US EPA

4836823 

Journal Article 

Estimate of alteration zones and type of deposit by multispectral satellite image interpretation and correlation with geology and geochemistry in the SW Loja-Ecuador Province 

Evelyn Karina; Caiza Canar 

2017 

1495-1497 

WOS:000439764100370 

This study aims to contribute to the investigation and search for new areas with geological-mining potential in Ecuador determining types of ore deposits by estimating hydrothermal alteration zones using ASTER satellite image interpretation with their respective validation by creating a record of spectral signatures. Additionally, a geological correlation is necessary where volcanic rocks of Pirion Formation of lower cretaceous age host polymetallic mineralization as result of a granitic to granodioritic igneous body intrusion of upper cretaceous age. Zones of geochemical anomalies determined by a geostatistical analysis of stream sediment that were collected by the National Institute of Geological Metallurgical and Mining Research (INIGEMM) are displayed within the study area. The most important anomaly of first order matches with a hydrothermal alteration zone on the Rio Playas valley where anomalous samples of Cu, Pb, Zn and Mo matches with a possible disseminated mineralization copper molybdenum and veined; these zones with anomalies are associated with the margin of intrusive igneous body which have a NE-SW trend related to the main fault system in the study area.