CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Dixon-Warren, A.B.
Date : 1998
Title : Terrain mapping and drift prospecting in south central British Columbia
Publication : Unpublished M.Sc. thesis. Simon Fraser University
Issue :
Page(s) : 194.
Abstract
A drift prospecting survey, integrating surficial mapping and till sampling, was carried out in south central British Columbia (NTS map sheet 82 M/4). The local Quaternary stratigraphy, paleo-ice flow directions, and till provenance were documented and geochemical methods were used to establish the location of potential mineralization. Terrain mapping revealed that the dominant surficial sediment is till. A single basal till occurs within the study area, differing in texture and composition depending upon the source bedrock. Ablation till, colluvium, glaciofluvial sediments, glaciolacustrine deposits and fluvial sequences were also mapped in the study area. Basal till was preferentially sampled for geochemical analysis. Ice flow indicators reveal ice moved from the north to northwest to the south to southeast, coinciding with regional trends. Data collected from till fabrics and till clast and matrix dispersal patterns further support this interpretation. Till dispersal patterns indicate the glacial sediment was locally derived. Spatial plots of the lithological component of the till revealed isolated concentrations of clasts over or near bedrock sources. The matrix component displayed similar trends with high anomalous values of individual elements proximal to source areas. Where dispersal trains were detected, clast plumes extend 5 km in length whereas geochemical trains extend up to 10 km. Six economically important elements were analysed in detail: silver, gold, cadmium, copper, lead and zinc. Arsenic was also analysed. Most elements exhibit low to moderate concentrations randomly dispersed with high concentrations occurring as either ribbon-shaped plumes trending parallel to ice now or as isolated concentrations. Arsenic and gold show moderate correlations. Geochemical analysis suggests maximum concentrations occur in tills near known mineral occurrences and the area associated with Eagle Bay bedrock. However, an auriferous vein associated with the Baldy Batholith suggests the veining in the region may be an alternative source of mineralization.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology