SPECTRAL INDICATORS OF FLUID CHEMISTRY FROM EFFUSIVE HYDROTHERMAL DEPOSITS IN SILVER PEAK/FISH LAKE VALLEY NEVADA

Field Measured IR Spectroscopy can reveal relative temperature/depth of fluid circulation in fault zones. We investigated several fault zones and associated hydrothermal deposits in the Silver Peak/Fish Lake Valley region characterizing alteration mineralogy and spectral maturity indices to better understand the fluid circulation processes in these zones.

Spectral signatures of geologically short lived siliceous sinter and calcite travertine deposition reveal shallow circulation systems, while alteration along normal and detachment faults reveal much higher temperature circulation systems.

Use of field IR spectral methods combined with airborne spectral (AVIRIS) mapping may provide tools for better understanding the depth, regional extent, and timing of faulting events associated with the development of these basins.