Geology and geochemistry of Zn-Pb-Ag vein-breccias at Whoopee Creek, Alaska: A section in Geologic studies in Alaska by the U.S. Geological Survey, 1998

Professional Paper 1615
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Abstract

Zn-Pb-Ag mineralization at the Whoopee Creek occurrence extends over an area of at least 150 × 300 m with a very subtle surface expression. Sphalerite- and galena-bearing vein-breccias cut fine-grained sandstones, siltstones, and lesser shales of the Upper Devonian to Lower Mississippian Endicott Group, and possibly the Isikut Member of the Kayak Shale. Most samples of sulfide-bearing rock contain 2–38 percent combined Pb+Zn, with high Ag concentrations (as much as 380 ppm) and a few enriched Au values (as much as 1 ppm). Soils with 100– >2000 ppm Zn, 100–10,000 ppm Pb, and elevated Ag and Cd concentrations define a broad belt overlying much, but not all, of the mineralized float.

The Whoopee Creek occurrence is a high-grade example of a series of vein-breccia prospects occurring in Endicott Group rocks across the central and western Brooks Range. Although they have few analogs worldwide, they appear to be the products of large-scale fluid transport, possibly related to dewatering of one or a series of sedimentary basins during a period of Mississippian extension and related high heat flow.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Geology and geochemistry of Zn-Pb-Ag vein-breccias at Whoopee Creek, Alaska: A section in Geologic studies in Alaska by the U.S. Geological Survey, 1998
Series title Professional Paper
Series number 1615
DOI 10.3133/70180670
Year Published 2000
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Denver, CO
Contributing office(s) Alaska Science Center Geology Minerals
Description 18 p.
Larger Work Type Report
Larger Work Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Larger Work Title Geologic studies in Alaska by the U.S. Geological Survey, 1998 (Professional Paper 1615)
First page 203
Last page 220
Country United States
State Alaska
Other Geospatial Whoopee Creek
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