General Geology and Integrated ASTER-Based Lineament and Hydrothermal Alteration Mapping of the Zoti Ore Field (Guria, Western Georgia)

Authors:

David I. BLUASHVILI, Kerem M. AVCI, Keti BENASHVILI, Giorgi MINDIASHVILI, Revaz MENABDE, Vakhtang BLUASHVILI

Keywords:

Aster, Hydrothermal Alteration, Lineament, Guria Region, Georgia

Abstract:

The Zoti ore field, located in the Guria region of western Georgia within the Lesser Caucasus metal￾logenic belt, hosts iron–gold–copper mineralization related to volcanic–sedimentary sequences and 
intrusive bodies. This study aims to delineate potential mineral anomalies and evaluate their stru￾ctural controls using remote-sensing techniques. Terra ASTER (AST_L1B 00309232004081235) 
imagery acquired on 4 March 2024 was utilized. The dataset exhibits less than 5% cloud and snow 
cover, while vegetation density is moderate. After applying radiometric and atmospheric corrections 
and NDVI-based masking, the data were prepared for image processing. Image analyses were con￾ducted using ENVI 4.8, ERDAS IMAGINE 2022, and ArcMap 10.8.2. Band-ratio techniques were 
implemented in ENVI, lineament extraction was performed in ERDAS IMAGINE, and final mineral 
anomaly maps were generated in ArcMap. Lineament analysis indicates dominant structural trends 
subparallel to the Lesser Caucasus, exerting significant control on the spatial distribution of argil￾lic–phyllic alteration zones and iron-oxide anomalies. Hematite and metabasalt anomalies are ma￾inly concentrated in the southern and southeastern parts of the study area. Furthermore, iron-oxide, 
alunite, clay, muscovite, calcite, kaolinite, and sericite anomalies show a strong spatial association 
with the Natanebi River corridor. Intense Fe-oxide and Al-OH alteration zones coincide with known 
mineral prospects and extend into previously unexplored structural domains, highlighting promising 
targets for future field investigations.

DOI:

10.19111.bulletinofmre.1864320