Geological investigations of volcanic rocks at Mount Discovery, Mount Morning, and Mason Spur, McMurdo Sound

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1986 · Antarct. J. U.S.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6894930

Wright, A C; Kyle, P R; More, J A; Meeker, K

This work includes mapping of volcanic geology, description of geologic sections, and collection of samples for geochemical analysis and potassium-argon dating. Reconnaissance mapping of Mount Discovery shows that this 2681-meter-high composite volcano comprises a core of plagioclase-phyric nepheline-benmoreite flows, lahars, and volcanoclastic fluviatile sediments, which are thought to be the unit dated at 5.44 million years. Reconnaissance mapping of Mount Morning shows that this is a young volcano principally composed of kaersutite-bearing phonolite flows erupted both from the summit crater and from small parasitic domes on the upper northern slopes of the mountain. A sample from one of these parasitic domes has been dated at 1.15 million years. Description of five geologic sections at Mason Spur has provided a more detailed understanding of the older trachytic volcanic complex, which is now dated at 11.5 to 12.8 years and is divided into seven mapped units.

• Research Organization: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6894930
• Journal Information: Antarct. J. U.S.; (United States), Vol. 21:5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

58 GEOSCIENCES
ANTARCTICA
VOLCANIC REGIONS
AGE ESTIMATION
GEOCHEMISTRY
GEOLOGY
ARGON
ISOTOPE DATING
MAPPING
MINERALS
POTASSIUM
VOLCANOES
ALKALI METALS
ANTARCTIC REGIONS
CHEMISTRY
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
GASES
METALS
NONMETALS
POLAR REGIONS
RARE GASES
580100* - Geology & Hydrology- (-1989)
580202 - Geophysics- Volcanology- (1980-1989)