Date of Award

Fall 12-2-2011

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Geosciences

First Advisor

Dr. W. Crawford Elloitt

Second Advisor

Dr. Daniel Deocampo

Third Advisor

Dr. Jeremy Diem

Abstract

The 1.85 Ga Flin Flon paleosol located in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada, is studied with the purpose of determining the timing and geochemical trend of uranium migration. Radiometric minimum ages of sediments and paleosols indicates the presence of a post-depositional event, these ages are bracketed by the Trans-Hudson orogeny event (2155–1750 Ma) which resulted in the alteration of κ(Th/U) and µ(U/Pb) ratios by exposing volcanics to the atmosphere and instigating the mobilization of U. The profile shows that the Missi sediments lost Uby 84% average relative to corrected average upper crust value. The upper paleosol gained U by 11% and the lower paleosol lost U by 17%, relative to least weathered parent volcanics. Upward addition of U within the paleosol is associated with metasomatism. Potential mineralization of uranium occurs downgradient of the Missi and paleosol contact.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/2400495

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