3D Victoria Report 11 - The control of regional-scale fault geometries on strain and fluid flow related to gold mineralisation

Category: 3D Victoria Reports	Product Code: MP-R-37390
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Introduction The geologic interpretation of data from the deep crustal reflection seismic surveys in 1997 and 2006 provides an extensive array of possible scenarios that can be explored with deformation and fluid flow modelling using the numerical modelling software FLAC3D (Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua). The principal aim of the models presented here is to determine how the geometry of crustal-scale faults influence the distribution of strain and fluid flow and therefore the localisation of structures associated with gold mineralisation in the western Lachlan Orogen.

In particular, the interpretation of the seismic data suggests that there are variations of dip angle between the listric west-dipping intrazone faults. Above the inflection points in the faults are many of the major central Victorian goldfields. This poses the question of whether or not the location of goldfields is related to the inflection point of the fault and if so how? This report aims to use numerical modelling to make predictions about suitable sites for dilation, fluid flow and hence possible locations for gold deposits.

Download The downloadable version of this report is supplied as a PDF file (1.8MB).

Bibliographic reference Leader, L. D. & Wilson, C. J. L., 2010. The control of regional-scale fault geometries on strain and fluid flow related to gold mineralisation: Insights from FLAC3D models constrained by seismic survey interpretations. GeoScience Victoria 3D Victoria Report 11. Department of Primary Industries.