Evolution of the hydraulic network as a factor in the formation of gold placers within the Visher-Visim depression in the Western Urals

Abstract

A brief history of placer formation and patterns of formation of river valleys in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic are considered. The evolution of the hydraulic network, its inception along weakened ore-bearing zones determines the patterns of the position of gold placers in the Western Urals. The formation of gold-bearing placers within the structural-erosion depression is due to the sources of gold, the conditions of their destruction, the erosional incision of river valleys along thrust zones within the Visher-Visim depression. Five types of potentially productive gold placers have been identified, depending on the ratio of the erosional incision of river valleys and gold-bearing eluvium.