Application of component analysis of stream sediment in recognition of geochemical anomalies in HalakAbad area, Sabzevar

Halakabad is located about 30 km south of Sabzevar. Basalt, andesite, hornblende andesite and hornblende dacite are the oldest volcanic rocks cropping out in the study area. Monzodiorite, quartz diorite, quartz monzodiorite, quartz monzonite, and hornblende quartz monzodiorite intruded the volcanic rocks. Application of component analysis is one of the methods that can help to reveal simpler patterns within a complex set of variables. In mineral exploration, the most common application of this multivariate analysis method is to characterize and map interrelationship within high volume surface geochemical data sets. Application of component analysis in Halakabad shows that the most variable can be categorized in five components. Results for geochemical data show first component has positive loading for Cu, Zn, Co, V as well as Li, Th, Cs, Sr and negative loading for Pb, Ba, Rb and Nb. Second component has negative loading for Rb, Sr, Th, Ba and positive loading for other elements. Association of Zn with Pb and F demonstrates another mineral paragenesis in the area. Third component has positive loadings for Ni, Co, Cr and Zn. The chemical elements with positive loadings of the second component are associated with alteration and subvolcanic rocks. Principal component analysis in Halakabad area demonstrated at least two type of Cu and Zn mineralization.