Evaluation of alteration in the geothermal province west of Cappadocia, Türkiye: Mineralogical, petrographical, geochemical, and remote sensing data

Abstract

This study determines the mineralogical, petrographical, and geochemical properties of the rocks outcropping in geothermal areas west of the Cappadocia geothermal region. These areas include Ziga, Narlıgöl, Belisırma, Ilısu, and Sivrihisar. The study reveals their hydrothermal alteration characteristics. Also, the study aims to determine the zones of hydrothermal alterations using remote sensing. Rock samples from geothermal areas were performed using optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry techniques for the determination of mineralogical assemblages and major, trace and REE's analyses. Rock samples, determined as ignimbrites and tuff, exhibit intensive alterations. XRD analysis determined the association of alteration minerals. The dominant clay minerals were kaolinite, montmorillonite, and illite. The analyses and mineral associations are compatible with argillic, mid-argillic alteration, and silicification zones. Alteration zones were identified by classifying the ASTER satellite images of kaolinite, illite, and montmorillonite using the CROSTA technique. The alteration zones observed in this study are close to existing geothermal areas. In addition, different regions with these alterations have been identified within the study area and are expected to be a valuable reference for future geothermal exploration.