Geochemical prospecting for mineral deposits under glaciers

The article considers results of geochemical studies conducted in the region of the high-mountain Kumtor gold deposit in the Middle Tien Shan. The work was focused on glaciers of the cold and warm types: the Petrov, Sary-Tor, Davydov, Lysy, No. 354, and Boordu ones, that overlap the mineralized zone and ore bodies. It was revealed that cryogenic geochemical fields (CGF) are formed in the ice of glaciers above the ore bodies. The structure of the CGF in the glaciers of the Kumtor deposit is characterized by qualitative (complex of chemical elements and compounds) and quantitative (concentration of the elements, extent of the halos) indicators, regularly distributed in the ice mass on the surface. The chemical composition of the CGF in the glaciers reflects the composition of the ore bodies and endogenous halos of the Kumtor deposit. The features of the CGF formed in the epicenters of ore bodies on surfaces of the glaciers with an established ice thickness of up to 175 m have been characterized. The extension of the CGF geochemical anomalies on the glacier surfaces from an ore body epicenter in the ice movement direction varies from 50–100 to 600 m. Recommendations are provided for the use of CGF in forecasting and prospecting work in glacial areas.