Abstract
Various statistical methods for predicting mineral potential from geological maps are reviewed. It is pointed out that, if the features are coded in more detail for relatively small cells, several new problems arise because of the dichotomous nature of the resulting variables.
The objective of this paper is to present a method for the automatic contouring of both discovered and undiscovered deposits of a given type in terms of the geological framework. It is based on the assumption that the probability of occurrence of a deposit is fully determined by a combination of functions of the mappable geological attributes in a region.
Application of the logistic model is proposed for the situation in which relatively few deposits of a given type are known to exist in the study region.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Agterberg, F. P., 1971, A probability index for detecting favourable geological environments: Can. Inst. Mining Met., Sp. Vol. 10, p. 82–91.
Agterberg, F. P., 1973, Probabilistic models to evaluate regional mineral potential,in Mathematical methods in geoscience: Symposium held at Pribram, Czechoslovakia, October, 1973, p. 3–38.
Agterberg, F. P., and Cabilio, P., 1969, Two-stage least squares model for the relationship between mappable geological variables: Jour. Math. Geology, v. 1, no. 2, p. 137–153.
Agterberg, F. P., Chung, C. F., Fabbri, A. G., Kelly, A. M., and Springer, J. S., 1972, Geomathematical evaluation of copper and zinc potential of the Abitibi area, Ontario and Quebec: Geol. Sur. Canada, Paper 71-41, 55 p.
Agterberg, F. P., and Robinson, S. C., 1972, Mathematical problems of geology: Proc. 38th Intern. Stat. Inst., ISI Bull. 44, Book 1, p. 567–595.
Allais, M., 1957, Method of appraising economic prospects of mining exploration over large territories: Algerian Sahara case study: Management Sci., v. 3, no. 4, p. 285–347.
Anderson, T. W., 1958, Introduction to multivariate statistical analysis: John Wiley & Sons, New York, 374 p.
Cox, D. R., 1966, Some procedures connected with the logistic response curve,in Research papers in statistics: John Wiley & Sons, New York, p. 55–71.
Cox, D. R., 1970, Analysis of binary data: Methuen, London, 142 p.
De Geoffroy, J., and Wignall, T. K., 1971, A probabilistic appraisal of mineral resources in a portion of the Grenville Province of the Canadian Shield: Econ. Geology, v. 66, no. 3, p. 466–479.
Douglas, R. J. W., ed., 1970, Geology and economic minerals of Canada: Geol. Surv. Canada, Econ. Geol. Rept. no. 1, 799 p.
Douglas, R. J. W., 1973, Geological provinces, Map MCR 1124,in The national atlas of Canada (4th ed.), Surveys and Mapping Brch. (Ottawa, Canada), p. 27–28.
Draper, N. D., and Smith, H., 1966, Applied regression analysis: John Wiley & Sons, New York, 407 p.
Fabbri, A. G., 1973, A geological data bank for statistical analysis (Project 710039),in Report of activities: Geol. Sur. Canada, Paper 73-1, Pt. B, p. 29–37.
Finney, D. J., 1971, Profit analysis (3rd ed.): Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge, 333 p.
Fisher, R. A., and Yates, F., 1963, Statistical tables for biological agricultural and medical research (6th ed.): Oliver and Boyd, Edinburgh, 146 p.
Goldberger, A. S., 1964, Econometric theory: John Wiley & Sons, New York, 399 p.
Griffiths, J. C., 1966, Exploration for natural resources: Operations Res., v. 14, p. 189–209.
Harris, D. P., 1965, An application of multivariate statistical analysis to mineral exploration: unpubl. doctoral dissertation, Pennsylvania State Univ., 261 p.
Harris, D. P., 1969, Alaska's base and precious metals resources: A probabilistic regional appraisal: Quart. Colorado Sch. Mines, v. 64, no. 3, p. 295–327.
Kelly, A. M., and Sheriff, W. J., 1969, A statistical examination of the metallic mineral resources of British Columbia: Proc. Sym. Decision-making Mineral Ind., Univ. British Columbia, p. 221–243.
Mosteller, F., 1971, The Jackknife: Rev. Intern. Stat. Inst., v. 39, no. 3, p. 363–368.
Sinclair, A. J., and Woodsworth, G. L., 1970, Multiple regression as a method of estimating exploration potential in an area near Terrace, B.C.: Econ. Geology, v. 65, no. 8, p. 998–1003.
Singer, D. A., 1972, Multivariate statistical analysis of the unit regional value of mineral resources: unpubl. doctoral dissertation, Pennsylvania State Univ., 211 p.
Theil, H., 1971, Principles of econometrics: John Wiley & Sons, New York, 736 p.
Tukey, J. W., 1970, Some further inputs,in Geostatistics: Plenum Publ. Co., New York, p. 163–174.
Tukey, J. W., 1972, Discussion of paper by F. P. Agterberg and S. C. Robinson (1972): Proc. 38th Intern. State. Inst., ISI Bull. 44, Book 1, p. 596.
Uhler, R. S., and Bradley, P. G., 1970, A stochastic model for petroleum exploration over large regions: Jour. Am. Stat. Assoc., v. 65, no. 330, p. 623–630.
Walker, S. H., and Duncan, D. B., 1967, Estimation of the probability of an event as a function of several independent variables: Biometrika, v. 54, no. 1 and 2, p. 167–179.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Agterberg, F.P. Automatic contouring of geological maps to detect target areas for mineral exploration. Mathematical Geology 6, 373–395 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02082358
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02082358