Abstract
Glacial history studies and analysis of heavy mineral separates from glacial sediments (till and eskers) were undertaken in theBoothia mainland area of central Nunavut. Mapping of surficial macroforms and glacial striae has shown a complex, four phase ice-flow history. From oldest to youngest, the ice-flow history entails: Phase 1 to the north, Phase 2 to the northeast, Phase3 to the east, and Phase 4 to the north. Late-stage, localized ice-flows were determined in some areas, especially around the Harrison Uplands. All of the regional ice-flow phases impacted on the final distribution of glacial erratics in till, but with varied influence, wherein Phase 2 to the NE and Phase 4 to the N in the southern part of Boothia mainland were the most significant glacial dispersal events. During Phase 2, glacial transport distances of greater than 100 km were determined for Paleozoic carbonates and Paleoproterozoic members of the Chantrey Group siliciclastic (pelites, orthoquartzites), and at least 20 km for the Paleoproterozoic marble member of the Chantrey Group. Kimberlite indicator minerals (including mantle ilmenite, forsterite, Cr-diopside, eclogitic and peridotitic (G9) garnets, chromite, perovskite and lyndsleyite) and visual gold grains were found in glacial sediments. Prospective zones for kimberlites or gold mineralization are outlined herein from heavy mineral analysis and knowledge of the ice-flow history.
Published Version
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