General Geology and Integrated ASTER-Based Lineament and Hydrothermal Alteration Mapping of the Zoti Ore Field (Guria, Western Georgia)

Abstract

The Zoti ore field in the Guria region of western Georgia, within the Lesser Caucasus metallogenic belt, hosts iron–gold–copper mineralization related to volcanic–sedimentary sequences and intrusive bodies. This study aims to delineate potential mineral anomalies and evaluate their structural controls using remote-sensing techniques. Terra ASTER (AST_L1B 00309232004081235)imagery acquired on 4 March 2024 was utilized. The dataset exhibits less than 5% cloud and snow cover, while vegetation density is moderate. After applying radiometric and atmospheric corrections and NDVI-based masking, the data were prepared for image processing. Image analyses were conducted using ENVI 4.8, ERDAS IMAGINE 2022, and ArcMap 10.8.2. Lineament analysisindicates dominant structural trends subparallel to the Lesser Caucasus, exerting significant control on the spatial distribution of argillic–phyllic alteration zones and iron-oxide anomalies. Hematite and metabasalt anomalies are mainly concentrated in the southern and southeastern parts of the study area. Furthermore, iron-oxide, alunite, clay, muscovite, calcite, kaolinite, and sericite anomalies show a strong spatial association with the Natanebi River corridor. Intense Fe-oxide and Al-OH alteration zones coincide with known mineral prospects and extend into previously unexplored structural domains, highlighting promising targets for future field investigations.