Multifractal analysis of geochemical stream sediment data in Bange region, northern Tibet

Abstract

The aim of this study is to quantify the geochemical elements distribution patterns analyzed from stream sediment data and then to delineate favorable areas for mineral exploration. A total of 7 270 stream sediment samples were collected from four subareas and 37 rock (ore) chip samples from five different locations in the Bange region, northern Tibet (China). The multifractal spectra of 12 elements including Au, Ag, As, Cu, Mo, Pb, Zn, W, Sn, Bi, Sb and Hg are represented by the method of moments, and characterized by five quantitative multifractal parameters. The results show that the multifractality for Cu and Bi in the Gongma area is much stronger than those in other subareas. Both the asymmetry index of multifractal spectra and the variance coefficients of Cu and Bi in this area are the highest, which imply that the distribution pattern of Cu and Bi in the Gongma area is the most heterogeneous. These multifractal parameters indicate that the Gongma area is the most favorable for prospecting Cu and Bi. The results obtained by the method of moments are in agreement with petrochemical analysis and field observation. It is suggested that multifractal analysis can be used as an effective tool to evaluate the ore-forming potential in the study area and to provide new approaches for geochemical exploration.