Geo-Note 2005-03

Preliminary Release of Selected Stream Sediment and Water Geochemical Results from the 2004 National Geochemical Reconnaissance Survey in the Buffalo Head Hills, Northern Alberta (Parts of NTS 84B, 84C, 84F and 84G)

Authors: Prior, G.J.; McCurdy, M.W.; Day, S.J.A.; Nicoll, T.J.; Friske, P.W.B.; McNeil, R.J.; Waight, B.M.

Executive Summary

In 2004, a National Geochemical Reconnaissance Survey (NGR) stream sediment and stream water geochemical survey was undertaken by the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) and Alberta Geological Survey (AGS) in the northern and southern parts of the Buffalo Head Hills of north-central Alberta. Results from the 2004 survey augment NGR data obtained in the Buffalo Head Hills area during 2001, 2002 and 2003.

Preliminary analytical data, obtained from samples collected at 122 field sites in 2004, are released in this report for

(a) stream sediment nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, molybdenum, silver, barium, mercury and lead, and

(b) stream water pH and conductivity.

The reader is cautioned that not all of the usual NGR quality control checks have been performed on the analytical data contained in this report. However, the results of the 2004 survey are believed to have mineral exploration and environmental significance, and an early release of information was deemed appropriate.

Markedly acidic waters occur in some streams draining the northern Buffalo Head Hills (pH values as low as 3.3). In addition, streams draining the northern and northeastern flanks of the Buffalo Head Hills are commonly characterized by relatively elevated conductivity values. In comparison to stream sediments from other parts of the Buffalo Head Hills area, the stream sediments (silts) collected from streams flanking the northern Buffalo Head Hills tend to contain elevated amounts of nickel, copper, zinc, molybdenum, silver, mercury, lead and, to a lesser extent, barium.

Place Keywords: 84b; 84c; 84f; 84g; alberta; buffalo head hills; canada

Theme Keywords: copper; geochemical; national geochemical reconnaissance; nickel; sediment; silt; silver; streams; water; zinc