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Gravity and aeromagnetic maps of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness and additions, Pitkin and Gunnison counties, Colorado

Miscellaneous Field Studies Map 1647-B
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Abstract

Aeromagnetic and complete Bouguer gravity anomaly maps have been prepared for the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness and additions, near Aspen, Colorado.  An extreme gravity low, which may be indicative of mineralization, occurs over the White Rock pluton in the southeastern part of the study area.  Modeling of the gravity and magnetic anomalies shows that the Sopris, Snowmass, and White Rock plutons are probably all stocks connected to a single batholith at depth.  Both Sopris and Snowmass stocks seem to be shaped like spikes bristling out of this common batholith; the Snowmass spike is vertical, the Sopris spike is inclined.  The Snowmass spike has a westward-extending flange, possibly related to the Elk Range thrust zone.  The White Rock stock is a massive conical lump on top of the underlying batholith.  Its complicated aeromagnetic signature seems partly due at least two magnetically distinct regions, which may represent altered zones or separate intrusions within the stock.  These regions occur under the Conundrum Creek and East Maroon Creek valleys and may represent favorable locations for mineralization.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Gravity and aeromagnetic maps of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness and additions, Pitkin and Gunnison counties, Colorado
Series title Miscellaneous Field Studies Map
Series number 1647
Chapter B
DOI 10.3133/mf1647B
Year Published 1985
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description 56.45 x 40.68 inches
Country United States
State Colorado
County Gunnison County, Pitkin County
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