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
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
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