Research Topics – Colin J. Paterson – May 20, 2003
cpaterso@taz.sdsmt.edu
Hyperspectral Remote Sensing for Geological and Resource Evaluation in Arid
Regions, Namibia (E. Duke and C. Paterson)
Within the Damaran terrane of north-central Namibia, key areas have been
selected to test the potential of spectroscopy and remote sensing to (1) routinely and
remotely map the zonation of metamorphic grade in large areas, and (2) identify areas of
altered rocks spatially associated with metallic ore deposits. This project will
(i) test applications of new field spectroscopy and remote sensing methods in an area of
varied but incompletely characterized geology and numerous important ore deposits.
(ii) lead to refinement of the methodology based on results of examining new geological
settings.
(iii) demonstrate the value of these methods for clarifying geology, structure, and
distribution of minerals.
(iv) foster new understanding of relationships between patterns of mineral zonation and
processes of metamorphism and fluid flow.
Key areas include Navachab (below), Kunene igneous complex, and Matchless
amphibolite belt.
Projects available at senior and M.S. level
Crustal fluid flow estimated from remote sensing data, Navachab, Namibia
This study of field-based spectroscopic applications with multispectral remote
sensing imagery(ASTER, Landsat) will allow geologists to locate surface areas that have
undergone high heat and fluid flow and to relate these to local and regional structures.
The specific objectives of this research at the Navachab gold deposit are (a)
correlate field-based spectral features to mineralogy using standard petrographic
techniques, (b) apply spectral methods to define areas by spectral signatures that have
undergone high heat and fluid flow, (c) fluid inclusion studies to better understand the
chemical and thermal zoning of the ore forming system, and (d) extend surface-based
observations to remote sensing.
Chris Pellowski (in progress)
Spectroscopy and remote sensing as a guide to gold mineralization, Wharf mine
area
A portable field spectrometer is being used to characterize the spectral signatures
of minerals and altered rocks that are possible guides to the locations of gold ore in the
Deadwood Formation in the northern Black Hills. Area of study is in the Bald Mountain
District near the Wharf mine. These signatures are then applied to remotely-sensed data
acquired by AVIRIS in the northern Black Hills to identify other areas of potential gold
mineralization.
Leif Johnson (MS, May 2003)
Petrology of carbonatites and mineralization, Bear Lodge, Wyoming
Samples from drill core are being used to characterize the mineralogy and
chemistry of mineralized veins and altered wall rocks in order to determine the possible
causes of deposition of rare earth elements and associated elements.
Elizabeth Wagar (MS, May, 2003)
Petrology of alteration in Keystone gold district
Samples from drill core will be used to characterize the mineralogy and chemistry
of mineralized veins and altered wall rocks in order to determine the possible causes of
gold deposition.
Project available for qualified M.S. student
Inventory of Industrial Minerals and Potential Applications, Black Hills Region
Jon Kellar (MetE) and Colin Paterson (Geol/GeoE)
A database on Black Hills industrial minerals is being developed that would be
the repository for information of use to various industries and companies. Although the
database would primarily be descriptive, a portion of it would be devoted to identifying
or proposing alternative uses or applications for materials that are currently available.
The desire is to provide impetus for investigation of the means of adding value to the
existing raw mineral production. Such added value is generated by developing a
manufacturing sector which depends upon the available raw materials.
This project when complete would serve several purposes, including: 1) serving
as a resource base, accessible to the general public, of the mineral resources available in
the Black Hills, 2) serving as a focal point for the current mineral producers in the Black
Hills, 3) allowing local economic development leaders any easily accessible tool to help
recruit potential new businesses to Western South Dakota and 4) beginning to explore
new uses for known Black Hills’ mineral deposits.
Krystal Price (MS, May 2003)
Crustal processes as they relate to metamorphism, fluid migration,
metal partitioning and ore genesis: a study in the upper crust exposed in the
Homestake Mine, Lead, South Dakota.
We are especially interested in the nature of metal partitioning between reactants and
products in metamorphic reactions, and to what extent this may provide metals to the
metamorphic fluid for redistribution ultimately to form mineral deposits. We think that
the drill core from in and around the Homestake mine will give us the 3-D perspective on
the variation in the character of formations relative to metamorphic grade, and also to
provide us with fresh material to conduct detailed microanalysis. Detailed microanalysis
of metals in minerals participating in metamorphic reactions will be conducted using a
synchrotron XRF at the University of Chicago. Likely we would involve scientists at
other institutions too, such as Dan Core (Univ. of Chicago), Steve Kesler (Univ. of
Michigan) and Ed deWitt (USGS)."
MS/PhD project