Asia Maheu, BSc
A. Maheu1, C. Yakmchuk1, M. Hewton2
1Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
2Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Stratigraphic correlation in the Kirkland Lake Region has proven difficult due to extensive folding, faulting, and alteration present in the region. Lebel Township hosts the Timiskaming Assemblage, a series of interbedded alkalic and non-alkalic volcanic and sedimentary units composed primarily of conglomerates, tuffs, trachytic flows, lithic sandstones, and greywackes. The stratigraphic units of the Timiskaming, specifically the fine-grained tuffs and greywackes are difficult to distinguish due to pervasive chlorite and sericite alteration. The units of the Timiskaming Assemblage in the study area generally strike East-West and are relatively well preserved compared to the other units in the Kirkland Lake area. This study explores if gamma ray spectroscopy is a reliable tool for correlating stratigraphic units using data collected from outcrops, rather than from drill holes. Gamma ray logs are a widely used technique in geoscience, used by petroleum geologists, geophysicists, and hydrogeologists to interpret lithology, aquifers, and aquitards for decades. They provide a measure of the radioactivity of the rock, using potassium (K), uranium (U), and thorium (Th). Measurements of the amount of K (%), Th (ppm), and U (ppm) present in different outcrops will be taken using the gamma ray spectrometer. These values will then be compared to values obtained by laboratory lithogeochemichal analysis, and thin sections will be analysed to further characterize the alkalic nature of the units. Due to the non-invasive, user-friendly nature of the tool, if it proves to be reliable for correlating stratigraphic units through outcrop mapping, it could be helpful for correlation over large study areas with limited access to drill logs, as well as correlation across fault lines and determining trends in mineralization.