Stream sediments geochemical investigations in Deliklitas and Ovacik (Balikesir), Turkey

Abstract

Stream sediment sampling was carried out of the Deliklitas and Ovacik region, western Turkey. These sediments are derived mainly from Miocene intermediate volcanic rocks. The volcanics are widely affected by hydrothermal alteration. A total of 50 stream sediment samples were collected from the alteration area and its vicinity. They were then analysed for metal element content and spatial distribution at the different sampling locations. Factor analysis of the data produced a three-factor model which accounted for 72.29% of the total variance in the data with the following three metal element associations: Au-Ag-Cd-Pb-W-Zn, Co-Cu-Ga-V, and As-Sb. The Au-Ag association indicated gold mineralization while the others reflected lithologic control.