Magnetic mapping of river channel and palaeochannel deposits ? an example from Teetulpa, South Australia

Abstract

High-resolution, low-level aeromagnetic surveys of the Teetulpa gold field in the Nackara Arc, South Australia, map the distribution of magnetic minerals in the alluvial cover, in the form of linear anomalies with a dendritic pattern typical of drainage systems. These anomalies are not evident in the regional aeromagnetic data flown at wider line spacing and higher elevation. Combination of the high resolution magnetic field data with mapping of present day drainage is an important input to gold exploration of the area. The magnetic anomalies can be modelled and inverted, and this might provide quantitative information to indirectly target and evaluate gold resources. Sampling and statistical analysis of relationships between the gold and magnetic minerals within the alluvium are required to form the basis for any such study.