{"title":"Identifying sub-surface Triassic salt diapirs under domal structures in the Tunisian Atlas: exploration targets for potential mineralization","authors":"","doi":"10.1007/s13146-024-00935-8","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<h3>Abstract</h3> <p>The aim of this study is to propose a conceptual model explaining the geometry, origin, distribution of three selected domal structures, namely Jerissa, Bou El Haneche and Bir Es Solâa and associated mineralization. These structures, located on the border of the NW–SE Kalaa Khasba graben (Tunisian Atlas), had not been extensively investigated and only inferred—but not positively identified—as salt diapirs. For this goal, a multi-disciplinary method based on satellite images, digital elevation models (DEMs), morpho-structural analysis, hydrochemistry and seismic data was used. The domal structures are clearly expressed in the DEMs, drained by radial hydrographic networks and affected by radial faulting. Under the Jerissa dome, the aquifer water samples contain high strontium values (546–598 mg/l) and also have high Sr<sup>2+</sup>/ Ca<sup>2+</sup> ratios (between 10.59‰ and 11.22‰). This aquifer water chemical characteristics coupled to the interpretation of a seismic line crossing this structure suggest the presence of Triassic evaporitic materials in the sub-surface. The Triassic evaporitic sediments beneath the Bir Es Solâa structure were detected in the BS-1 drill hole. The results provide arguments for the existence of sub-outcropping Triassic rock which may be interpret as sub-surface diapirs under these domal structures, located preferentially at the intersection of regional NW–SE, E–W and NE–SW striking fault networks. At the three selected structures, the Aptian limestone forms the main mineralization traps for Pb–Zn–Ba and Fe. These sub-surface diapirs can be targets for mineral exploration in effort to discover potential mineralized bodies with economic concentration in central–northern Tunisian Atlas.</p>","PeriodicalId":9612,"journal":{"name":"Carbonates and Evaporites","volume":"66 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.1000,"publicationDate":"2024-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Carbonates and Evaporites","FirstCategoryId":"89","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s13146-024-00935-8","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q3","JCRName":"GEOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
The aim of this study is to propose a conceptual model explaining the geometry, origin, distribution of three selected domal structures, namely Jerissa, Bou El Haneche and Bir Es Solâa and associated mineralization. These structures, located on the border of the NW–SE Kalaa Khasba graben (Tunisian Atlas), had not been extensively investigated and only inferred—but not positively identified—as salt diapirs. For this goal, a multi-disciplinary method based on satellite images, digital elevation models (DEMs), morpho-structural analysis, hydrochemistry and seismic data was used. The domal structures are clearly expressed in the DEMs, drained by radial hydrographic networks and affected by radial faulting. Under the Jerissa dome, the aquifer water samples contain high strontium values (546–598 mg/l) and also have high Sr2+/ Ca2+ ratios (between 10.59‰ and 11.22‰). This aquifer water chemical characteristics coupled to the interpretation of a seismic line crossing this structure suggest the presence of Triassic evaporitic materials in the sub-surface. The Triassic evaporitic sediments beneath the Bir Es Solâa structure were detected in the BS-1 drill hole. The results provide arguments for the existence of sub-outcropping Triassic rock which may be interpret as sub-surface diapirs under these domal structures, located preferentially at the intersection of regional NW–SE, E–W and NE–SW striking fault networks. At the three selected structures, the Aptian limestone forms the main mineralization traps for Pb–Zn–Ba and Fe. These sub-surface diapirs can be targets for mineral exploration in effort to discover potential mineralized bodies with economic concentration in central–northern Tunisian Atlas.
期刊介绍：
Established in 1979, the international journal Carbonates and Evaporites provides a forum for the exchange of concepts, research and applications on all aspects of carbonate and evaporite geology. This includes the origin and stratigraphy of carbonate and evaporite rocks and issues unique to these rock types: weathering phenomena, notably karst; engineering and environmental issues; mining and minerals extraction; and caves and permeability.
The journal publishes current information in the form of original peer-reviewed articles, invited papers, and reports from meetings, editorials, and book and software reviews. The target audience includes professional geologists, hydrogeologists, engineers, geochemists, and other researchers, libraries, and educational centers.
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