Evidence for a shallow pluton beneath the Goat Rocks Wilderness, Washington, from gravity and magnetic data

Journal of Geophysical Research B: Solid Earth
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Abstract

A gravity and aeromagnetic study was conducted in and adjacent to the Goat Rocks Wilderness area, Washington. This work was done in conjunction with geologic and geochemical studies which were critically important to our interpretation. The Bouguer gravity anomaly map displays a large central positive gravity anomaly and three superimposed smaller positive anomalies. The main anomaly, about 26 by 11 km with an amplitude of about 16 mGal seems to delineate a dense large pluton or sheeted dike complex intruding less dense, older volcanic and sedimentary rocks lying directly below the volcano. The pluton or sheeted dike complex may have fed the Goat Rocks volcano throughout its 1–2 m.y. history. Three small feeders, mapped on the surface as andesite intrusions, may be the cause of three smaller gravity anomalies superimposed on the main anomaly. The magnetic anomaly maps also exhibit a large central anomaly whose source is the Goat Rocks pluton. The magnetic data suggest that the three shallow intrusive cupolas have undergone a significant amount of hydrothermal alteration. In addition, to some extent the magnetic data reflect the terrain of the area. Topographic highs produce magnetic highs, and topographic lows produce magnetic lows. The deviations from this pattern delineate subsurface geology. Magnetic lows may be of particular interest in locating zones of mineralization where magnetic minerals have been altered and have become significantly less magnetic.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Evidence for a shallow pluton beneath the Goat Rocks Wilderness, Washington, from gravity and magnetic data
Series title Journal of Geophysical Research B: Solid Earth
DOI 10.1029/JB092iB06p04867
Volume 92
Issue B6
Year Published 1987
Language English
Publisher American Geophysical Union
Description 14 p.
First page 4867
Last page 4880
Country United States
State Washington
Other Geospatial Goat Rocks Wilderness
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