Spatial distribution patterns of concealed plutons in the western Zhen’an area based on gravity anomalies

The western Zhen'an area enjoys superior ore-forming conditions of tungsten-molybdenum polymetallic deposits. A batch of large and medium-scale tungsten-molybdenum deposits such as Dongyang, Qipangou, Guilingou, Yueheping, and Hetaoping, have been discovered in this area, and they are related to intrusions. To explore tungsten-molybdenum ore bodies, it is necessary to carry out studies on intrusions related to mineralization, especially concealed intrusions. Based on high-precision gravity anomalies, this study extracted the gravity anomaly data of concealed plutons using the minimum curvature potential field separation method. Moreover, it investigated the plane positions of the concealed plutons in the western Zhen'an area by combining the geophysical characteristics of the exposed plutons, identifying five concealed plutons, namely Lanbandeng, Shapingcun, Yuehetai, Dongchuanjie, and Huangjinmei, through investigation. Moreover, this study conducted the 3D gravity anomaly inversion for typical concealed plutons, determining the spatial distribution characteristics of the concealed plutons. The Yuehetai and eastern Lanbandeng concealed plutons have been verified through boreholes, with high-grade wolframite being discovered. The method proposed in this study can provide technical support for the study of concealed plutons in the Zhen'an area and other areas, as well as important data for the study of the tectonic-magmatic-metallogenic evolution of the southern Qinling metallogenic belt.