A geochemical survey of stream sediments in Watauga County, North Carolina

Abstract

Results of a reconnaissance geochemical exploration program in Watauga County, North Carolina, indicate: 1. (1) There is potential for copper in the amphibolite member of the Ashe Formation. 2. (2) There is potential for uranium in the Cranberry Gneiss and Blowing Rock Gneiss, although the uranium in the Cranberry Gneiss may be associated with small pegmatite intrusions and that in the Blowing Rock Gneiss may be associated with high zircon concentrations. 3. (3) A large concentration of zircon in the stream sediments could be the source of higher concentrations of uranium and lead. 4. (4) High specific conductance values are associated with contaminated streams and streams draining the Fries fault zone, possibly reflecting carbonate concentrations in the fault zone. 5. (5) Manganese appears to be concentrated in the finer fractions (minus 80-mesh) of the stream sediments. 6. (6) The zinc and lead, and possibly copper, concentrations of the heavy mineral fraction appear to give a greater contrast between background and anomalous levels in areas of chalcopyrite and galena-sphalerite mineralization than those of the minus 80-mesh fraction.