General Information
Abstract: This bulletin describes the surficial geology and Quaternary history of the Stevenson Ridge and northern Kluane Lake map sheets, an area covering more than 12 000 square kilometres of southwestern Yukon. The map area straddles the Pleistocene glacial limits that formed the eastern margin of Beringia during glacial periods. As a result, the landforms of this region are diverse and reflect the contrasting geomorphology characteristic of glaciated versus unglaciated terrain. Importantly, work in this region filled a significant gap in our knowledge of central Yukon glacial limits and how adjacent landscapes were impacted by the Cordilleran Ice Sheet.
Our goal was to produce an in depth description of the region’s surficial geology that is applicable for a wide range of purposes. While this region is remote, there is growing interest in its mineral endowment, specifically in the Dawson Range, east of the White River, and in the Ruby Range. Knowledge of the surficial geology can be employed in exploration geochemistry programs to improve sampling and can assist in placer exploration. Future development in the region will also benefit from this work by providing a framework on terrain hazards, such as permafrost and landslides, and construction materials like aggregate. From a land use planning perspective, the surficial sediments and associated soils are an important control on the region’s biogeography and therefore, habitat. Hundreds of soil pits were hand excavated during this program and this work is reflected in the detailed descriptions within the bulletin and on the maps.
Our goal was to produce an in depth description of the region’s surficial geology that is applicable for a wide range of purposes. While this region is remote, there is growing interest in its mineral endowment, specifically in the Dawson Range, east of the White River, and in the Ruby Range. Knowledge of the surficial geology can be employed in exploration geochemistry programs to improve sampling and can assist in placer exploration. Future development in the region will also benefit from this work by providing a framework on terrain hazards, such as permafrost and landslides, and construction materials like aggregate. From a land use planning perspective, the surficial sediments and associated soils are an important control on the region’s biogeography and therefore, habitat. Hundreds of soil pits were hand excavated during this program and this work is reflected in the detailed descriptions within the bulletin and on the maps.
Authors: Lipovsky, P.S. and Bond, J.D.
NTS Mapsheet(s): 115F, 115K
Citation: Lipovsky, P.S. and Bond, J.D., 2022. Surficial geology and Quaternary history of Stevenson Ridge and northern parts of Kluane Lake map areas, Yukon (115K and 115F). Yukon Geological Survey, Bulletin 18, 84 p. plus appendices
Downloads
| Name | Comment | |
|---|---|---|
| Report | This pdf is 98MB. | Download PDF |
| Sample Results_Appendix1 | This zip file contains excel spreadsheets that include heavy mineral sample results. The file is 46kb. | Download ZIP |
| Maps_Appendix2 | This zip file contains the 17 surficial maps produced for the area. The zip file is 168MB. | Download ZIP |
Location Map
NTS Mapsheet(s): 115F, 115K
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