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Phase 3 geophysical studies in the Wadi Bidah District, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Open-File Report 82-597
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr82597

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Abstract

Detailed geophysical measurements have been made in the Rabathan area, Wadi Bidah district, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the site of diamond drill holes RAB-1, -2, and -3; these measurements suggest that the causative source for the anomalous EM (electromagnetic) and SP (self-potential) responses is probably highly conductive zones of Precambrian siliceous-carbonaceous rocks. Although many of the zones are no more than a few meters wide, they commonly contain 50 to 80 percent carbonaceous material and locally abundant pyrite. In places, several thin layers of highly concentrated carbonaceous material interlayered with chert form a multiple conductive zone that is seen in the geophysical data as complex anomaly patterns. In the geologic environment of Wadi Bidah, massive sulfide-bearing zones cannot be distinguished from siliceous-carbonaceous zones on the basis of the EM-SP responses. In North America in similar environments, complex resistivity methods used in experimental research have successfully discriminated between sulfide and carbonaceous conductors. Tests of such methods in the Wadi Bidah district are recommended. Geologic, geochemical, and geophysical data at the Jabal Mohr prospect suggest the possibility of mineralized rocks at depth over a possible strike length of 400 m.

Suggested Citation

Flanigan, V.J., Sadek, H., Smith, C.W., 1982, Phase 3 geophysical studies in the Wadi Bidah District, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 82-597, ii, 47 p., ill., maps ;28 cm., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr82597.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Phase 3 geophysical studies in the Wadi Bidah District, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 82-597
DOI 10.3133/ofr82597
Year Published 1982
Language ENGLISH
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey,
Description ii, 47 p., ill., maps ;28 cm.
Additional publication details