Distribution of base metals and the related elements in the stream-sediments around the Ahar area (NW Iran) and their implications

Abstract

The study area is located in the Ahar region, NW Iran. Volcanic rocks of Eocene cover major parts of the area, within which granitic-granodioritic intrusive bodies of Oligocene intruded and produced hydrothermal alterations and Cu-Au mineralization. This paper aims to explore anomalies of base metals and related elements across the region based on systematic sampling of stream sediments and using the secondary geochemical halos. In this regard, by taking into account factors such as stratigraphy, lithology, tectonics and the topologic center of the drainage system, 620 samples were taken from stream sediments and analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) method.All the distinguished anomalies correlate well with Oligocene granitic-granodioritic rocks and the related hydrothermal alterations occurred within the Eocene andesitic-basaltic volcanics, especially at the NE part of the quadrangle, as well as with alterations within trachy-andesitic and andesitic volcanics of Pliocene at the SE part of the quadrangle, where epithermal gold and Pb-Zn mineralization is found. Most of he studied elements also show moderate to strong anomalies over the Sonajil porphyry-type Cu mineralization. Copper, and to some extent Mo, as well as Pb, Zn, Sn, W, As and Sb are the best examples of this association. Bismuth has more limited anomalies across the region, showing correlation with the granitoid intrusion at the east of Ahar and the hydrothermal alterations within the Pliocene andesitic and basaltic rocks at SE of Ahar quadrangle which, considering the presence of epithermal gold and Pb-Zn veins in both areas, can be attributed to epithermal processes. However, anthropogenic pollutions are also found for As, Fe, V, Ti, Ni and Co downstream the urban and rural areas. In this regard, besides the Sonajil area, where porphyry-type Cu mineralization is discovered, the NE and SE parts of the quadrangle present promising areas for further investigations.