Ground-followup studies of the 1977 airborne electromagnetic survey in the Assifar and Mulhal areas, Wadi Bidah district, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Open-File Report 83-367
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Abstract

Parts of four airborne electromagnetic (AEM) anomalies were selected for study in order to determine the cause of high conductivity of Precambrian rocks underlying extensive areas in the southern Wadi Bidah district, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In the Assifar area, which contains an ancient mine or prospect having the same name, geophysical data suggest that a mineralized body may lie beneath and immediately south of the ancient workings. Many other conductive zones detected during the course of the geophysical survey are thought to be related to metavolcanic rocks containing carbonaceous materials. Detailed geologic mapping, and possibly diamond core drilling, will be necessary to fully evaluate the area.

In the Mulhal No. 2 area, located about 2 km south of the Mulhal ancient mine, geophysical studies suggest that mineralized rocks extend about 500 m along strike beneath outcrops of gossanous material.

A brief review of the AEM ground-followup studies in the Wadi Bidah district suggests that most, if not all, of the AEM conductors are carbonaceous rocks. Secondary causes of conductivity are intense faulting and shearing.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Ground-followup studies of the 1977 airborne electromagnetic survey in the Assifar and Mulhal areas, Wadi Bidah district, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 83-367
DOI 10.3133/ofr83367
Year Published 1983
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Description Report: 48 p.; Maps: 28 cm.
Country Saudi Arabia
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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