Morphostructural investigation within the Orihovo-Pavlograd zone

Abstract

This detailed investigation was conducted for the South part of the Orikhovo-Pavlograd suture zone by using satellite imagery. At the first stage, the imagery was used to extract lineaments and arcuate relief elements. Further, geomorphological anomalies were highlighted by means of structural and geomorphological analysis of the study area.  The significant number of ultrabasite bodies were distinguished alongside the entire Orikhovo-Pavlograd suture zone with allowance for the geological structure. The sites of kimberlite magmatism defined according to geophysical investigations can be associated with ultrabasite bodies. Prognostic sites of kimberlite magmatism were allocated and complex of morphostructural geoindication features were educed above the prognostic paleo-volcano that had erupted ultrabasites. The geoindicators of morphostructures are: the spreading and narrowing of a floodplain; displacement of a stream bed; deeping of the stream bed plunging depth; straightened reach of the stream bed; discordant course of the left tributaries of the Molochna river; augmentation of the stream bed meandering; floodplain marshy parts at the beginning of morphostructures; intense developing of a ravine-gully network on the right side of the Molochna river; localization of sand massifs on the anomalously located second terrace of the Molochna river flood-plain; rills and numerous artesian wells within the floodplain. These indicators have made it possible to construct a geoindication scheme, distinguish the prognostic Melitopol morphostructure and make a prognosis for mineral exploration. The formation of this morphological structure can be ascribed with a paleo-volcano, which igneous rocks are ultrabasites and kimberlites. Rocks of these complexes can be prospective evidence for diamond, iron, nickel, copper, lead and zinc deposits exploration. Hydrothermal and metasomatic sulphide (polymetallic) mineral occurrences can be explored as well. The procedure of geoindication investigation will be applied for integrated exploration throughout the entire area of the Orekhovo-Pavlograd suture zone.