New Approach in Application of the AHP–Fuzzy TOPSIS Method in Mineral Potential Mapping of the Natural Bitumen (Gilsonite): A Case Study from the Gilan-e-Gharb Block, the Kermanshah, West of Iran

Abstract

The Gilan-e-Gharb block is known as a prospective area for hydrocarbon resources in the form of oil, gas in deep potential and natural bitumen (Gilsonite) on the surface. Natural bitumen is not clearly detectable by geochemical or geophysical methods. Hereupon, identifying high potential areas for further exploration, attempted with the help of AHP-Fuzzy and TOPSIS methods. The comprehensive database of geological and geostructural records, satellite imagery analysis by remote sensing and mine indexes counted as the inputs for this method. First, the lithological unit as the main mineralization hosts determined with respect to the dominant geological structures as a factor of controlling natural bitumen placement (fold, fracture and faults) in the Gilan-e-Gharb block. The Gachsaran, Asmari, Pabdeh and Gurpi Formations identified as the most important lithological units for mineralization. Placement and distribution of natural bitumen mineralization in the form of mine indexes are added to the geology database. Finally, we assigned appropriate weights to applied information layers using Analytical Hierarchy Processing (AHP) based on knowledgeable information and field studies to synthesize exploratory data. Then, we used the FTOPSIS method to define the Positive Ideal Solution (FPIS, A+) that allows maximizing the beneficial characteristics and minimizing the impediment characteristics and the Negative Ideal Solution (FNIS, A-) that minimizes the beneficial characteristics and maximizes the impediment characteristics. This method, as a new approach in the exploration of minerals with a shortage of data, is applicable to other mineral deposits.