Volcanic and fault-fractured ore-controlling structures and minerals of the Azerbaijan part of the Lesser Caucasus

This article is focused on volcanic and fault-fissure ore-controlling structures of the Lesser Caucasus. The territory of the Lesser Caucasus is dissected by many deep tectonicfaults, along which volatile compound sofpostmagmatic products and water vapor migrate from great depths. The presence of numerous tectonic deep faults, which provide hydrodynamic connection of waters of fracturse, and fracture-veins, determines the complex mineralization of the chemical and gas composition of mineral-thermal waters throughout the studied area. The study of volcano-intrusive and fault-fracture ore-controlling structures, volcanogenic formations, petrochemical composition of rocks and associated mineral deposits and mineral-thermal waters of the Azerbaijan part of the Lesser Caucasus is relevant from a scientific and practical points of view. A detailed study of the modern structure of the Lesser Caucasus shows that transverse rupture faults and deep flexures cut through the folded system. Deposits of various minerals, including mineral and thermal waters, are confined to these ruptured faults. The study revealed that the formation and discharge of numerous outcrops of carbonic mineral and thermal waters occurs mainly in fissure systems, in deep tectonic faults. In the Lok-Karabakh zone, most of the sources of the formation of gold-bearing placers belong to the deposits and manifestations of the gold- quartz-low-sulphide formation. Gosha, Kedabek, Karadag, Chovdar, Dagkesemen, Gyzylbulag and less significant deposits and ore occurrences are located in this zone. The Dashkesan ore region is distinguished by the reserves of iron, alunite and cobalt. The Zaylik alunite deposits are world famous in terms of large reserves. Analysis of geological materials confirms that the origin and distribution of deep tectonic faults plays a major role in the formation of geological, including volcanoplutonic, metamorphic processes and associated ore formation. Currently, there are dozens of variously evaluated and explored gold deposits on the territory of the Republic. The bulk of the primary deposits are located in the Lesser Caucasus part of the Republic.