identifier: Watson, Simon Timothy <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Watson=3ASimon_Timothy=3A=3A.html>   (1986) Conodonts from a core of the Nita and Goldwyer Formations (Lower Middle Ordovician) of the Canning Basin, Western Australia.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The Canning Basin in northern Western Australia includes a thick and areally extensive Lower and Middle Ordovician sequence of dominantly carbonate and shale deposited in an epeiric sea. Ordovician strata outcrop in only two small areas along the northeastern basin margin but have been penetrated in the subsurface by numerous, widely-spaced petroleum exploration drillholes. -- Prioniodontacean conodonts from the Lower Ordovician Emanuel Formation in' the Prices Creek outcrop area were described by McTAVISH (1973) but descriptions of conodonts from the subsurface formations have hot been previously published. This study describes conodonts extracted from a continuous 234m core section through the Middle Ordovician Nita Formation and the underlying upper Goldwyer Formation of the subsurface sequence on the Broome Arch. Approximately 8,700 identifiable conodont elements were recovered from 96 samples with a combined mass of approximately 160kgms. A total of 54 conodont taxa have been identified: 20 multielement genera, including 27 species and 27 form-taxa. New taxa described are as follows: the multielement genus: Onyxodus, the multielement species: Protoprioniocus histion, Onyxodus acuoliratus, Phragmodus polystrophos and Phragmodus spicatus, and the form-species FaIodus keramis. -- The conodont taxa fall into two, stratigraphically discrete faunas: a lower fauna correlated with Midcontinent Fauna 4 (SWEET, ETHINGTON and BARNES, 1971) and an upper fauna correlated with the North Atlantic Eoplacognathus suecicus conodont Zone (BERGSTROM, 1971) and Midcontinent Fauna 5. The boundary between these two faunas is abrupt (occurring within a 4m thick sample gap) and is correlated with similar conodont faunal changes in: the Majiagou Formation of North China (AN et. al., 1983), the Bay Fiord Formation of Arctic Canada (NOWLAN, 1976), the Watson Ranch Quartzite of the Ibex Area of Utah (ETHINGTON and CLARK, 1981) and the Antelope Valley Limestone of the Meiklejohn Peak section of Nevada ( HARRIS et. al., 1979).


identifier: Stewart, Peter William <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Stewart=3APeter_William=3A=3A.html>   (1985) Geology, geochemistry, geochronology and genesis of granitoid clasts in breccia-conglomerates, MacLean Extension orebody, Buchans, Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

type: Thesis NonPeerReviewed

format: application/pdf application/pdf

abstract: Granitoid clasts found in association with the transported orebodies at Buchans are largest, and occupy the greatest volume of the host polylithic breccia-conglomerate subunit when proximal to the greatest sulphide accumulation in the sequence of debris flow deposits. The granitoid clasts are typically the most rounded clast lithology present in the debris flow deposits. They decrease in size and volume with increasing distance from the lowermost sulphide-rich sections of the debris flow sequence. They show igneous textures and compositions ranging from trondhjemite (rare) to quartz porphyritic microtrandhjemite to aplite to granophyric aplite. All granitoid clasts have been classified into six ‘types’ based on these textural and grain size differences. The five most abundant ‘types’ are reduced to ‘granitic’ and ‘aplitic’ groups based on textural similarities. -- Hydrothermal fluids deposited calcite, barite, and quartz sericitized plagioclase grains, and chloritized all mafic phases present. Despite this alteration, and variable alkalki metasomatism (loss of K) that is presumed du to late-stage volatile loss, all granitoid clasts appear to have a common magmatic source based on similar trace element abundances. -- The ‘granitic’ group clasts are typically larger, occupy more volume and are more altered than ‘aplitic’ group clasts. The proportion of ‘aplitic’ group clasts to ‘granitic’ group clasts increases with decreasing sulphide concentration in the debris flow sequence. Similarly, the average size and volume occupied by granitoid clasts in debris flow subunits decreases with increasing distance from the sulphide-rich sections of the debris flow deposits. -- All granitoid clasts appear to represent fragments of the same magma system that produced the felsic volcanic rocks of the Buchans Group. This conclusion is based on similar mineralogical and petrographic features, and similar major and trace element abundances (especially TiO2, Zr, Y, V, Nb, Ga and REE) between granitoid clast types and the Buchans Group felsic flows. U/Pb isotopic data for an ‘aplitic’ group clast, although imprecise, overlaps within analytical uncertainty the isochron produced from a Buchans River formation rhyolite. The calculated ages, 464 ± 40 Ma and 489 ± 20 Ma respectively, overlap within the estimated age uncertainties. -- The granitoid clasts were altered, rounded and transported to the surface in breccia pipes by explosive volatile activity that is probably due (at least in part) to the exsolution of an aqueous phase from the source magma chamber. The explosive hydrothermal events that transported the granitoid clasts (and fragments of previously deposited lithologies) to the surface may have initiated the movement of the debris flows when the breccia pipe breached the surface, disrupted the in sit sulphide mineralization process and resulted in the eventual cessation of massive sulphide deposition at Buchans.  -- The change in character of the granitoid clasts during the period of production of the debris flows from highly altered ‘granitic’ group clasts to a finer grained, smaller, and volumetrically less abundant ‘aplitic’ group clasts suggests that the latter originated from shallower depths and had a more rapid transportation history (i.e. less exposure to the hydrothermal fluids) than the ‘granitic’ group clasts. -- The Feeder Grandiorite as exposed at Wiley’s River is considered a high level plutonic facies of the Buchans Group, and evidence of a slightly more differentiated magma than that which produced the Buchans Group felsic volcanic rocks and granitoid clasts. The textural, mineralogical and geochemical similarities between these populations suggested by Thurlow (1981 a, b) are verified. The Little Sandy Lake intrusion appears to be from the same magma system as the Wiley’s River intrusion, Buchans Group felsic flows and the granitoid clasts on the basis of textural and mineralogical similarities and major and trace element geochemistry. -- The geochronological study, although relatively imprecise, suggests that the Buchans Group is middle Ordovician (Llanvirn-Llandeilo?) in age rather than post-Caradocian as suggested by earlier workers. If true, this requires a reappraisal of the position of the Buchans Group in Central Newfoundland volcanic stratigraphy.


identifier: Johnston, David Ian <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Johnston=3ADavid_Ian=3A=3A.html>   (1986) Early Ordovician (Arenig) conodonts from St. Pauls Inlet and Martin Point, Cow Head Group, Western Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The Middle Cambrian to Middle Ordovician Cow Head Group, Newfoundland, was deposited at the toe-of-slope and continental rise of a passive margin adjacent to a carbonate platform. Early Ordovician (Arenig) strata are characterized by massive megaconglomerates interbedded with deep-water carbonates and siliciclastics and minor conglomerate. The St. Pauls Inlet and Martin Point sections are interpreted as intermediate and distal facies, respectively, of this sequence. Arenig strata in these and in other Cow Head sections of the St. Pauls Member of the Green Point Formation record the transition from a tectonically passive to a tectonically active margin. In the Middle Ordovician these rocks were thrust over coeval platform strata. -- Previous conodont investigations focused entirely on sections on the Cow Head Peninsula. This study is an investigation of the biostratigraphy, paleoecology, and the taxonomy of Arenig conodont faunas from bedded strata of both the St. Pauls Inlet and Martin Point sections.- Each section was measured and sampled intensively, with 3.5 kg. samples taken at approximately 1 m intervals. The majority of processed samples were limestones which were dissolved in 10-15% acetic acid, and then sieved, separated, and picked for conodonts. A total of 35.659 conodont elements were recovered from 64 limestone and shale samples. -- Apparatuses of Lenodus Sergeeva, Oistodella Bradshaw, and Spinodus Dzik are described. The occurrence of Oepikodus communis Ethington and Clark below the first occurrence of O. evae (Lindstrom) supports the hypothesis that these species belong to separate lineages. Morphologic evidence from Cow Head material supports the assignment of elements resembling 'Scolopodus' gracilis Ethington and Clark s.f. to monoelemental species of Parapanderodus Stouge. Periodon flabellum evolves gradually into Periodon aculeatus, with early, intermediate, and late forms of the latter species recognized. The triangulariform element of Protoprioniodus papiliosus van Wamel is recognized as belonging in the apparatus of this species in Cow Head collections. Elements representing an intermediate evolutionary stage of 'Scolopodus' peselephantis Lindstrom are recognized. A new species is described: Polonodus? peavyl n. sp.. -- Five faunal assemblages (A1-A5) are recognized in Arenig rocks at St. Pauls Inlet. An additional late Arenig fauna was recovered from a limestone clast in the Lower Head Formation overlying the Cow Head Group at Martin Point. The early to middle Arenig North Atlantic Province Paroistodus proteus, Prioniodus elegans, and Oepikodus evae zones are recognized in Beds 9-11 at St. Pauls Inlet. In these same beds North American Midcontinent Fauna D and the Oepikodus communis Zone are recognized. Fauna 2 is recognized in Beds 13-15. Beds 9-12 are dated using conodonts as uppermost Canadian and Beds 12-15 as Whiterockian. The Arenig-Llanvirn boundary may lie in uppermost Cow Head strata at St. Pauls Inlet. Arenig strata at St. Pauls Inlet can be correlated with those on the adjacent platform and equivalent sequences around the North American craton and in Argentina and Australia. The bases of the Tetragraptus approximatus and Paroistodus proteus zones coincide in both sections. Conodont-based correlations at St. Pauls Inlet support correlations based on macrofossil evidence. -- The size and robustness of conodont elements in bedded carbonates was found to be correlative with grain size. The abrupt turnover from Oepikodus-dominated to Periodon-dominated faunas is documented in Bed 11 at St. Pauls Inlet. Significant changes in paleoecological patterns and major influxes and extinctions of taxa commonly coincide with each other and with major lithologic changes representing the onset or termination of aerobic, condensed and anaerobic phases in Arenig Cow Head strata. The predominance of deep water taxa in Beds 9, 10, and the lower part of 11, and the predominance of shallower water taxa in upper Bed 11, and Beds 12-15 support the interpretation that lower to middle Arenig Cow Head strata at St. Pauls Inlet are transgressive and middle to upper Arenig strata are regressive.


identifier: Hunter, David Roy <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hunter=3ADavid_Roy=3A=3A.html>   (1978) Conodonts from the Cobbs Arm Formation (Middle Ordovician) north-central Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: On New World Island, north central Newfoundland, the Middle Ordovician Cobbs Arm Formation constitutes only a small proportion of the dominantly volcanic and volcaniclastic strata of the island are terrains characteristic of the Dunnage Zone. The Cobbs Arm Formation is predominantly composed of limestones that are dark grey in colour when mixed with volcanic detritus and light grey and more coarsely crystalline when purely carbonate.  The purer carbonate accumulations of the formation would appear to have been deposited in an environment free of terrigenous detritus between emergent volcanics and shallow water volcanic sandstones to the north, and trench deposits to the south. The result was a carbonate grainstone barrier that subdivided parts of the Middle Ordovician coastline into a landward restricted lagoonal environment and an oceanward open marine environment. -- Because of the presently deformed nature of the New World Island rocks, several small incomplete sections of the Cobbs Arm Formation were measured and sampled. Detailed investigation of the lithologies of the samples revealed a sedimentological pattern indicative of a slightly erratic transgressive phase of deposition. It is possible that the emergence of the arc terrains, which preceded the deposition of the Cobs Arm Formation, and the subsequent subsidence of the island arc terrains, which accompanied and succeeded Cobbs Arm Formation deposition, was the fore and aftermath of a ridge-trench interaction. The transgression resulted in a landward shift of oceanward facies, now recorded in the verticle sequences of the Cobbs Arm Formation. -- The conodont fauna of the Cobbs Arm Formation appears to be divisible into two species associations. One relates well with sediments of the proposed restricted environment and the other relates well with sediments of a more open marine environment. On a finer scale, there appears to be a relationship between substratum characteristics and certain conodont species. Because of this apparent ecological control on many of the conodont species, the conodont zones and subzones of the Middle Ordovician were difficult to accurately apply. -- Conodonts are found in abundance in the Cobbs Arm Formation and are represented by 39 multielement species and five residual forms including 8 new species and 2 new genera. The two new genera are described on the basis of the two new species Pseudobelodina n. sp. A. and a New Genus A n. sp. A. The fauna is dominantly of North Atlantic Province affinity yet the most abundantly represented species is more commonly found in the Midcontinent Province, i.e. Panderodus gracilis (Branson and Mehl). This species, along with Periodon aculeatus Hadding, Pygodus anserinus Lamont and Lindstrom, Baltoniodus variabilis (Bergstrom), Protopanderodus varicostatus (Swee and Bergstrom), and Pydogus serrus (Hadding) constitutes more than 75 percent of the total number of recovered conodont elements. Other important conodont species include: Baltoniodus prevariabilis-B variabilis transition, distacodus venustus (Stauffer), Drepanoistodus n. sp. A., Eoplacognathus lindstroemi (Hamar), E. robustus Bergstrom, Scalpellodus cavus (Webers), Strachanognathus parvus Rodes, Walliserodus ethingtoni (Fahraeus), Walliserodus nakholmensis (Hamar) and Walliserodus n. sp. A.


identifier: Chen, Zhongxing <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Chen=3AZhongxing=3A=3A.html>   (1993) Development of micro-sampling techniques utilizing inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and their application to geochemical studies of precious metal-rich nickel-copper ores at Sudbury.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Please see thesis for abstract.


identifier: Swinden, H. S. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Swinden=3AH=2E_S=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1976) Chemical sedimentation associated with mid-Paleozoic volcanism in central Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Chert, ferruginous chert and associated  chemical sedimentary rocks are a ubiquitous although volumetrically minor component of the Upper Ordovician-Silurian volcanic succession in Central Newfoundland. They are intimately associated with volcanic lithologies ranging from mafic pillow lava and pillow breccia to silicic flows and pyroclastic rocks, and occur both as thin,  discontinuous bedded lenses conformable with the volcanic stratigraphy and as massive pods interstitial to mafic pillows. Although most units appear to be unrelated to base metal mineralization, a laterally continuous horizon at Gull Pond, the Gullbridge ferruginous chert, overlies and is spatially related to two volcanogenic copper deposits. -- Two hundred and forty-seven rock samples were analyzed for 10 major an 10 trace elements in order to examine inter-element relationships providing information on the genesis of these sediments and to determine whether chemical concentrations in the Gullbridge ferruginous chert could be developed as a useful exploration tool. -- Chemical data suggest that three processes contributed to the formation of these chemical sediments, viz; biogenic processes are inferred to have been responsible for most of the silica which is dominantly present as non-detrital quarts; hydrothermal processes are inferred to have contributed most of the Fe₂O₃, MnO, Ba, and Au; volcaniclastic sedimentation is the probable source of the remaining major and trace elements. Chemical trends in the rocks are strongly influenced by their mineralogy and can usually be related to the presence of specific minerals or groups of minerals.


identifier: Pohler, Suzanne Margarete Luise <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Pohler=3ASuzanne_Margarete_Luise=3A=3A.html>   (1987) Conodont biofacies and carbonate lithofacies of Lower Ordovician megaconglomerates, Cow Head Group, Western Newfoundland.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In process


identifier: Boyce, W. Douglas <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Boyce=3AW=2E_Douglas=3A=3A.html>   (1983) Early Ordovician trilobite faunas of the Boat Harbour and Catoche Formations (St. George Group) in the Boat Harbour - Cape Norman area, Great Northern Peninsula, western Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Detailed biostratigraphic sampling of the Lower Ordovician Boat Harbour and Catoche formations in the Boat Harbour - Cape Norman area of western Newfoundland has yielded hitherto unrecorded trilobite faunas so far unparalleled in richness and diversity anywhere in the Appalachians. -- Thirty species are systematically treated. Three new genera are proposed (Randaynia, Magnusnasus and Parapeltabellia). Seventeen species are new (Leiostegium proprium, Randaynia saundersi, R. langdoni, Hillyardina minuspustulata, H. levis, Hystricurus pseudoculilunatus, Magnusnasus proprius, Parahystricurus smithiae, Bolbocephalus stevensi, Jeffersonia angustimarginata, Parapeltabellia boatharbourensis, Peltabellia knighti, P. pseudopeltabella, Strigigenalis brevicaudata, Grinnellaspis newfoundlandensis, Uromystrum forteyi and Benthamaspis hintzei).  Hyperbolochilus Ross is a junior synonym of Hillyardina Ross. -- Five new biostratigraphic zones are proposed, three of which are based on trilobites. These zones, in ascending order, are as follows: 1) Barren Interzone I, 2) Randaynia saundersi Assemblage Zone, 3) Barren Interzone II, 4) Strigigenalis brevicaudata Range Zone and 5) Strigigenalis caudate Range Zone.  These zones are correlated with the standard trilobite zonation of the proposed Ibexian Series as well as the stages of the classical Canadian Series. -- A major Early Ordovician (Late Tremadoc - Early Arenig) faunal and sedimentological break is documented in western Newfoundland. The disconformity represented by a solution surface and pebble horizon is documented faunally by the absence of Ross-Hintze trilobite zone G1. This break is correlated with comparable breaks in the four major trilobite provinces which then existed, and it is proposed that these breaks are related to a world-wide Late Tremadoc - Early Arenig regressive event followed by a Early Arenig transgressive event.


identifier: Koh, In Seok <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Koh=3AIn_Seok=3A=3A.html>   (1969) Geology of the Trepassey area, Avalon Peninsula, Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis presents the results of the first detailed study of the geology of the Trepassey area on the south coast of the Avalon Peninsula, southeastern Newfoundland, and includes a geological map on a scale of 1:8,000. -- The area is underlain by a thick sequence of late-Precambrian rocks, belonging to the Conception Group and to the St. John's Formation of the Cabot Group, and at least one bed of tuff indicating contemporaneous volcanic activity. Although these rocks are well exposed along the coast, inland they are largely hidden beneath ground moraine of late Pleistocene age. -- The main structural features of the area are a synclinorium and a major fault cutting its western flank. Most of the subsidiary folds of the synclinorium, the associated fracture cleavage, and many of the faults have a north-northeasterly trend although some folds and faults are cross-cutting; folds generally plunge gently to the south-southwest. An analysis of the joint pattern in the area shows its tectonic origin. -- The Conception Group consists mainly of graded beds in which the coarser element is lithic or feldspathic greywacke, containing many volcanic rock fragments, and the finer-grained element is mudstone similar in composition to the greywacke. The succession also includes fine-grained very siliceous rocks, mudstones and colour-banded cherts. Conception beds are grey to green or purple; the colouring agents are dark rock fragments, iron sulphide, chlorite and hematite. -- The rocks of the St. John's Formation are predominantly fine-grained and although the succession includes, in its lower part, thin graded beds resembling those of the uppermost part of the Conception sequence, it consists mainly of mudstone (shales) interbedded with laminae of siltstone forming a repetitive sequence thousands of feet thick; the silty beds are subgreywackes. Slump zones are characteristic of the succession. Pyrites is universally present and probably responsible for the grey colour of these beds; also noteworthy is the common occurrence of authigenic carbonate. -- The sediments laid down in Conception and St. John's Formation times appear, from their composition, to have come from the same M northern source. A turbidity current origin is favoured for the S Conception Group graded beds, hence the Trepassey area is believed f to have been a deep-sea area during the greater part of Conception times. Shallowing began towards the close of Conception times and continued into St. John's Formation times when turbidity currents generally ceased. Comparison with other areas suggests that folding and faulting of these sediments took place before the close of the Precambrian although the major fault may be post-Ordovician. The Trepassey area provides no evidence of subsequent geological events until Pleistocene times apart from the presence of an upland surface (500-600 feet) believed to represent late Tertiary peneplanation of the region. During the Pleistocene the Trepassey area was probably glaciated more than once but the effects of the last, or Wisconsin glaciation, masks the effect of earlier glaciations. Ice movements modified the form of the land and when the ice melted at the close of the Pleistocene it left a blanket of boulder clay over the entire area. Vegetation soon established itself and the growth and decay of swamp plants in bogs over thousands of years has given rise to extensive peat deposits.


identifier: Taylor, Sidney William <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Taylor=3ASidney_William=3A=3A.html>   (1976) Geology of Marystown map sheet (E.2) Burin Peninsula, southeastern Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The geology of southeastern Newfoundland is poorly understood in many respects. Marystown map-sheet (E/2) is a small part of this region but it contains many of the characteristic geological features which have been problematic. Detailed geological mapping, petrography and geochemistry were employed in the study of the map area. -- Marystown map-sheet (E/2) is divided into three segments by two northeasterly trending faults, each characterized by different rock sequences. The northwest segment is underlain by Late Precambrian rocks very similar to the volcanic rocks found elsewhere in southeast Newfoundland, being a subaerial , bimodal, slightly alkali, basalt-rhyolite suite. The rocks of this segment are interpreted to have formed as a result of high angle, block faulting. The central segment consists of a Late Precambrian (?) to Middle Cambrian sequence beginning with red and green sandstones and siltstones overlain by a red shale - pink limestone - grey siltstone - black shale unit. This sequence, fossiliferous in part and lithologically similar to rocks of equivalent age found elsewhere in the region, is interpreted to have formed firstly by erosion of a land mass and deposition of clastic sediments in an intertidal environment and secondly, by deposition of non-clastic and minor elastics in a restricted marine environment. The southeast segment is underlain by a conformable. Late Precambrian sequence beginning with the oldest rocks of the map area, ' grey, laminated, siliceous siltstones and polymictic conglomerates, which were derived from a subaerial acid volcanic - submarine sedimentary terrain and deposited in an environment with both deep- and shallow-water characteristics. These sedimentary rocks are overlain by a thick pillow basalt - tuffaceous sedimentary sequence intruded by a comagmatic layered sill. These volcanic and intrusive rocks are chemically and petrographically similar to ocean ridge tholeiites. The area was subjected to a period of northwest-southeast compression in post Middle Cambrian times. Metamorphism varies from greenschist facies in the older rocks to unmetamorphosed in the youngest rocks.


identifier: O'Malley, Vincent Patrick <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/O=27Malley=3AVincent_Patrick=3A=3A.html>   (1994) Compound-specific carbon isotope geochemistry of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in eastern Newfoundland estuaries.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Compound-specific carbon isotope analysis (CSIA) was performed on individual polycyclic (or polynuclear) aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) isolated from a diverse range of environmental samples. These measurements were undertaken to determine whether CSIA could provide additional or complementary information to molecular signatures for quantitatively apportioning inputs of PAH to depositional environments. PAH extraction and purification methods suitable for CSIA were developed, and the isotopic integrity of the δ¹³C values of standard PAH taken through these work-up procedures and when exposed to a range of weathering reactions was assessed. The molecular and isotopic signatures of prominent primary and secondary sources of PAH were then characterized and quantitatively compared to the corresponding signatures isolated from St. John's Harbour and Conception Bay sediment samples. -- No significant isotopic fractionations were observed in a range of 3, 4 and 5- ring PAH taken through the sample work-up procedures. The δ¹³C values of a similar range of standard compounds was also unaffected when exposed to a series of .volatilization, photolytic and microbial degradation studies. -- The molecular signatures of the prominent primary combustion sources in eastern Newfoundland (fire and car soots) were characterized by the presence of 3, 4 and 5-ring parental PAH, whereas petroleum-related sources including crankcase oil were dominated by 2 and 3-ring parental and methylated PAH. The trend observed in the δ¹³C values of the 3, 4 and 5-ring PAH in the two combustion sources was postulated to be jointly controlled by precursor compounds in the original source material and a series of secondary reactions that occur during pyrolysis and pyrosynthesis (e.g., wood burning and car engine combustion). The significantly δ¹³C-depleted compounds observed in crankcase oil compared to the combustion sources, particularly phenanthrene and pyrene, was attributed to thermally-induced aromatization reactions of natural compounds in the oil. The aromatization of cyclic precursors (e.g., terpenoids) commonly found in virgin crankcase oil results in the production of some 3 and 4-ring PAH. -- Secondary source molecular signatures (road sweeps, untreated sewage and roadside snow) were comparable, and indicated PAH mainly of combustion origin. The application of two component (combustion vs. crankcase oil) mixing calculations using both the δ¹³C and the normalized molecular abundances indicated that PAH in the open-road sweeps and snow samples were influenced by approximately 30% inputs of crankcase oil while crankcase oil inputs to sewage were around 20%. -- PAH of combustion, petroleum and diagenetic origin were identified from the molecular characterization of St. John's Harbour sediments. From the two-component mixing calculations, approximately 70% of the overall input of PAH was identified to be of combustion origin, with vehicle emissions apparently being the dominant input source. Crankcase oil inputs account for the remaining 30% of the PAH in these sediments. However, intersample isotopic and molecular variations indicated a range of combustion contributions ranging from 50% to 90%. -- The molecular signatures of Conception Bay sediments were characterized by combustion and diagenetically-derived PAH. The observed δ¹³C variations in the 3, 4 and 5-ring compounds also indicated that the PAH were derived from a combination of at least two primary sources. However, the δ¹³C-depleted component is quite unlike crankcase oil and PAH contributions from other petroleum-related source or diagenetic origin are suggested as suitable candidates for this unknown component. -- CSIA of individual PAH was found to be highly complementary to molecular signatures in elucidating primary source inputs to depositional environments. Additionally, CSIA allows for a more quantitative approach to apportionment using the individual δ¹³C alone or in combination with the molecular abundance data and mass-balance models.


identifier: Peavy, Samuel Thomas <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Peavy=3ASamuel_Thomas=3A=3A.html>   (1985) A gravity and magnetic interpretation of the Bay St. George Carboniferous Subbasin in western Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Gravity and magnetic data were used to model and interpret the subsurface structure of the Bay St. George Carboniferous Subbasin in western Newfoundland. -- A total of 236 gravity stations with an average spacing of 4.0 km were used. Magnetic data were digitized on a 0.8 km grid from existing 1:63360 scale aeromagnetic maps. Regional and residual anomaly maps for a 5th-order polynomial were obtained for both gravity and magnetic maps using a trend analysis program. -- Densities and magnetic susceptibilities from 242 samples of evaporites, representative sedimentary rocks, and anothositic samples of inferred basement type were determined. -- Program for 2-D and 2.5-D gravity inversion, 2.5-D forward gravity modelling, and 3-D gravity and magnetic modelling were written in FORTRAN and tested. These were used to determine the basement topography, and to delineate faults, obtain thickness estimates of the sedimentary infill, and locate possible new evaporite deposits. -- Results from the 2.5-D inversion compared favorably to the final 3-D gravity model, showing that the 2.5-D process can be used to estimate basement topography. 3-D magnetic modelling confirmed that the basement shape defined by gravity modelling was correct geometrically. -- The results of the modelling were combined with a qualitative interpretation of the gravity and magnetic maps to yield a model of the subsurface geology. Several new faults were located in the subbasin, and several of the old faults were extended. Three possible new evaporite deposits were also located. The maximum thicknesses of the sediments in the basin were discovered to be~6 km in the St. Davids Syncline and 4 to 5 km in the Barachois Synclinorium. The throws of the Crabbes Brook and Shoal Point faults were found to be between 0.5 and 3 km, and 4.5 km, respectively.


identifier: Jesseau, Conrad Wayne <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Jesseau=3AConrad_Wayne=3A=3A.html>   (1976) A structural-metamorphic and geochemical study of the Hunt River supracrustal belt, Nain Province, Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The southern Nain Province is characterized by several northeasterly trending supracrustal belts, Archean in age, which are infolded into a complex of polygenetic quartzofeldspathic gneisses. This thesis describes a petrological, geochemical and structural-metamorphic study of one of these belts, the Hunt River Belt, a predominantly mafic supracrustal sequence. -- The Hunt River Belt consists of a series of amphibolite schists (meta-volcanics), ultramafic lenses, and minor meta-sediments. The chemistry of the meta-volcanics displays close similarities to tholeiites found in the lowermost cycles of Archean greenstone belts. The ultramafics, containing preserved igneous textures, are considered to have intruded early into a developing volcanic pile. -- The thesis area has undergone a complex history of structural and igneous development. The earliest recognized widespread event (D₁) produced a strong tectonic fabric in the Hunt River Belt, and produced banded gneisses in the quartzofeldspathic rocks through thrusting and transposition, D₂ reflects a period of pure shear deformation and overprinted the area with a pronounced planar fabric. D₃ represents a period of tectonically active crustal uplift associated with magma upwelling and gave rise to heterogeneous deformation. D₄, a period of shallow level upright open folding, closed out the periods of folding and was followed by the development of megascopic faulting and diabase dyke intrusion. -- Each of the deformational episodes was accompanied by periods of plutonic activity which led to the development of distinct gneiss types. -- Mineralogical and microstructural evidence in the amphibolite schists and the quartzofeldspathic gneisses indicates that D₁, D₂ and D₃ all occurred within the amphibolite facies of metamorphism. D₄ and subsequent faulting occurred under greenschist facies conditions.


identifier: Hughes, Steven <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hughes=3ASteven=3A=3A.html>   (1979) Facies anatomy of Lower Cambrian archaeocyathid biostrome complex, southern Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: An archaeocyathid-rich biostrome complex in the middle of the Forteau Formation (Lower Cambrian) of southern Labrador, is divisible into two facies: (1) Oolite Sand Facies, and (2) Biostrome Facies.  Stratigraphic and sedimentologic analysis of the eight selected areas indicates that the Biostrome Facies was deposited seaward of the Oolite Sand Facies and that the palcoslope sloped towards the south or south-east. The highly irregular nature of the contact between the two facies suggests that salients and recesses occurred within the Oolite Sand Facies and that the Biostrome Facies was deposited on shallow swales within recesses. -- Seven lithologies make up the Oolite Sand Facies: skeletal grainstone, oolitic grainstone, mixed oolitic grainstone, mixed peloid packestone, mixed oncolitic grainstone, intraclast grainstone, dolostone and dolomitic siltstone. These lithologies are considered to form an oolite shoal complex consisting of an active shoal, stable sand channels, storm-affected supra-tidal islands, and leeward oolite shoal spillover lobes. -- The Biostrome Facies was deposited seaward of, and on shallow swales between, the oolite shoals. This facies consists of five distinct units : Dolomite Mound Unit (BD), Red Mound Unit (BR), Nodular Mound Unit (BN), Oolite Bioherm Unit (BB), and Grey Mound Unit (BG). Each unit consists of two lithofacies : (1) skeletal calcarenite, which does not vary between units, and (2) moundstone, a new nongenetic rock-type applied to mounds or bioherms of uncertain origin. Five different moundstone lithofacies occur, all of which contain archaeocyathids and sometimes calcareous algae, in a mudstone matrix.  The moundstones form mounds, biostromes, and rarely bioherms, all flanked by skeletal calcarenites. Dolomitic Moundstones (BD-1) and Nodular Moundstones (BN-1) formed in relatively deep water, seaward of Red Moundstone (BR-1) which accumulated in lateral contact with the action oolite shoal. Grey Moundstone (BG-1) and Archaeocyathid Bioherms (BB-2) accumulated on shallow, protected swales between oolite shoals. The Archaeocyathid Bioherm lithofacies is flanked by 'quiet-water' oolitic calcarenites (BB-1). -- Diagenetic processes which modified the original depositional texture of the moundstones and calcarenites include: bioerosion, dissolution and cementation, neomorphism, dolomitization, silicification, pressure solution (stylolitization), and fracturing. Diagenetic fabrics were formed by these processes operating in a number of diagenetic environments. Micritization, macroborings and facies specific cementation were formed by processes operating in the submarine diagenetic environment. Selective dolomitization occurred in a zone of mixing between meteoric phreatic and marine phreatic waters. Minor dissolution and widespread cementation occurred in the vadose zone. Fabrics formed in the phreatic environment include extensive stylolitization, dissolution, fracturing, pore-fill cementation, and aggrading neomorphism which includes a transitional micrite-microspar-pseudospar fabric affecting archaeocyathid skeletons. Widespread dolomitization and rare silicification and stylolitization occurred in a late, unspecified diagenetic environment. -- The autecology of archaeocyathids, calcareous algae, stromatolites, a new, primitive 'coelenterate', brachiopids, trilobites, hyolithids, echinoderms, and agmata (Salterella), is reviewed and three faunal/floral assemblages are recognised: (1) mound-flanking Skeletal Calcarenite faunal assemblage, consisting predominately of echinoderms with brachiopods, trilobites, hyolithids and Salterella, (2) mound-dwelling assemblage, consisting predominantly of archaeocyathids and calcareous algae with brachiopods, trilobites, coelenterate, sponges, hyolithids and the ichnogenus Trypanites, (3) coelobitic (cavity dwelling) assemblage, found mainly beneath retilaminiform archaeocyathids and consisting of pendant calcareous algae, foraminifera, encrusting archaeocyathids, Archaeotrypa, sponges, trilobites, and worms.


identifier: Schillereff, Herbert Scott <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Schillereff=3AHerbert_Scott=3A=3A.html>   (1992) A physical hydrogeological and hydrochemical study of groundwater/surface water interaction in a granitic terrain in eastern Newfoundland.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis presents a hydrogeological and hydrochemical investigation of groundwater and surface water interaction in a fractured granite terrain, within the Seal Cove River valley in eastern Newfoundland. The overall approach for this work was to first determine the structural geologic framework of the study are and surrounding region, then use this framework as a basis for interpreting the physical, hydrochemical and isotopic responses of groundwater and surface water to hydrologic stress, and for numerical simulations of groundwater flow in the study area. -- The Seal cove River valley study area (referred to as the SCRV) is 81.7 ha. in size and includes a 1.44 km reach of a branch of the Seal Cove River, with a 300 m x 50 m beaver pond midway along this reach. Lithologically homogeneous granitic rocks occur in glaciated outcrops on over 30% of a hillside above the study reach and sporadically on the valley floor. Overburden consists of thin glacial drift and peat deposits. Geophysical surveys indicate that the buried granite surface is essentially flat, dipping on average 0.5 degrees toward the north-northwest. -- The structural geologic framework was compiled from air photos, outcrop mapping and scanline fracture surveys across the pluton, and core logging in the SCRV. The Holyrood pluton intrudes multiply-deformed volcanic rocks of the Harbour Main Group and lies within the Conception Bay Anticlinorium, bounded to the east and west by the Topsail and Duffs Faults. Within the pluton, fracture lineaments and the regional mesoscopic fracture system both show preferred northerly, northeasterly and southeasterly strikes. Trace length and fracture frequency patterns show little variation in western parts of the pluton (including the SCRV area). There are no obvious variations in structural trends on a macroscopic scale in the vicinity of the SCRV. -- In the SCRV, three subvertical mesoscopic fracture sets are identified based on cluster analysis of scanline data. These set correspond with orientations of subsurface fractures and macroscopic fracture in the SCRV and with the regional fracture system. A fourth set comprises subhorizontal sheeting joints. Mesoscopic fracture trace lengths and spacings tend to vary smoothly across the SCRV without significant variation within or between subvertical fracture sets. -- The major boundary faults are interpreted to predate the Holyrood pluton, acting as feeders for the sill-like intrusion. Siluro-Devonian reactivation of these faults is interpreted to have generated the tectonic fracture system in the pluton (and the SCRV). A kinematic deformation model for the pluton is presented in with the regional tectonic fracture system formed as Riedel and secondary P-shear fractures during a single phase of progressive, left-lateral bulk simple shear. This model is the only detailed analysis of deformation in the pluton to date. -- The structural framework implies that 1) groundwater flow around the SCRV occurs primarily in a shallow or intermediate flow systems; 2) near-surface mesoscopic fractures and subvertical macroscopic fault and fracture zones are the likely principal conduits for shallow groundwater flow in the SCRV; 3) fracture-controlled hydraulic properties of the granite (e.g. hydraulic conductivity) can be assumed to be uniform around the SCRV (at scales of 10’s to 100’s of meters); and 4) the present SCRV fracture data set is inadequate for sophisticated determination of directional permeability in the granite (e.g. by permeability tensor formulation or fracture network analysis), requiring a simpler approach in formulation input parameters for numerical models of groundwater flow in the SCRV. Use of the more sophisticated methods mentioned above would require a more complete and unbiased characterization of fracture geometry than is available here, i.e. a statistical description of the geometry of subhorizontal fractures (Set 4), and unbiased estimates of fracture spacing for all sets. [Please see thesis for remainder of abstract.]


identifier: Haywick, Douglas Wayne <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Haywick=3ADouglas_Wayne=3A=3A.html>   (1984) Dolomite within the St. George Group (lower Ordovician), western Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Seven varieties of dolomite and dolostone, the products of four stages of dolomitization, are recognized within the St. George Group (Lower Ordovician) of western Newfoundland. -- Dololaminites are syngenetic, formed in a tidal flat environment, characterized by prominent shallow water sedimentary structures, local bioturbation, δ ¹⁸O values of -4 to -8 o/oo and composed of anhedral, very finely crystalline, uniformly luminescent dolomite rhombs. Siliciclastic minerals are subordinate. -- Early-diagenetic (eogenetic) dolomitization, possibly initiated by the presence of mucopolysaccharides and controlled spatially by permeability, has resulted in three varieties of dolomite and dolostone. δ ¹⁸O values range between -4 and -10 o/oo. Mottle dolomite selectively replaces body and trace fossils and is localized along pressure solution seams. Rhombs of matrix dolomite are evenly distributed in mudstones and wackestones and range in abundance from trace quantities to 80 percent. Both varieties are characterized by finely crystalline, well zoned, idiotopic to xenotopic dolomite. Though initially nucleated during early- diagenesis, they have undergone a prolonged period of growth continuing at least until the onset of pressure solution. -- Pervasive A dolostones are mottled rocks characterized by bimodal crystallinity; finely crystalline dolomite in mottles, medium crystalline dolomite between mottles. Both are xenotopic and uniformly luminescent to moderately zoned. These rocks are coincident with early phases of mottle/matrix dolomitization and may have developed due to the mixing of meteoric and marine waters. They have not been subjected to late-diagenetic periods of growth. -- Hydrothermal alteration, probably related to tectonics during initial phases of the Taconic Orogeny (Middle Ordovician), is a late-diagenetic (mesogenetic) event and in the northern portion of the study area (Great Northern Peninsula), has developed two extensive field varieties. Pervasive B dolostones are bimodal rocks resulting from overprinting of a dolomite-mottled limestone. Saddle dolomite is a void and fracture filling cement and is associated with sphalerite mineralization near Daniel's Harbour, Newfoundland. Both varieties are composed of coarsely crystalline, uniformly luminescent and strained dolomite rhombs (commonly with curved crystal outlines), and are characterized by δ ¹⁸O values ranging from -8 to -12 o/oo. -- Hydrothermal dolomitization in the southern portion of the study area (Port au Port Peninsula) is rare. This variety of matrix dolomite is restricted to the intergranular (matrix) areas of wackestones and packstones. It is similar both petrographically and isotopically to saddle dolomite. -- Cavity-filling dolostone has filled dissolution voids in pre-existing dolostones formed during periods of subaerial exposure and is characterized by δ¹⁸O values ranging from -6 to -9 o/oo. The dolomite is very finely crystalline, uniformly luminescent and annedral. Accessory minerals are diverse and abundant. -- KEYWORDS: St. George Group; Lower Ordovician; western Newfoundland; dolomite; dolomitization; diagenesis; isotope geochemistry; cathodoluminescence; petrography.


identifier: Gower, David Patrick <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Gower=3ADavid_Patrick=3A=3A.html>   (1988) Geology and genesis of uranium mineralization in subaerial felsic volcanic rocks of the Byers Brook formation and the comagatic [sic] Hart Lake Granite, Wentworth area, Cobequid Highlands, Nova Scotia.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The Byers Brook Formation and the Hart Lake Granite are situated in the Cobequid Highlands of northern Nova Scotia. The anorogenic granite and bimodal volcanic rocks are comagmatic and are suggested to be products of extensional tectonism. The granite has an Rb/Sr whole-rock age of 339 ± 4 Ma and the rhyolites 343 ± 5 Ma. -- The Byers Brook Formation is a generally east-west (110-120 az.) striking, steeply dipping (70ﾟN) sequence of rhyolitic pyroclastic, flow and volcaniclastic rocks intercalated with a relatively minor volume of basalt flows. All units are cut by an abundance of diabase and composite dikes with the highest density of dikes associated with rhyolite dome/flow complexes. Rhyolite dikes are restricted to these complexes. -- Two periods of bimodal volcanism were separated by a brief hiatus represented by a 50-100 m thick conglomerate unit which grades eastward into laminated to thickly bedded lacustrine? siltstones. Both stages of volcanism are characterized by early pyroclastic eruptions which grade upwards into rhyolite and basalt flows. The base of the early sequence is intruded by the Hart Lake Granite. The later sequence is approximately 2200 m thick and grades into the dominantly basaltic Diamond Brook Formation. -- Geochemically the granite and rhyolites are subalkaline, metaluminous, except for a discrete suite of peralkaline rhyolite and composite dikes. All rocks are generally enriched in Fluorine. Strong alkali metasomatism is pervasive throughout the extrusive rocks, however, late subvolcanic rhyolite and composite dikes are unaltered. -- The largest and highest grade concentrations of uranium occur in breccia zones in and adjacent to rhyolite dome/flow complexes. It is hypothesized that these complexes were areas of high thermal gradient caused by the injection of late composite and rhyolite dikes, and thus the locus for the very large hydrothermal system which caused the pervasive alkali metasomatism. This large hydrothermal system leached uranium liberated during devitrification of the volcanic pile and concentrated it into permeable structures, such as lithophysae-rich zones, faults and breccia zones. -- Other associated mineralization includes; cassiterite in amygdules of basalt flows, massive pyrite beds with up to 276 grams per ton silver in the lacustrine siltstones, and fluorite-zircon-sphene-calcite-allanite veins with highly anamalous rare earth element concentrations hosted by the granophyric margin of the Hart Lake Granite. -- Although the Byers Brook Formation in the Wentworth area has been subject to extensive exploration in the past, the data presented here suggest that perhaps the most prospective parts of the Formation are the dome/flow complexes, and these have not been adequately tested. In light of this the Byers Brook Formation and the Fountain Lake Group in general should be considered good prospects to host lithophile element mineralization.


identifier: O'Driscoll, Cyril F. (Cyril Francis) <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/O=27Driscoll=3ACyril_F=2E_=28Cyril_Francis=29=3A=3A.html>   (1977) Geology, petrology and geochemistry of the Hermitage Peninsula, Southern Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The Hermitage Peninsula, at the southwestern extremity of the Avalon Zone in Newfoundland is underlain by a late Precambrian conformable succession of volcanic and sedimentary rocks named the Connaigre Bay Group which is subdivided into four formations: a lowest formation of corundum-normative and garnet-bearing acidic volcanic rocks (Tickle Point Formation), a sedimentary sequence (Great Island Formation), a formation of sub-alkaline mafic volcanic rocks (Doughball Point Formation) and at the top a sequence of red sandstones, conglomerates and shales (Down's Point Formation). -- Igneous rocks which intrude the Connaigre Bay Group include a hornblende-rich gabbroic-granitic intrusion (Hermitage Complex) and a granitic intrusion (Straddling Granite). These plutonic rocks are chemically similar to the volcanic rocks, which along with field and petrographic evidence suggests that they are related. The assemblage is classified as a bimodal calc-alkaline suite dominated by amphibole fractionation. -- The late Precambrian Hermitage-Connaigre Bay assemblage, and the presumed correlative Simmons Brook Batholith and Long Harbour Group about 10 kilometres to the east, are intruded by Upper Devonian - Lower Carboniferous homogeneous granitic plutons, the Pass Island, Harbour Breton and Belleoram stocks. They are readily distinguished from the older calc-alkaline suite both petrographically and chemically, especially by their higher alkalies and associated trace elements. -- These relatively undeformed rocks of the Avalon Zone are juxtaposed against deformed granitic rocks of the Gander Zone by the Hermitage Bay Fault. The fault is characterized by a 50-100 metre wide zone of brecciation with the main movement having a reverse southeastward component. This movement is post-Ordovician and possibly Devonian, but the Hermitage Bay Fault does not represent the original structure which marked the boundary between the two zones.


identifier: MacDougall, Craig S. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/MacDougall=3ACraig_S=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1988) A metallogenic study of polymetallic granophile mineralization within the early Proterozoic Upper Aillik Group, Round Pond Area, Central Mineral Belt, Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The Round Pond area, located within the coastal region of the Central Mineral Belt of Labrador, is underlain by Early Proterozoic, dominantly calc-alkaline felsic volcanic rocks of the Upper Aillik Group. The volcanic rocks were deposited during subduction-related volcanic activity, and have been subjected to at least two phases of deformation, metamorphism of upper greenschist - lower amphibolite facies, and a widespread synvolcanic soda metasomatic event. -- Numerous post-tectonic granitoids intrude the rocks of the Upper Aillik Group in the coastal region, and two satellite stocks of the Monkey Hill Granite occur in the study area. The granitic stocks are highly differentiated, epizonal, leucogranitic intrusions which exhibit geochemical trends towards metallogenic specialization. Trace element and rare earth element evidence suggest that a metal-bearing volatile phase escaped into the surrounding country rock from the leucogranitic stocks. -- The Round Pond area is characterized by widespread and varied Mo-(W)-base metal-U-F mineralization spatially associated with the contact margin of a satellite stock of Monkey Hill Granite. A crude metallogenic zonation is developed outwards from the granite ranging from proximal Mo-(W)-Cu-F mineralization, intermediate carbonate-hosted Zn-(Pb) mineralization, and distal U-Zn mineralization. Associated alteration mineral assemblages depict a typical calcic skarn mineral evolution. -- Field relations, ore, accessory, and alteration mineral assemblages, as well as geochemical evidence suggest that the widespread and varied mineral occurrences in the Round Pond area have a common magmatic-hydrothermal origin related to the high level igneous activity of the Monkey Hill Granite. Ar/Ar age dating of alteration minerals reveals the mineralization is contemporaneous with the emplacement of the Monkey Hill Granite. -- An epigenetic magmatic-hydrothermal model of origin is envisaged for the polymetallic, granophile mineralization hosted by the felsic volcanic rocks of the Upper Aillik Group, in the Round Pond area.


identifier: Foley, Stephen Francis <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Foley=3AStephen_Francis=3A=3A.html>   (1982) Mineralogy, geochemistry, petrogenesis and structural relationships of the Aillik Bay alkaline intrusive suite, Labrador, Canada.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The Aillik Bay alkaline intrusive suite comprises dykes of alkaline lamprophyre (sannaite and olivine sannaite), kimberlite and carbonatite. Structural and mineralogical criteria indicate that the dykes are related to an intrusive centre of nephelinite-carbonatite type situated beneath the Labrador Sea to the northeast of the study area. -- Dykes were emplaced in three structural episodes; two concentric sets are separated in time by a dominant radial set. Sannaites make up the first set and the bulk of the second whereas kimberlites and carbonatites exclusively occupy the third dyke set. Formation of segmented dykes is attributed to flow instabilities enhanced by a volatile-rich fluid moving ahead of the magma. This fluid was presumably exsolved from the magma as a result of pressure reduction during emplacement, and also assisted in the formation of parallel fracture zones adjacent to kimberlites and carbonatites. -- Sannaites are characterised by leucocratic ocelli which are frequently zoned: a central zone dominated by carbonate and analcite gives way to an outer zone of Fe-mica, pyroxene, nepheline, K-feldspar and analcite. The outer zones were formed by segregation of late-stage melt. One sample bears globules which are clearly the result of liquid immiscibility. Immiscibilty and segregation are accompanied by concentration of incompatible elements. Groundmass mineralogy shows chemical evolution similar to nepheline syenites. -- Minerals in kimberlite delineate a more complex history, beginning at depth in a low oxygen fugacity environment. Kimberlites lack high pressure equilibrated diamond 'marker' minerals, and thus diamond potential is low. Carbonatites typically exhibit relict kimberlitic textures. Sannaite and olivine sannaite were derived by flow differentiation from a parental magma, the composition of which is defined. All rock types were derived by partial melting of an incompatible element enriched mantle source. Structural inheritance permitted successive emplacement of rocks representing progressively smaller and deeper derived melt fractions via the intrusive centre.


identifier: Diaz, Wendy Doreen <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Diaz=3AWendy_Doreen=3A=3A.html>   (1990) Hydrogeochemistry and physical hydrogeology of the Newfoundland Zinc Mine, Daniel's Harbour, Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The Newfoundland Zinc Mine, located in a karstified carbonate platform, has large groundwater inflows along joint, fault and bedding planes. Sinkholes are prominent along the hingeline of the dominant anticlinal structure in the area. The karst nature of this aquifer is exhibited by sinkholes and other surface features, as well as by the close correlation of groundwater geochemistry and flow rates with surface recharge fluctuations. Drill logs and previous hydrogeological work suggest that aquifer permeability decreases with depth and has both diffuse and conduit elements. -- Measured fracture orientations indicate t o dominant fracture plane strike and dip orientations of 039/89 and 310/88. The near horizontal bedding planes form an important third set due to their ability to conduct large volumes of water. The mine drawdown cone shape established by mine dewatering is a manifestation of underground workings and dewatering operations. Irregularities in its shape and anisotropy observed in pump tests may be caused by the orientation of these two fracture sets and faults with similar orientations. The highly variable tritium values (1-41 TU) and atypical mid-depth groundwater chemistry may be the result of localized fracture flow dominated by these sets. Local flow lines are a function of the mine drawdown and the topography. -- Groundwaters are Ca-HCO₃ and Na-Cl type waters and most are of a meteoric origin. The δ¹⁸O vs δ²H data indicate an evaporated surface water contribution to some groundwater samples and suggest a nearby lake as a source of shallow mine inflows. Apparent tritium ages indicate portions of these groundwaters have been recharged in the last 33 years. Inflows collected from different mine levels (L-Zone and T-Zone) are of two types 1) oxidized shallow inflows with low total dissolved solids and chloride (<40 ppm C1) that may carry up to 4457 ppb zinc and 2) reducing, deeper saline groundwaters having high chloride (114-990 ppm) and sulphate (170-370 ppm) concentrations. Dissolution of gypsum or other soluble minerals locally may explain the salt content of some shallow groundwaters. The δ¹³C vs DIC data suggest different evolutionary paths for the shallow and deep groundwaters and imply mixing of relict seawater with deep groundwater during the evolution of T-Zone groundwater. -- Geochemical modelling indicates shallow groundwater evolution requires the dissolution of dolomite first under open or closed pCO₂ system conditions. This suggests recharge areas for this local flow system must be underlain by dolostone. Groundwater undersaturated with respect to carbonate minerals may reflect greater mixing with rainwater and/or saline groundwater, or slow kinetics of mineral dissolution. The decrease in δ¹⁸O with increasing Cl in deeper waters suggests they are a mixture of seawater and regional groundwater recharged at higher elevations. The δ¹⁸O values inferred for the meteoric component of the deep saline water implies that recharge occurred during the last postglacial epoch.


identifier: Upadhyay, H. D. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Upadhyay=3AH=2E_D=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1970) Geology of the Gullsbridge copper deposit, central Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis deals with (i) the geological setting of the Gullbridge copper deposit at Mineral Point, (ii) the petrography of various rock types occurring within the Gullbridge mine area, (iii) textural relationship among various ore and gangue minerals, (iv) ore genesis, and (v) a sequence of geological events concerning the ore body. -- The Gull Pond area is underlain by predominantly volcanic and pyroclastic rocks that range from Ordovician to Silurian in age. The ore body occurs within mafic volcanic rocks of the Roberts Arm Formation of probable Middle Ordovician age. These rocks are regionally metamorphosed to greenschist facies grade. They were intruded by granite-diorite bodies during the Devonian period. Numerous faults of regional scale traverse the Gull Pond area. One fault, which is only partly defined, is assumed to pass through Mineral Point. -- The ore body has a somewhat lenticular form with a northeasterly trend and a westerly dip. It was disrupted by several faults that were, at a later stage, intruded by predominantly mafic dykes. The sulphides are associated with cordierite, andalusite, and anthophyllite assemblages. The host rock for the ore body is a chloritic cordierite rock that contains the cordierite-andalusite assemblage. This is bounded on both sides by cordierite-anthophyllite rock. Hydrothermal activity involving chloritization, silicification, and sericitization affected the zone which is now occupied by the ore body. -- The opaque minerals occurring in the ore samples include chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite, and pyrite with subordinate magnetite, ilmenite, hematite, sphalerite, galena, and one unknown mineral referred to as "X". The sulphides have replaced some of the pre-existing gangue minerals. Several textures of special interest are described. -- On the basis of meager petrochemical data, a subtractive metasomatism, accompanied by contact metamorphism, of metabasalts is suggested as a process for the origin of the cordierite-andalusite and cordierite-anthophyllite assemblages. Despite rather non-conclusive evidence, the author proposes a modified volcanic exhalative origin of the ore body whereby the sulphides were remobilized and emplaced along the assumed fault zone at Mineral Point. -- Four phases of deformation have been recognized in the rocks underlying the mine area. A sequence of geological events and their time relationships to various ore and gangue minerals is presented. Suggestions are made for further geological investigation of the Mineral Point - Southwest Shaft area.


identifier: Frimpong, Augustine <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Frimpong=3AAugustine=3A=3A.html>   (1992) Evaluation and improvement of the nickel sulphide fire assay method with ICP-MS finish, for analysis of rocks for the precious metals.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: This thesis examines the NiS fire assay, incorporating Te coprecipitation with ICP-MS quantification, procedure for the determination of the Platinum Group Elements (PGE) and gold (Au) in geological materials, with the aim of improving the method. The general analytical methods for the determination of the precious metals are reviewed. -- The sensitivity of an analytical procedure is much influenced by the choice of the determinative step. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) offers a precise, accurate method with low limits of detection for quantification of the PGE and Au. However, inherent in the ICP-MS are problems such as ionic interferences, memory, matrix and drift. The matrix effects of HCI, HNO₄ and Te on the sensitivity of the precious metals using ICP-MS were studied. Within the concentration range examined, the sensitivities of the internal standards (Cd and TI), PGE and Au were found to depend most strongly on the concentration of HCI. The reduction of HCI concentration from 0.6M to 0.2M provides about 20% enhancement in the sensitivities of the internal standards, and the PGE. -- The effects of reducing the quantity of Ni and S used in the NiS fire assay method on the recovery of PGE and Au was investigated in a Pt ore grade sample and a low ppb level sample. In the Pt ore grade sample, the recovery of the precious metals was found not to depend on the mass of Ni used as collector. However, the recovery of Ru, Rh, Pd and Pt in the low ppb level sample was found to be a function of the collector mass used, while the recovery of Os, Ir and Au in the low ppb level sample was not. To explain this behaviour of the PGE, a model equation was derived from the mass balance equation of PGE between the sulphide and silicate liquids, and the bulk partitioning coefficient equation. From this equation, the partition coefficients (D) of the PGE were determined. The D values were also independently determined by analysis of the PGE and Au contents of the sulphide and silicate phases. The D values were functions of PGE concentrations. The D values obtained for a Pt ore grade sample were 4 to 103 times higher than those for the low ppb level sample. D values for Ni, Cu and Cr are also reported. -- To improve PGE recovery in low ppb samples and to lower reagent blanks, further studies were undertaken. The NiS bead was dissolved in a closed vessel with a smaller amount of HCI, and the quantity of Te (and SnCI₂) used for the coprecipitation of PGE was also reduced significantly to lessen the total dissolved solids in the analytical solution. -- An improved method has been developed, which offers good precision and acceptable accuracy for the determination of PGE and Au concentration in geological materials. The reagent blank, matrix effect due to HCI, cost of chemicals and sample processing time have been reduced.


identifier: Quick, Russell Emerson Edward <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Quick=3ARussell_Emerson_Edward=3A=3A.html>   (1991) Petroleum geochemistry of a source rock-resevoir contact.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: In order to shed light on the mechanism of primary oil migration, a core from the Upper Jurassic Kimmeridge Clay Formation overlying an oil-filled reservoir in the North Sea was sampled and studied. In the study area, this is the only effective source rock and aims of the study were to detect and quantify source rock depletion approaching the reservoir and compare this, chemically, to the reservoir oil. Such depletion should be characteristic of the migration mechanism in operation. Previously published studies of this nature have been few, and often in settings where limited migration and no oil accumulation has taken place and source rock maturity was low. -- Source rock samples from the 92 m core were crushed and analyzed for total organic carbon and kerogen carbon isotope ratio. Crushed samples were solvent extracted and, along with the reservoir oil, these extracts were separated into compound type fractions and subsequently analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and mass spectrometry; the latter for both carbon isotope ratio and compound class breakdown. Selected rock samples were also subjected to Rock-Eval pyrolysis and visual kerogen inspection. -- Lithologically, the section consisted of variably calcareous siltstone (9.8% < CaCO₃ < 51.5%) with total organic carbon ranging from 1.3 to 5.6%, and generally lower in the bottom 30m. Hydrocarbon content ranged from 623 to 3704 ppm (46.6 to 159.6 mg/g TOC) and source rock quality rated, generally, as good to very good using three classifications. -- Source rock maturity was estimated using vitrinite reflectance, thermal alteration index, pyrolysis Tmax, odd-even predominance (OEP), methyl phenanthrene index and comparison with regional Kimmeridge Clay Formation data. A concensus of early oil window maturity resulted. Organic matter type was determined as Type II from Rock-Eval Hydrogen Index, hydrocarbon yield, and low OEP at this early maturity. Isotopically, the organic matter and oil had a marine signature. Three samples showed exceptionally abundant acyclic isoprenoids. The reservoir oil, from GC data, was typical for the North Sea and correlated well with regional data for Kimmeridge Clay bitumens at peak oil generation maturity. Isotope ratios were the only parameter which correlated well with the studied section. -- The only depletion detected was molecular weight dependent depletion characteristic of diffusion. This was found at the second of three siltstone/sandstone contacts and composition of bitumen components expelled did not match the reservoir crude. Maximum extent of such depletion was 1.9m. The presence of such diffusional loss in pre-expulsion source rocks indicates that diffusion will impair subsequent source rock performance in interbedded sections. -- Based on the maturity difference and the lack of depletion phenomena observed, it is concluded that the oil migrated from a more mature section of the same formation and that no primary migration had taken place in the section studied. The fact that expulsion had not taken place in source rocks rated as good to very good suggests that source rock classifications in general may be over optimistic and actual source rocks for some Tertiary delta provinces such as the Mississippi and Niger may be as yet undiscovered.


identifier: Jamieson, Robyn Elizabeth <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Jamieson=3ARobyn_Elizabeth=3A=3A.html>   (1995) A stable isotopic study of natural and anthropogenic sulphur in precipitation in eastern Canada.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Event rain samples were collected at three sites in eastern Canada in an attempt to characterize the sources of sulphate in precipitation utilizing the isotopic signatures of sulphur and oxygen. Both continental and marine sites were chosen providing an opportunity to compare these different environments. Sulphur isotopes are useful tools for source tracing because they undergo little fractionation subsequent to emission to the atmosphere. Oxygen isotopes are useful for examining processes of oxidation which occur during transport and deposition of sulphur. A unique feature of this study is the incorporation of trace metal and meteorological data along with isotopic evidence to further aid source identification. -- Three sites were chosen for this study representing marine/urban (St. John's, NF), marine/rural (Seal Cove, NF), and continental/rural (Nepean, ON) environments. The sulphur isotopic results at both marine sites are best described by two end-member mixing between a seaspray end-member (+21%o) and a low δ³⁴S end-member (≈ +5%o). The low δ³⁴S end-member likely represents a mixture of long-range transported continental and local anthropogenic sources. Oxygen values also reflect a seaspray end-member (+9.5%o) and a continental end-member (+10 to +12%o), however the St. John's data contain a significant ¹⁸O-enriched pollution input. Despite its proximity to a thermal generating station, the Seal Cove site is apparently free from a strong local pollution source, but some locally oxidized secondary sulphate is evident from the correlation between δ¹⁸Oso₄ and δ¹⁸OH₂o. The Nepean site has a very different character because of its continental nature. It exhibits a constant isotopic signature with an average δ³⁴S value of +4.4%o and an average δ¹⁸Oso₄ value of +14.7%o. Local oxidation is not important at this site. Since the region is relatively unpolluted, primary sulphates must have been transported from other areas. The average δ³⁴S value for Nepean is the same as the low δ³⁴S end-members of St. John's and Seal Cove, suggesting that eastern North America may be the source of the continental/anthropogenic signal seen at the coastal sites. -- A significant contribution of this study has been the measurement of extremely high δ¹⁸Oso₄ values (+42%o) at St. John's, much higher than those measured in other studies. These ¹⁸O-enriched sulphates are in samples with elevated metal concentrations (Ni, V, Mo, Co, Cu, Mn) and represent primary sulphates formed by the high temperature processes associated with combustion in the power plant located near the site. Previous researchers predicted that primary sulphates would exhibit extremely high oxygen isotopic compositions, and this work is the first to confirm this in natural rain samples. -- This investigation has provided insight on how interaction between long-range transported continental, marine and local sulphur sources defines the character of individual sites. It has also demonstrated how isotopic and chemical data can be successfully combined to give a complete picture of the sources of sulphur affecting a particular.


identifier: Fong, Christopher Chung-Kuen <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Fong=3AChristopher_Chung-Kuen=3A=3A.html>   (1967) Paleontology of the Lower Cambrian Archaeocyatha-bearing Forteau Formation in Southern Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: A fossil assemblage, characterised by reef-forming archaeocyathids and calcareous algae, of Lower Cambrian age is present in the carbonate and shale members in the Forteau formation of the Labrador Series, exposed along the southern coast of Labrador. -- Nineteen species of archaeocyathids are described and assigned to eight genera. New taxa comprise one new genus (Sigmosyringocyathus) and four species. Seven archaeocyathid species are reported for the first time from Labrador Cambrian strata. The present study suggests re-establishing Genus Exocyathus which was eliminated by V.J. Okulitch in 1946; and the elimination of Genus Claruscyathus Vologdin, 1932. -- Fossil calcareous algae comprise seven species and are assigned to four genera. Four new species including a dasyclad alga, Seletonella forteauensis nov. sp., are reported. -- Other fossils including trilobites, brachiopods, and cephalopods, present in the Forteau formation are also described.


identifier: Barning, Kwasi <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Barning=3AKwasi=3A=3A.html>   (1965) Petrology of the north-western part of the Holyrood granite batholith.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The Holyrood granite batholith is a dome-shaped igneous body, approximately 40 miles in length and 8 miles in width forming the backbone of the Avalon Peninsula. Its western part intrudes folded volcanic rocks of pre-Cambrian age, the Harbour Main Group. Its eastern boundary is defined by a fault. Petrographic studies of the north-western part of the batholith have indicated that it is biotite granite which can be divided into two main types: -- 1. A coarse-grained variety containing numerous inclusions, low in biotite and relatively little altered. -- 2. A medium-grained type with only few xenoliths, a higher biotite content and greater degree of alteration. -- Intrusive contacts between the granite and tuffs of the Harbour Main Group can be seen clearly in the field, but no intrusive relationships with the sediments of the Conception Group were observed in the area studied. However, basal conglomerates of the Conception Group contain cobbles of pink Holyrood granite indicating a pre-Conception age for the granite. No definite lineation or foliation appear in the outcrops, indicating that the granitic pluton is post-kinematic. Its contacts with the country rocks are very sharp without any pronounced mineralogical changes. Studies of rocks within the contact zone adjacent to the granite indicate that there is little evidence of contact (thermal) metamorphism accompanying the intrusion. The most striking effect of the granite on the older rocks has been the introduction of silica, water and/or carbon dioxide and to a minor extent the addition of lime. -- Parts of the country rocks were incorporated in the granitic magma during emplacement; by assimilation various granodioritic and dioritic hybrid rocks have been formed. The granite was subjected to considerable stress during and after crystallization. Several pegmatite bodies associated with the granite, some containing giant quartz crystals, are poor in minerals containing volatile elements. This indicates that either the granitic residum lacked such hyperfusible constituents, or they may have escaped from a shallow intrusion through a porous or fractured roof.


identifier: Hawkins, David W. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Hawkins=3ADavid_W=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1976) Emplacement, petrology and geochemistry of ultrabasic to basic intrusives at Aillik Bay, Labrador.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: Intrusive into the Archean Hopedale Complex and Proterozoic Aillik Group in the vicinity of Aillik Bay, Labrador, are a suite of Mesozoic basic to ultrabasic dykes exhibiting the compositions minette, monchiquite, kimberlite, micaceous kimberlite, alnöite and carbonatite. The dykes were emplaced along several well developed joint directions and exhibit a variety of emplacement and/or internal features which are interpreted to be the result of liquid immiscibility, flow differentiation, multiple intrusion, supercooling, carbonatitization and forceful injection. The monchiquites, kimberlites and carbonatites are usually banded and are gradational in composition along strike. -- The kimberlites are clinopyroxene-bearing and contain two generations of olivine and mica with perovskite, ilmenite, magnetite and apatite, as well as high concentrations of magmatic carbonate as an interstitial matrix phase or more rarely as ocelli. They also contain abundant glimmeritic nodules which form part of the Mica-Amphibole-Rutiile-Ilmenite-Diopside suite and are interpreted to be of cognate origin. The minettes and monchiquites are petrologically similar to other intrusions of these compositions and contain carbonate in the form of ocelli. -- Field, petrological and chemical data indicate that the monchiquites, kimberlites and carbonatites are genetically related and crystallized from a common parent. The minettes appear to be unrelated to the ultrabasic magmatism and were intruded prior to the above suite. -- The emplacement of the ultrabasic dykes is attributed to the initial separation of Greenland from North America during the formation of the Labrador Sea in the Mesozoic. The magma produced during this distension and rifting also gave rise to kimberlites and related rocks in Greenland.


identifier: Cooper, Gordon Evans <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Cooper=3AGordon_Evans=3A=3A.html>   (1967) Geology of the Tulk's Hill area, central Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The thesis area, 3 miles south of the upper end of Red Indian Lake, lies in the Central Mobile Belt of Newfoundland. The rocks consist of schistose sericitic to chloritic acid volcanic flows and pyritic acid volcanics, with massive to schistose acid pyroclastic breccia, intermediate volcanics, minor sedimentary rocks and diabase dykes. All are metasomatized and metamorphosed to the greenschist facies. -- The rocks have been folded into a central, south-westerly trending anticline and a northern, south-westerly plunging syncline. A major fault, paralleling the fold axis of the syncline, lies just north of it. Small isoclinal folds parallel the major folds. Two types of drag folds are present. -- Four major pyritic horizons with base metal sulphide concentrations of economic interest occur in the area. Three mineralized zones occur within, and are a part of these mineralized horizons. The mineralized zones are principally massive pyrite and sphalerite, with lesser amounts of banded and disseminated sulphides. All three zones are steeply dipping and tabular in shape. The mineralized horizons, excluding the mineralized zones, are largely disseminated and banded sulphides with minor amounts of massive mineralization of the pyritic and sphaleritic types. -- Paragenetic studies show that pyrite was the first formed mineral, followed by a group comprising arsenopyrite, unknown "A" and some pyrrhotite. A subsequent group includes the remaining pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, tetrahedrite and galena, followed by unknown "B". Secondary chalcocite, covellite and digenite were the last minerals to form. -- Gangue minerals in both the mineralized zones and horizons are quartz, albite, carbonate, sericite and chlorite. They appear to be later than the sulphides. -- Hydrothermal fluids appear to have deposited the sulphides in tabular porous tops of acid volcanic flows on the northwest limb of the central anticline,. The deposit may be described as exogenetic and epigenetic.


identifier: Fang, Changle <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Fang=3AChangle=3A=3A.html>   (1985) Marine heat flow measurement.  Doctoral (PhD) thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

title: Marine heat flow measurement

abstract: Heat flow out of the Earth and the temperature field at depth are determined by the heat sources in the Earth, thermal history of the Earth and tectonic processes. Heat flow studies also provide a useful tool for understanding crustal and lithospheric structures and the nature of their evolution. Global and regional heat flow studies involve both continental and oceanic experiments. This thesis mainly describes the design, construction and deployment of a microprocessor controlled marine heat flow probe. -- Some shortcomings exist in the previous prototypes of sea floor heat flow instruments. They are: inflexibility in their operational parameters; uneconomical use of data storage; vulnerability to stochastic error; lack of communication between instrument and ship; low sensitivity and no real-time information on the records. For heat flow data processing, a software package is desired to allow real-time, interactive reduction using an on-board computer. -- The newly designed instrument overcomes these shortcomings by means of the following improvements: -- (1) Microprocessor control. The instrument contains a microcomputer which can be used not only to control and re-allocate parameters of the heat flow probe according to ambient conditions but also as a computer for data processing. -- (2) Data storage. Only the data which are related to thermal gradient and in situ thermal conductivity measurements are stored. Other data, such as those recorded when ship moves to next station, are discarded automatically (but transmitted and kept on the disks of on-ship computer). -- (3) Stochastic error. High resolution data acquisition circuits are employed. Any data recorded are the average of eight measurements. This substantially increases the accuracy and stability of the data. -- (4) Communication with ship. Digital acoustic linkage of the data and operating messages between the instrument and the ship is achieved by use of a transducer, modem and the microcomputer's standard RS 232C port. -- (5) Keeping real time information. -- (6) Large working temperature range without hardware adjustment. -- The methods of producing reliable geothermal values from the probe data are discussed. A software package is developed to achieve high efficiency. The influences of sedimentation rate, topography, and bottom water temperature transients are considered. -- Two sites in offshore Atlantic Canada, namely the inlets of the south coast of Newfoundland and the Labrador Sea and Shelf, were chosen to test the newly designed heat flow probe. An interpretation of the data from these sites in terms of specific geological and geophysical crustal problems has been attempted. The heat flow values in the inlets of the south coast of Newfoundland are consistent with their counterparts on land, whereas the values in the Labrador Sea indicate a thermal regime that is abnormal compared with other geophysical evidence.


identifier: Baker, Donald Frederick <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Baker=3ADonald_Frederick=3A=3A.html>   (1979) Geology and geochemistry of an alkali volcanic suite (Skinner Cove Formation) in the Humber Arm Allochthon, Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The Skinner Cove Formation, an igneous/metamorphic assemblage, comprises one of a number of transported slices in the Humber Arm Allochthon of western Newfoundland. The allochthon was assembled in an Ordovician ocean basin and at a continental margin, and then emplaced upon platform carbonates of the continental shelf during the lower Middle Ordovician. The Skinner Cove Formation, presently recognized only in the northern part of the allochthon, consists of two structural slices (Trout River and Chimney Cove). Two other slices, containing rocks previously included in the Skinner Cove, are herein named the Western Head and Beverley Head slices; rocks of the former slice are assigned to the Little Port Complex, and those of the latter to a miscellaneous structural unit. These four slices are everywhere structurally separate, one from another. Additionally, each of the four newly named slices is overlain structurally by other slices of either the Little Port Complex or the Bay of Islands (ophiolite) Complex, and is underlain structurally by sedimentary slices of the Humber Arm Supergroup. Locally, Skinner Cove rocks are enveloped in mélange and structurally associated with sediments of the Humber Arm Supergroup. -- The Skinner Cove Formation is typified by the stratigraphy and lithologies in the Trout River slice. Rocks of the Trout River slice are herein subdivided into the Main Sea Stack, Wallace Brook and Red Fire Brook Members, which consist of a distinctive, undeformed lithic assemblage including mafic and intermediate lavas, trachyte, subvolcanic rocks and volcaniclastics. These have all been altered to a metamorphic mineral assemblage, zeolite/analcime-quartz, which is diagnostic of zeolite facies metamorphism. The Chimney Cove slice is composed mainly of epiclastic breccia and fossiliferous limestone, with brecciated mafic lavas similar to those in the Trout River slice. Rocks of the Beverley Head slice are internally imbricated, with rocks of the Little Port Complex, Humber Arm Supergroup and Skinner Cove Formation all represented. -- Mineralogical, petrochemical and petrographic studies show that the Skinner Cove is a differentiated, mildly alkaline igneous suite (presently metamorphosed to zeolite facies) that underwent olivine and clinopyroxene fractionation. In contrast, the mafic rocks of the Little Port are texturally, mineralogically and petrochemically distinct from the Skinner Cove suite. There is no apparent direct genetic relationship between the rocks of the Skinner Cove Formation and the rocks in any other allochthonous assemblage (e.g. Little Port Complex). -- Prior to its incorporation into the allochthon, the Skinner Cove Formation is interpreted to have been a mature oceanic volcano that erupted alkaline magma. T^e Little Port Complex, which has subalkaline magmatic affinities, is interpreted to include both ocean floor volcanics and volcanic arc rocks.


identifier: Jackson, Valerie A. <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Jackson=3AValerie_A=2E=3A=3A.html>   (1989) Metamorphic and structural evolution of Archean rocks in the Keskarrah Bay area, Point Lake, District of Mackenzie, N.W.T.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The Keskarrah Bay area, Point Lake, N.W.T. is underlain by Archean rocks of the Slave Province that form two distinct lithotectonic elements: a sialic basement terrane, consisting of high-grade gneisses and granodiorite, and a supracrustal terrane, known as the Itchen Lake region supracrustal belt, comprising metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks of the Yellowknife Supergroup. -- Conditions of regional metamorphism are documented mainly from metamorphic mineral assemblages in turbidites, which comprise greywacke-mudstone and subordinate iron formation and Fe-rich sediments. The sequential development of the key metamorphic index minerals chlorite, biotite, cordierite, andalusite and sillimanite in pelitic lithologies and garnet, staurolite or Ca and Fe-rich clino-amphibole in Fe-rich sediments occurred dominantly through continuous rather than discontinuous metamorphic reactions. The measured trends of increasing Mg:Fe ratios of the index minerals (cordierite > muscovite > chlorite > biotite > amphibole > staurolite > garnet) are used to demonstrate changes in AFM topology, from which the continuous reactions are interpreted. -- The pattern of metamorphic isograds is attributed to a single, progressive low pressure regional metamorphic event. Metamorphic grade increases both eastwards towards the Yamba batholith, and westwards towards the basement gneisses and the Pointless batholith. Prograde metamorphism in the supracrustal rocks was synchronous with retrograde metamorphism in the basement terrane. Peak metamorphic conditions, which reached a maximum of about 600°C +/- 50°C and 4.0 +/- 1.6 kbar, were attained toward the end of deformation. The P-T distribution throughout the area is consistent with the presence of a distant thermal dome that formed in the area of eventual batholith emplacement. -- Three or possibly four phases of deformation have been recognized in the supracrustal terrane. Proximity to basement is considered to have had an influence on the orientation and intensity of structures developed during the first two phases of deformation. East-west trending isoclinal folds (F₁) and a penetrative S₁ fabric produced during D₁ are recognized mainly along the western edge of the supracrustal belt. D₂ resulted in the formation of north-south trending main phase F₂ folds that refold F₁ and are overturned to the west, and an S₂ foliation, both of which predominate throughout much of the map area. Post-D₂ deformations produced crenulations of the S₂ foliation, an L-S fabric defined by elongate biotite porphyroblasts and southeast- and northeast-trending biotite schistosities (tentatively designated S₃ and S₄). These fabrics, which are well developed in central and eastern exposures of the metaturbidites, are unrelated to large scale folding. -- The polyphase deformation (Dx) in the basement terrane that led to the formation of the basement gneisses predated deposition of the Yellowknife Supergroup. After deposition of the Yellowknife Supergroup, the basement gneisses adjacent to the supracrustal rocks were deformed by north-trending mylonitic foliations and large scale folds, which are correlated with S₂ and F₂ respectively in the supracrustals. West-verging recumbent folds (pre-D₂?) in the gneisses may indicate the formation of nappes, which may have also affected the supracrustal rocks. -- The westward overturning of main phase F₂ folds in the supracrustal terrane is towards basement. A similar relationship is observed in parts of the southern Slave Province, thus the formation of those folds represents a major tectonic event in the slave Province. The suggested  deformational history of the Itchen Lake region supracrustal rocks is that of a west-verqing fold-and-thrust belt.


identifier: Bieger, Tilman <https://research.library.mun.ca/view/creator_az/Bieger=3ATilman=3A=3A.html>   (1992) Molecular and isotopic fingerprinting of aliphatic hydrocarbons in Conception Bay, Newfoundland.  Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

abstract: The distributions and isotopic compositions of the aliphatic hydrocarbons of plankton, sediments and biota of a typical northern fjord (Conception Bay, Newfoundland) were studied by standard gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and by the novel technique of compound-specific isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). Sediments contained compounds of terrestrial, marine biogenic, and bacterial origins, with petroleum appearing to contribute primarily an unresolved complex mixture (UCM), occasional pristane and phytane, and typical trace cyclic terpenoids. A suite of eight C₂₅ highly branched isoprenoid alkenes containing 3 to 5 degrees of unsaturation was the dominant feature in plankton, sediments, and some benthic biota in Conception Bay, as well as in samples from other coastal and offshore areas around Newfoundland. Although attempts to isolate the source of these compounds by culturing common local diatom species were unsuccessful, the molecular distribution and isotopic signature of these alkenes suggest that these hydrocarbons are synthesized by one particular organism during the spring bloom. Measurement of the δ¹³C (or carbon isotopic composition) of individual compounds proved to be a useful tool in recognizing the input of different sources of compounds to sedimentary organic matter pools. For example, variations in the isotopic compositions of even chain-length n-alkanes in sediments suggest the input of at least three main sources of n-alkanes (terrestrial leaf debris, marine algae, and a third source, proposed to be marine bacteria). The δ¹³C of biogenic hydrocarbons appeared to be relatively unchanged during early degradation in the water column and surface sediments. Although the existence of kinetic isotope fractionation during biosynthesis was indicated by co-variations in the distribution and isotopic signature of algal products in cultures, biochemical isotope effects generally appeared to be masked in the complex environmental samples analyzed. Compounds from distinct sources were generally found to all have distinct isotopic signatures. For example, known phytoplankton products featured δ¹³C values above -28%o, whereas terrestrial n-alkanes (nC₂₃₋₃₃) generally featured δ¹³C values below -30%o. The isotopic effects of petroleum input in Conception Bay appeared to be minor, but could not be quantitatively determined due to difficulties in separating compounds of interest from the large UCM typically found in petroleum sources. Petroleum input, however, could be effectively recognized using accepted molecular markers (hopanes, steranes, tricyclic terpanes). More detailed study of the isotopic signatures of individual compounds in sources such as terrestrial leaf wax alkanes and lubricating oils is needed in order to explain all of of the complex isotopic patterns seen in sediments.