CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Eberl, D.D. ;and Frederick, Z.
Date : 2006.
Title : Quantitative mineralogy of Yukon River sediments.
Publication : 36th International Arctic Workshop. March 16-19, 2006. Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research, University of Colorado at Boulder, Colorado, U.S.A.
Issue :
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Abstract
The mineralogy of Yukon River basin sediment was studied by quantitative X-ray diffraction. Bed and suspended sediments were analyzed using the RockJock computer program. Most of the sediments in the Yukon River are derived from three tributaries that drain glacial regions: the Donjek and White Rivers, which drain the St. Elias and Wrangell Mountains, and the Tanana River, which drains the Alaska Range. Changes in mineralogy of Yukon River sediments are related to dilution or concentration effects of sediment from these tributaries, and to minor chemical weathering during transport. The mineralogies of the suspended sediments change with the season. For example, during the summer of 2002 the quartz content varied by 20 percent, with a minimum in mid-summer. Calcite content varied by a similar amount, and had a maximum corresponding to the quartz minimum. These modes are related to the relative amount of sediment flowing from the White River system, which is relatively poor in quartz, but rich in carbonate minerals. Suspended total clays varied by as much as 25% through the season, with maxima in mid July, and suspended feldspar varied up to 10%. Suspended sediment data from the summers of 2001 and 2003 support the 2002 trends.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology