Geochemistry of surface-waters in mineralized and non-mineralized areas of the Yukon-Tanana Uplands
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Abstract
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR) are continuing investigations on element mobility in mineralized and non-mineralized areas of the Yukon-Tanana Upland in east-central Alaska. The chemistry of stream water is evaluated in the context of regional bedrock geology and geologic structure. Sampling sites were located in the Big Delta B2 quadrangle, which includes the mineralized areas of the Pogo claim block. The area is typified by steep, subarctic-alpine, boreal forest catchment basins. Samples were collected from catchments that either cross structural features and lithologic contacts, or are underlain by a single lithology. Waters are generally dilute (< 213 mg/L TDS), and are classified as Ca2+ and Mg2+-HCO3- to Ca2+ and Mg2+-SO42- waters. Gneissic lithologies are more SO42- dominated than the intrusive units. The major-ion chemistry of the waters reflects a rock-dominated aqueous system. Trace-element concentrations in water are generally low; however, As and Sb are detected near mineralized areas but in most cases rapidly attenuated downstream and processes other than simple dilution are controlling the concentrations of these trace elements. There is a tendency toward increasing SO42- concentrations downstream in waters both proximal and distal to mineralized areas. More work is necessary to determine what proportion of the increase in SO42- could be derived from the oxidation of sulfide minerals as opposed to water influenced by the underlying gneissic units.
Publication type | Conference Paper |
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Publication Subtype | Conference Paper |
Title | Geochemistry of surface-waters in mineralized and non-mineralized areas of the Yukon-Tanana Uplands |
ISBN | 0784407924; 9780784407929 |
DOI | 10.1061/40792(173)245 |
Year Published | 2005 |
Language | English |
Contributing office(s) | Alaska Science Center |
Description | 1 p. |
Larger Work Title | World Water Congress 2005: Impacts of Global Climate Change - Proceedings of the 2005 World Water and Environmental Resources Congress |
First page | 245 |
Conference Title | 2005 World Water and Environmental Resources Congress |
Conference Location | Anchorage, AK |
Conference Date | 15 May 2005 through 19 May 2005 |
Online Only (Y/N) | N |
Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |
Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |