Average Depth versus Average Strike-Length of Fissure Veins for Specified Geometries: A Quantitative Approach

Abstract

Fissure veins are very important source of mineral deposits particularly that of hydrothermal deposits. The average depth vs. average strike-length of fissure vein, which is an interesting topic, was discussed in Bateman (1962). Some say that depth is equal to length while others opined that depth may be equal to half the length. Here the question arises whether the ratio depth/ length which is loosely used refers to depth to length at any given point of time or average depth vs. average length on a statistical basis. Infact these are empirical rules. The empirical rules hold good for an average basis only. Such problems are dealt under geometric probability. The ore body is more like a lens. Infact none of these hold good. The authors developed a method statistically for ore bodies of two geometries namely a circle and an ellipse. In the case of ellipse, three cases are considered namely, (i) the major axis of ellipse is horizontal to X - axis (ii) the major axis of ellipse is parallel to Y axis and (iii) the ellipse is inclined and whose major axis makes an angle q with the X - axis. In any case, only circular ore body is considered in Bateman (1962). In the case of circular body it is shown that the ratio is neither equal to one or ½ as pointed in Bateman (1962).