Evaluation of iron-copper mineralisation around Avanos-Ozkonak (Nevsehir, Central Anatolia, Turkey) using satellite-based tectonic lineaments and surface temperature

Abstract

This research focuses on Özkonak and the surrounding area in the Avanos district, investigating the relationship between tectonic lineaments and the formation of goethite and malachite mineralisation. The study aims to clarify how structural geological features influence the formation processes of these secondary minerals. Recent advances in satellite technology have greatly improved the effectiveness of remote sensing in mineral exploration. The study combined field surveys with Landsat-8 OLI/TIRS satellite imagery, processed using Geomatica, ENVI, and ArcGIS, to investigate the relationship between geological-tectonic lineaments and mineralisation patterns. The results indicate a strong correlation between mineralisation and tectonic lineaments, with significant concentrations of goethite and malachite mineralisation found to the west of Özkonak. This is particularly evident in areas characterised by imbricated thrust faults. These formations are likely to be secondary in the oxidation zone, suggesting the presence of primary sulphide deposits. The occurrence of mineralisation coincides with regions of significant tectonic lineaments, as shown by rose diagrams derived from both field and satellite data. The analysis revealed that the ore veins' position was N83⁰W/17⁰SW. The average orientation of the ore veins aligns with the N80-90⁰W and N30-50⁰E trending lineaments. In addition, a satellite-based surface temperature map indicates higher temperatures in the mineralised areas, which corresponds with the lineament maps. The results of this study could greatly enhance the exploration of primary sulphide deposits, which are the source of secondary mineralisation.