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7. Stevensen Ridge/NE Kluane
A view from the top of Eikland
Mountain, a folded section through
the oceanic Mohorivicic Discontinuity,
looking south toward the Denali fault.
Bedrock Mapping, Windy-McKinley and Neighboring Terranes
Don Murphy
This project began in 2006 and is a multi-year, multi-disciplinary and multi-agency survey of an area in western Yukon that is one of the least understood in terms of geology and potential to host mineral deposits. Although the focus of the bedrock geological investigation will be Windy McKinley Terrane, the overall area to be investigated lies northeast of the Denali Fault between the Yukon-Alaska border and the north end of Aishihik Lake (NTS 115 J/K and F/G). It is highly vegetated and covered with a veneer of unconsolidated sediments, so the composition of the bedrock is not known in any detail. This lack of understanding of the bedrock character is a major impediment to mineral exploration in the area and consequently relatively little exploration, and associated economic development, has occurred there.
To address this situation, the Yukon Geological Survey (YGS), in partnership with the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC), will undertake bedrock geological mapping in the western part of Stevenson Ridge map area, and a multiparameter airborne geophysical survey in the southeastern part of the map area. As well, reconnaissance surficial geological mapping will be conducted in the eastern part of the map area by Jeff Bond and Panya Lipovsky. The multispectral survey is essential to the success of the mapping programs owing to the ability of surveys of this type to provide clues to the composition of bedrock in areas of poor exposure. A better understanding of the geology and mineral potential of the area will aid in the development of area land use plans. The geophysical data and new geological maps will be a stimulant to mineral exploration and is therefore a direct link to local economic development.
More information on the Surficial Geology of Stevenson Ridge Current Project