Surficial geochemical setting of the southern Carmacks-Minto copper belt

Preliminary surficial geological investigations of the southern Carmacks-Minto copper belt (NTS 115I/7) include material thicknesses, distribution and observations of thermal conditions. The Quaternary setting is discussed in relationship to material genesis and geomorphological processes operating on the landscape. Surficial material distribution is controlled by ice flow direction, prevailing wind direction and aspect-related differences in gravity and thermal-driven surficial processes. Valley bottoms and north-facing slopes have moderate to thick surficial cover that include far travelled sediments such as till, loess and glaciolacustrine sand. Drainage can be poor in these landscapes and permafrost is present in many areas. Valley bottoms contain thick Quaternary fill and are unsuitable for traditional soil surveys. North-facing slopes may provide good geochemical results if sampled carefully for first-order bedrock derivatives. Upland and south-facing slopes have thin to moderate surficial cover and can provide good conditions for traditional C-horizon soil sampling surveys. Windblown sand, silt and volcanic ash are deposited thickly, but unevenly, across the landscape.…

Publisher

Government of Yukon

Resources

3

Catalogue metadata updated

2026-08-26