Ore-controlling and metallogenic role of interlayer-slide fault in the carbonate formation, southern China

The interlayer-slide faults in the carbonate series are widely distributed in the Paleozoic strata in southern China. These faults constitute an important ore-controlling and forming structure. Determining the basic types, formation mechanism, and ore-controlling effects of the interlayer-slide faults is of great significance in the search for related deposits. Based on the lithological combination of the ore-bearing rock series, structural style and the relationship with the main fault, the authors divided the interlayer-slide faults into four basic types:the compound type of carbonate and shale boundary with interlayer-slide fault, the disconformities boundary with interlayer-slide fault, the thrusting nappe structure with stepped ramp and flat, and steeper slope master fault with gently inclined secondary interlayer-slide faults. The ore-controlling characteristics of different types of interlayer faults and typical examples were introduced and the roles of interlayer faults in ore-controlling and metallogenic process was discussed. Three stages of the formation of the interlayer-slide fault were summarized, which are slide fault in interlayer, interlayer-slide fault and superimposed fault.