Constructional features of the Troodos ophiolite and implications for the distribution of orebodies and the generation of oceanic crust

The map pattern of the Troodos ophiolite in Cyprus is an expression of a simple, elongate anticlinal structure. The cross-sectional form of the anticline can be described by a sinusoidal dip model. On the northern flank of the anticline, the thickness of various units, number of gossans, etc., were measured along profiles, at 2.5 km intervals normal to strike, using existing maps supplemented by new observations. Profiles are approximately perpendicular to the spreading direction during crustal construction, and uncertainties in unit thickness are smaller than the range of unit thicknesses.Data on the profiles were analyzed quantitatively by harmonic analysis using the Fourier transform method. The harmonic analysis discloses cyclic variation in the thickness of major units, number of gossans, etc., that provides a link with the regular spacing of five groups of Cu–Fe–Zn orebodies. Groups of orebodies occur preferentially where sheeted dikes are at a shallow crustal depth, sheet and massive flows and dike...