The effects of thrust faulting and associated structural preparation on the distribution of gold in Carlin-type deposits of northeastern Nevada

Recent findings at the Gold Quarry deposit and previous work at other deposits
in northeastern Nevada demonstrate that thrust related structures within the lowerplate
of the Roberts Mountains thrust (RMT) are partially responsible for ground
preparation and hydrothermal fluid flow in several classic Carlin-type gold deposits.
Though often difficult to identify in the field, thrusting within the lower-plate has
been identified by detailed geologic mapping, drill hole logging and biostratigraphic
interpretations. Structural data (fold axis and vergence directions) along with spatial
relationships to gold mineralization indicate that the identified low-angle faults are
thrust faults rather then low-angle normal faults related to post-mineralization extension
within the Great Basin. Thrust faults and related structures control the distribution
of gold mineralization by acting as a fluid conduits, capping ascending fluids,
repeating favorable host lithologies and creating zones of structural weakness that
are subsequently extended mineralized.