Early Devonian geothermal systems in northeast Scotland: Exploration targets for epithermal gold

Journal Article · Thu Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1989 · Geology; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1989)017<0568:EDGSIN>2.3.CO;2· OSTI ID:7259369

Nicholson, K ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Auckland, Private Bag (New Zealand)

Early Devonian geothermal activity is recognized in northeast Scotland by the remnants of silica sinter, a hot-spring manganese deposit, an area of steam alteration, and hydrothermal eruption breccias. At least five systems were active at this time, three of which are located on or near the intersection of major faults and lineaments. Two deposits can be dated as Early Devonian, whereas others show a spatial relation to 408 Ma Caledonian granitoids-the proposed heat sources for the geothermal systems. Fault zones active at this time provided channelways for fluids in the convecting systems. The shallow sections of these systems have been preserved in the Arndilly, Dalroy, Lecht, and Rhynie areas, which is encouraging for gold prospecting. Six targets for epithermal gold exploration are identified: the four areas named above and two areas at the intersection of major faults and lineaments.

• OSTI ID: 7259369
• Journal Information: Geology; (USA), Vol. 17:6; ISSN 0091-7613
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS
GEOLOGIC HISTORY
UNITED KINGDOM
AGE ESTIMATION
DEVONIAN PERIOD
EXPLORATION
GEOLOGIC FAULTS
GOLD ORES
LINEAMENTS
MANGANESE
RESERVOIR FLUIDS
ELEMENTS
EUROPE
FLUIDS
GEOLOGIC AGES
GEOLOGIC FRACTURES
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
METALS
ORES
PALEOZOIC ERA
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
WESTERN EUROPE
150200* - Geology &amp; Hydrology of Geothermal Systems