties, Nevada, tend to be aligned in northwest-southeast belts with ore deposits occurring in carbonates which have been exposed by domal windows through the upper plate of the Roberts Mountain thrust.
Analyses of composite color images of ERTS-1 data obtained from a digital image-editing system indicated that many of the ore districts are related to lineaments not previously mapped either by aerial or field studies. These lineaments very likely indicate deep zones of structural weakness along which igneous rocks and related ore-bearing fluids have penetrated. An isolineament intersection map prepared from the imagery displays a concentrated band of lineament intersections that coincides with the previously mapped mineral belts. Within that band, a strong correlation exists between areas of intersection concentration and domal windows associated with major districts. Based on this correlation, two major intersection concentration areas which have no known associated ore deposits are interpreted to be buried domal areas and potential exploration targets.
Date of this Version
January 1973