Crustal architecture of a metallogenic belt and ophiolite belt: implications for mineral genesis and emplacement from 3-D electrical resistivity models (Bayankhongor area, Mongolia)

• Published in: Earth, planets, and space planets, and space, 2021-04, Vol.73 (1), p.82-82, Article 82
• Main Authors: Comeau, Matthew J., Becken, Michael, Kuvshinov, Alexey V., Demberel, Sodnomsambuu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 1. Geomagnetism; Anomalies; Architecture; Belts; Composition; Computational fluid dynamics; Crust; Crustal structure; Data acquisition; Earth; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Electrical resistivity; Fault zone; Geological processes; Geology; Geophysics/Geodesy; Metallogenic belt; Mineral deposits; Mineral emplacement; Mineralization; Minerals; Observations; Ophiolite belt; Ophiolites; Three dimensional models; Volcanic belts
• ISSN: 1343-8832; 1880-5981; 1880-5981
• DOI: 10.1186/s40623-021-01400-9

Crustal architecture strongly influences the development and emplacement of mineral zones. In this study, we image the crustal structure beneath a metallogenic belt and its surroundings in the Bayankhongor area of central Mongolia. In this region, an ophiolite belt marks the location of an ancient suture zone, which is presently associated with a reactivated fault system. Nearby, metamorphic and volcanic belts host important mineralization zones and constitute a significant metallogenic belt that includes sources of copper and gold. However, the crustal structure of these features, and their relationships, are poorly studied. We analyze magnetotelluric data acquired across this region and generate three-dimensional electrical resistivity models of the crustal structure, which is found to be locally highly heterogeneous. Because the upper crust ( 1000 Ωm), low-resistivity (