Topographic, geophysical, and mineralogical characterization of geologic structures using a statistical modeling approach

Product Type: Report, Pages In

Year: 2008

Author(s): McDougal, R.R., A.E. McCafferty, B.D. Smith, and D.B. Yager

Pages: 647-687

Suggested Citation: McDougal, R.R., A.E. McCafferty, B.D. Smith, and D.B. Yager. 2008. Topographic, geophysical, and mineralogical characterization of geologic structures using a statistical modeling approach. In: S.E. Church, P. von Guerard, and S.E. Finger (eds.). Integrated Investigations of Environmental Effects of Historical Mining in the Animas River Watershed, San Juan County, Colorado. Professional Paper 1651. : U.S. Geological Survey. 647-687 p.

Abstract

Statistical modeling of geologic structures in the Animas River watershed study area enables definition of geophysical (electromagnetic and magnetic), mineralogical, and topographic attributes, portrayed in charts and maps as probabilities. The modeling shows that faults and veins in the watershed have characteristic signatures within discrete data value ranges for all data layers, as evident by relatively high probabilities. Topographically, structures are characterized by erosionally resistive and likely silicified ridgelines, or appear as eroded incised channels and valleys. Geophysically, the planimetric orientations of structures calculated from the trends of geophysical gradients identify east-west, northerly, and northwesterly trends, which are collinear with trends of mapped geologic structures…