The Application of Resistivity and Induced Polarization Methods in Identification of Skarn Alteration Haloes: A Case Study in the Qale-Alimoradkhan Area

Abstract

This paper investigates the capability of the resistivity and induced polarization (IP) methods to delineate skarn alteration haloes within the Qale-Alimoradkhan skarn copper deposit. This deposit is located in the Sanandaj-Sirjan geological and structural zone, Hamedan province, Iran. It is understood that fresh limestone and metamorphosed limy units including skarns represent high resistivity anomalies whereas granodiorite intrusions represent medium to low resistivity responses. Four profiles were selected to explore the sulfide-rich zones within the deposit using the Combined Resistivity Sounding and Profiling (CRSP) array. After the appropriate selection of inversion parameters, the inverted models were in good agreement with the known geological features. The resistivity response of the intrusive rocks were found to be alteration dependent. Furthermore, IP targets likely represent sulfide-rich zones. Our study suggests that if preexisting knowledge regarding the geological setting is available, then resistivity and IP can be helpful in the exploration of skarn mineralization.

Complex Electrical Resistivity and Dielectric Permittivity Responses to Dense Non-aqueous Phase Liquids' Imbibition and Drainage in Porous Media: A Laboratory Study

“…SIP might have enough resolution and precision to be suitable for DNAPL detection and validating depollution processes in contaminated soils, but it needs to be proven by further electro-geophysical studies in the laboratory and field. Recently, the induced polarization (IP) method has been used to investigate the geophysical characteristics of soils (e.g., Mashhadi and Ramazi, 2018;Revil et al, 2015;Jang et al, 2014;Slater et al, 2014;Attwa and Gunther, 2013;Weller et al, 2010;Candansayar, 2008;Braga et al, 1999). Many laboratory studies have discussed the effects of saturation changes on IP responses (e.g., Maineult et al, 2018;Schmutz et al, 2012;Breede et al, 2011;Jougnot et al, 2010;Cosenza et al, 2007;Titov et al, 2004), evidencing saturation having a strong influence on complex resistivity spectra.…”

Geoelectrical tomography data processing and interpretation for Pb-Zn-Ag mineral exploration in Nash Creek, Canada

“…This technique produces two parameters, namely resistivity and chargeability, which quite well distinguishes the mineral deposit content in rocks [4][5][6]. The DCIP technique has demonstrated to be a useful and effective tool in the exploration of mineral resources (metallic and non-metallic) [7][8][9][10]. Especially, the IP method is widely used for mineral exploration because it is the only geophysical technique that has the ability to discriminate conductive or semi-conductive minerals disseminated in high electrical resistivity background (host rock) [11][12][13][14].…”