| ID |
2897 |
| Citation |
Ward,B., Maynard, D., Geertsema, M., Rabb, T. 2009. Ice-flow history, drift thickness, and drift prospecting for a portion of the QUEST Project Area, central British Columbia (NTS 093 G,H(west half), J). In Geoscience BC Summary of Activities 2008, Geoscience BC Report 2009-1,p. 25-32. |
| Organization |
Simon Fraser University; Ministry of Forests; Denny Maynard & Associates Ltd. |
| URL |
http://www.geosciencebc.com/i/pdf/SummaryofActivities2008/SoA2008-Ward_original.pdf |
| Abstract/Description or Keywords |
Central British Columbia has areas of highly prospective bedrock geology but mineral exploration has been limited due to the thick cover of surficial deposits. To help spur economic growth in this region, which has been severely affected by the mountain pine beetle, the federal and provincial governments are funding geological projects such as QUEST. Significant knowledge gaps exist in the glacial history of the QUEST Project area and thus pose a significant hindrance to mineral exploration. Knowledge of the glacial history, specifically the ice-flow history and dominant transport direction, is vital to interpret data from geochemical surveys of the area. This project is designed to address this knowledge gap by providing a Quaternary framework along with both regional and detailed till geochemical surveys. The study area comprises NTS map sheets 093G, H (west half) and J (Figure 1). This ambitious project will occur over three years and provide 1) the regional glacial geological framework for map areas NTS 093G, H (west half) and J (i.e., the central portion of the QUEST area); 2) a map of approximate drift cover for areas within NTS 093 G, H (west half) and J based on existing surficial geology, soils and landform mapping augmented with reconnaissance field observations; 3) terrain mapping of six 1:50 000 scale sheets (NTS 093J/05, /06, /11, /12, /13, /14); 4) till geochemical data (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry [ICP-MS] with aqua regia digestion and instrumental neutron activation analysis [INAA] for trace, minor and major ele ments), gold grain counts and heavy mineral separates for samples collected within these new sheets; and 5) detailed geochemical surveys down-ice of two geophysical anomalies (interpreted from geophysical data [Barnett and Kowalczyk, 2008]). This work will help to stimulate mineral exploration in beetle-kill–affected areas by releasing new surficial geology and geochemical survey data and providing a framework for com panies to interpret their own datasets. This project will also provide invaluable training for at least two graduate students and numerous undergraduate students. Field work occurred in late June and early July 2008. The initial two weeks concen trated on collecting striation data for the ice-flow history and checking the validity of existing soil and landform and surficial geology mapping to be used for drift thickness mapping. The second half of the field work season concentrated on till geochemistry sampling in areas down-ice from two geophysical anomalies. The results of the first field season are given below. ice-flow history; drift prospecting; geochemical survey; terrain mapping; drift thickness; striations; heavy minerals |
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