Description

The volcano-sedimentary sequence in the 3-3.5 Ga Coongan greenstone belt in the Pilbara craton WA shows indications of hydrothermal alteration and it contains continuous chert horizons that are fossiliferous and vent structures that may be related to base-metal mineralization. No systematic mapping of the stratigraphic units and hydrothermal alteration has yet been carried out, and therefore the hydrothermal history of the sequence remains poorly understood. This impacts on the assessments of the potential for early life habitats and economic mineralization of the area. This topic involves a remote sensing study to map the volcano-sedimentary stratigraphy and hydrothermal alteration patterns and a study of the possible linkages with early life habitats and base metal mineralization.

Objectives and Methodology

The goal of this topic is to use airborne hyperspectral imagery, aerial photos, and airborne geophysics for detailed mapping of the stratigraphy and the architecture of hydrothermal vent systems and paleo-surfaces. The results may help to better predict potential locations of early life habitats and mineralization. The focus of the study may vary and depends on the interest of the MSc student.

Further reading

van Ruitenbeek, F. J., Cudahy, T. J., van der Meer, F. D., & Hale, M. (2012). Characterization of the hydrothermal systems associated with Archean VMS-mineralization at Panorama, Western Australia, using hyperspectral, geochemical and geothermometric data. Ore geology reviews, 45, 33-46.