Geophysical applications for Fe-rich emery exploration in the Elmacik area on the Menderes Massif (Turkey)

Abstract

To determine the continuity of known Fe-rich emery horizons and to explore new deposits in the Elmacik area (Yatagan, Turkey), a geophysical survey was carried out using magnetic and electrical methods. Magnetic measurements were taken in the target area of 5 km(2) and a vertical electrical sounding technique was applied at 15 locations in the alluvial/eluvial (A/E) part of the area in order to explore possible placer emery horizons, and to investigate the thickness of the A/E assembly and any probable faults.

Significant magnetic anomalies occur in the vicinity of old and abandoned emery pits in the marbles of Mt Ismail. The anomalies in the marbles were caused by Fe-rich emery bodies, which did not crop out and were not more than 10 m deep. The magnetic anomalies in the A/E part of the area were weak in amplitude and may suggest small new placer emery deposits.

The result of the vertical electrical soundings indicated two fault zones, one in a N-S direction, and the other approximately in an E-W direction. The thickness of the A/E assembly varies from 2-3 m to 60-100 m. A low resistivity zone, which is located in the mid-east of the A/E part of the study area, correlates well with the long-wavelength magnetic anomaly. According to the survey results, further exploration activities should take place around abandoned emery pits.