Comparative Study of Fracture Planes Computed from Topography and Lineaments from Imagery with Structures and Mineralization in the Magnetic Belt of Washington State

摘要

Digitally computed fracture planes for the Magnesite Belt of Washington State were obtained using a technique developed for structural geologic analysis of topography. These planes and lineaments, interpreted from aerial and satellite data sets, have been compared to mapped structures and mineralization in the area. The Magnesite Belt of Stevens County, Washington, was selected for this study because detailed joint analysis studies had been conducted in this area. These studies included measurement and analysis of over 2000 joints in the area. Computed fracture planes were used to develop a structural model for fracturing in the region. These planes clearly indicate that the region is dominated by normal faulting. Lineaments mapped in the area show a dominant North 30 exp 0 East trend which correlates with mineralization in the region and the dominant computed longitudinal fracture plane trends. These predicted longitudinal fracture planes show a strong spatial correlation with the major magnesite mineralization. 11 refs., 14 figs., 1 tab. (ERA citation 10:028912)