CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Harmon, R.S.; Atkinson, T.C.; and Atkinson, J.L.
Date : 1983
Title : The mineralogy of Castleguard Cave
Publication : Arctic and Alpine Research.
Issue : 15(4):
Page(s) : 503-522
Abstract
A mineralogical survey at Castleguard Cave has revealed complex suites of carbonate and sulfate minerals, plus seasonal and permanent ice. Carbonate minerals observed (and number of occurrences in 55 samples) are as follows: calcite (43), huntite (15), hydromagnesite (6), aragonite (4), monohydrocalcite (1). Sulfate minerals observed (number of occurrences in 10 samples) are: gypsum (9), thenardite/mirabilite (2), epsomite (1). Ancient massive dripstone and flowstone deposits consists only of calcite. Smaller dripstones, chalky coatings on dripstone, thin flowstone crusts, erratics, and pasty wall deposits ("moonmilk") were commonly combinations of calcite plus huntite. Aragonite occurs mainly as crystalline wall concretions associated with moonmilk deposits and as small anthodites. Hydromagnesite and monohyrocalcite are only found as dry, crusty, "moonmilk" wall deposits. Distribution of carbonate and sulfate minerals is related to the thermal regime and presence of discrete seepage inputs. Small calcite speleothems occur to some extent throughout the cave. Massive dripstones and abundant decoration are restricted to sites of present or past seepage concentration. Sulfate mineralization and basic and hydrated carbonates are confined to warm, drier portions of the central cave. Chemical and stable isotope data indicate that calcite is precipitated at constant CO2 partial pressure. Evaporation is the primary process responsible for the presence of the diverse sulfate and "exotic" carbonate minerals in the cave.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology