Mapping the Lithological Features and Ore-Controlling Structures Related to Ni–Cu Mineralization in the Eastern Tian Shan, NW China from ASTER Data

Abstract

The study of lithological features and tectonic evolution related to mineralization in the eastern Tian Shan is crucial for understanding the ore-controlling mechanism. In this paper, the lithological features and ore-controlling structure of the Huangshan Ni–Cu ore belt in the eastern Tian Shan are documented using advanced spaceborne thermal emission and reflection radiometer (ASTER) multispectral data based on spectral image processing algorithms, mineral indices and directional filter technology. Our results show that the algorithms of b2/b1, b6/b7 and b4/b8 from ASTER visible and near-infrared (VNIR)- shortwave infrared (SWIR) bands and of mafic index (MI), carbonate index (CI) and silica index (SI) from thermal infrared (TIR) bands are helpful to extract regional pyroxenite, external foliated gabbro bearing Ni–Cu ore bodies as well as the country rocks in the study area. The detailed interpretations and analyses of the geometrical feature of fault system and intrusive facies suggest that the Ni–Cu metallogenic belts are related to Carboniferous arc intrusive rocks and Permian wrench tectonics locating at the intersection of EW- and NEE-striking dextral strike-slip fault system, and the emplacement at the releasing bends in the southern margin of Kanggur Fault obviously controlled by secondary faults orthogonal or oblique to the Kanggur Fault in the post-collision extensional environment. Therefore, the ASTER data-based approach to map lithological features and ore-controlling structures related to the Ni–Cu mineralization are well performed. Moreover, a 3D geodynamic sketch map proposes that the strike-slip movement of Kanggur Fault in Huangshan-Kanggur Shear Zone (HKSZ) during early Permian controlled the migration and emplacement of three mafic/ultramafic intrusions bearing Ni–Cu derived from partial mantle melting and also favored CO2-rich fluids leaking to the participation of metallogenic processes.