Regional and local patterns of mineralization in the Lower Batopilas and Urique rivers in Sierra Madre of Chihuahua, Mexico

The occurrence of metallic ore deposits in the Sierra Madre region is related to the major volcanic groups—the Upper Volcanic Series and Lower Volcanic Series (King 1966)—and a complex structural history related to compressional and extensional tectonic events. Structural lineaments have controlled the trends of regional mineralization (Goodell,1995; Goodell and Sellepack, 1996; and Goodell et al., 1997). The identification of these lineaments and the occurrence of metallic anomalies are important to establish the relationship between the geologic history, metallic belts, and, therefore, the localization of mineral exploration targets. The area of study is in the southwest portion of the state of Chihuahua, within the Sierra Madre physiographic province of Mexico. The region is characterized by plateaus of 34–27 m.y. Upper Volcanic Series (UVS) and Lower Volcanic Series (LVS) (Clark 1976). UVS is characterized by rhyolitic composition and is found on plateaus, while deep, steep sided, river cut canyons expose LVS andesites and plutons. (Abstract shortened by UMI.