An approach to the low-velocity and low-resistivity zones in south-central Xizang and their bearings to mineralization

Since 1970s, numerous studies have been made on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau in southwestern China. The integration of geological, tectonic, geophysical and geohemical data led to the construction of the models for the formation and evolution of the tectonic systems on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and in the Tethyan Himalayas. Before the turn of the century, the discovery of the sedex deposits and investigation of the national projects on geological survey have been incentive to further study of the Plateau. The metallogenic dynamics of the metallogenic zones along the Yarlung Zangbo, Lhasa and Nyangqu Rivers, and spatio-temporal distribution of the ore deposits in these regions are explored, referenced to the previous and current results of research. The widespread distribution of the low-velocity and low-resistivity zones (partly melted high-temperature heaters) is believed to be responsible for the formation of the ore deposits of varying ages and genetic types along the above-mentioned rivers.