Separating geochemical anomalies by concentration- area, concentration-perimeter and concentration-number fractal models in Qaen region, East of Iran

The separation of geochemical anomalies from the background plays a pivotal role in geochemical exploration. Fractal and multifractal modeling of geochemical data has been recently used by numerous geoscientists. Three fractal methods were used to identify elemental geochemical anomalies in a case study from the east of the Qhaen region, southern Khorasan Province, East of Iran. These methods include concentration–area (C–A), concentration–perimeter (C–P), and concentration –number (C-N) methods. Copper mineralization occurs as vein and veinlet. Based on the analysis of heavy mineral samples, Cu contents are also observed in the southeastern, northern, and eastern parts of the Qhaen ore district, which are consistent with the results of the C–A fractal model and are genetically correlated with the andesitic unit. Indeed, after fieldwork and comparing the types of fractal models calculated, it can be concluded that the results obtained from the concentration-area method in this area were more efficient than other methods and are closer to reality.