The Zhule area in Xizang is a newly discovered mineralization spot in the continental volcanic rock area in the southwest section of theBangongco-Nujiang belt. There are lithocap and mineralization clues on the surface, which reveals a great potential for prospecting. This articleconducted a detailed anatomical study on the lithocap in the Zhule area based on short-wave infrared technology. On the basis of identifying the types ofalteration in the region, the alteration mineral assemblages were determined, the spectral characteristics of typical alteration minerals were analyzed, andminerals spectral indicators were established to speculate the location of hydrothermal center. The research indicates that the lithocap is characterizedby strong silicification and sericitization, and the altered mineral assemblages mainly include six categories: sericite ± illite ± montmorillonite, sericite ±montmorillonite ± jarosite, sericite ± illite ± carbonate, sericite ± chlorite, alunite, pyrophyllite ± kaolinite ± dickite ± diaspore. Based on the analysis ofthe altered minerals and spectral characteristics theory of typical minerals, the identification of altered minerals that sericite with high SWIR-IC (>2.4),alunite with high Pos1480 (>1483 nm), and high Pos1430 (>1433 nm) can serve as spectral indicators for inferring hydrothermal center and narrowingthe exploration target area. Based on the short-wave infrared study of surface altered minerals in the Zhule area, one potential areas for hydrothermalcenter have been delineated, which can provide theoretical basis for subsequent deep mineral exploration.

short-wave infrared spectrum  /  altered minerals  /  prospecting exploration  /  Zhule  /  Xizang