DOCSLIB.ORG

Geology and Mineral Deposits of the North Half of the VAN ZANDT QUADRANGLE, Whatcom County, Washington

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Geology and Mineral Deposits of the North Half of the VAN ZANDT QUADRANGLE, Whatcom County, Washington State of Washington ALBERT D. ROSELLINI, Governor Department of Conservation EARL COE, Director DIVISION OF MINES AND GEOLOGY MARSHALL T. HUNTTING, Supervisor Bulletin No. 50 Geology and Mineral Deposits of the North Half of the VAN ZANDT QUADRANGLE, Whatcom County, Washington By WAYNE S. MOEN STATE PRINTING PLANT, OLYMPI A . WASH. 1962 For sale b y Department of Conservation, Olympia, Washington. Price, $1.50. COLUMBIA SUMAS VALLEY NOOKSACK VALLEY RIVER BLACK MTN MTN_ MTN SUMAS PARA D I SE VALLEY PANORAMA OF MAP AREA Looking east from the north end of Sumas Mountain. Above the photo is sketch of the main physiographlc features of the area. CONTENTS Page Abstract 1 Introduction . 1 Scope or the report . 1 Field work and acknowledgments . 2 Previous investigations . 2 History and mineral production . 3 Location and access . 4 Land ownership . 5 Topography . 5 Sumas Mountain . 6 Black Mountain . 6 Red Mountain . 6 Vedder Mountain . 6 Slide Mountain . • . 7 General geology . 7 Rock units . 8 Sedimentary rocks . 8 Chilliwack Group . • . 8 Distribution . 10 Argillaceous rocks . 10 Chert . 11 Siltstone, graywacke, and conglomerate . 12 Limestone . 15 Lower Mesozoic (?) rocks . 18 Upper Cretaceous-lower Tertiary rocks . 21 Chuckanut Formation . 21 Tertiary continental rocks . 26 Quaternary sediments ................. ... ..... .. ..... , . 31 Pleistocene deposits . 31 Recent deposits . 32 Igneous rocks . 34 Chilliwack Group volcanic rocks . 34 Sumas Mountain Serpentinite . 42 Crystalline complex . 49 Structure . 57 Vedder Mountain . 58 Sumas Mountain . 58 Slide Mountain . 60 Red Mountain and Black Mountain . 60 Geologic history . 62 Paleozoic era . 62 Mesozoic era . 63 Cenozoic era . 63 Glaciation . 64 Glacial topography . 66 iii CONTENTS Page Mineral deposits . • . • . 67 Clay . • . • . 67 Fire clay . 67 General discussion . • . 67 Area No. l . 70 Area No. 2 . • . • . • . 77 Area No. 3 . • . 80 Area No. 4 . • . • . • . 84 Glacial clay ............ ..... • ..... , . 85 Conclusions . • . 86 Limestone . 86 Silver Lake quarry . 87 Kendall quarry . • . 89 Boulder Creek quarry . 91 Doaks Creek quarry . • . 93 Balfour quarry . 94 Other limestone deposits . • . 96 Analyses . 98 Silica .......................... .. ..... ....... ... .... , .. • .. 101 Olympic Portland Cement Company silica deposit ... ... ...... 101 Iron .. ......... .. ........ ........... .. ............... .... 104 Sumas Mountain iron deposit .. ............ ... .. .. .. ... 104 Chromite ..... ..... .............. .............. • .... .... 112 General statement .... ............ ....... • ... .. ...... ... 112 Sumas Mountain .............. ..... • .. ... ...... ...... .. 112 Breckenridge Creek deposit . • . 114 Coal ................... ...... ........... • .. .. • .. .. .... 118 Quarry stone . ...... .. ...... .. ............ .. ... ..... 119 Sand and gravel . • . 119 Gold .......... .. ........... .......... .. ....... ........ 120 Old Nooksack mine . .. .• . ... ... • ..... ................. 120 Placer gold deposits .. ............. ..... .. .... ..... 122 Copper . .... .. .. ..... .. .. .................. ... .. .... 123 Boulder Creek deposit . • . • . 123 Miscellaneous occurrences . 125 Summary . • . 125 References cited . • . 127 iv ILLUSTRATIONS Panorama of map area Frontispiece PLATE 1. Geologic map of north half of the Van Zandt quadrangle, Whatcom County, Washington . .. ................ .... In pocket 2. Land ownership map of the north half of the Van Zandt quadrangle . .................. ..
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Fraser Valley Geotour: Bedrock, Glacial Deposits, Recent Sediments, Geological Hazards and Applied Geology: Sumas Mountain and Abbotsford Area
    Fraser Valley Geotour: Bedrock, Glacial Deposits, Recent Sediments, Geological Hazards and Applied Geology: Sumas Mountain and Abbotsford Area A collaboration in support of teachers in and around Abbotsford, B.C. in celebration of National Science and Technology Week October 25, 2013 MineralsEd and Natural Resources Canada, Geological Survey of Canada Led by David Huntley, PhD, GSC and David Thompson, P Geo 1 2 Fraser Valley Geotour Introduction Welcome to the Fraser Valley Geotour! Learning about our Earth, geological processes and features, and the relevance of it all to our lives is really best addressed outside of a classroom. Our entire province is the laboratory for geological studies. The landscape and rocks in the Fraser Valley record many natural Earth processes and reveal a large part of the geologic history of this part of BC – a unique part of the Canadian Cordillera. This professional development field trip for teachers looks at a selection of the bedrock and overlying surficial sediments in the Abbotsford area that evidence these geologic processes over time. The stops highlight key features that are part of the geological story - demonstrating surface processes, recording rock – forming processes, revealing the tectonic history, and evidence of glaciation. The important interplay of these phenomena and later human activity is highlighted along the way. It is designed to build your understanding of Earth Science and its relevance to our lives to support your teaching related topics in your classroom. Acknowledgments We would like to thank our partners, the individuals who led the tour to share their expertise, build interest in the natural history of the area, and inspire your teaching.
    [Show full text]
  • WATER QUANTITY and QUALITY REPORT Foothills Subarea Prepared For: Whatcom County Planning & Development Services
    WATER QUANTITY AND QUALITY REPORT Foothills Subarea Prepared for: Whatcom County Planning & Development Services Project No. 080056-001-01 y July 18, 2008 179 Madrone Lane North Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 Tel: (206) 780-9370 Fax: (206) 780-9438 www.aspectconsulting.com a limited liability company ASPECT CONSULTING Contents Acronyms ...........................................................................................................iv Executive Summary............................................................................................1 Water Quantity .......................................................................................................1 Water Quality..........................................................................................................2 Public Stormwater Facilities ...................................................................................2 1 Introduction ...............................................................................................13 2 Existing Conditions...................................................................................15 2.1 Water Quantity ...........................................................................................15 2.1.1 Surface Water ...................................................................................... 15 2.1.2 Groundwater ........................................................................................ 23 2.2 Water Quality .............................................................................................28
    [Show full text]
  • The Stō:Ló Is a River of Knowledge, Halq'eméylem Is a River of Stories
    Walking Backwards into the Future with Our Stories: The Stō:ló is a River of Knowledge, Halq’eméylem is a River of Stories by lolehawk Laura Buker M.A. (Education), Simon Fraser University, 1980 B.Ed., University of British Columbia, 1975 Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Curriculum Theory & Implementation Program Faculty of Education © lolehawk Laura Buker Simon Fraser University Summer 2011 All rights reserved. However, in accordance with the Copyright Act of Canada, this work may be reproduced, without authorization, under the conditions for "Fair Dealing." Therefore, limited reproduction of this work for the purposes of private study, research, criticism, review and news reporting is likely to be in accordance with the law, particularly if cited appropriately. APPROVAL Name: Laura Buker Degree: Doctor of Philosophy Title of Thesis: Walking Backwards Into the Future With Our Stories: The St6:lo is a River of Knowledge, Haq'emeylem is a River of Stories Examining Committee: Chair: Robin Brayne, Adjunct Professor Allan MacKinnon, Associate Professor Senior Supervisor Vicki Kelly, Assistant Professor Committee Member Elizabeth Phillips, Elder, St6:lo Nation Committee Member Heesoon Bai, Associate Professor Internal/External Examiner Jan Hare, University of British Columbia External Examiner Date Defended/Approved: ii Partial Copyright Licence Abstract Storytelling is the original form of education for the indigenous families along the Fraser River. These stories have informed ecological, linguistic and cultural knowledge for thousands of years. This story begins in the time of the oldest inhabitants of the Fraser Valley along the St ó:lō where the river and the indigenous peopleevolutionary share changethe same and name: transformation Stó:lō, People that of is the personal River.
    [Show full text]
  • Explore Local History Through Collage: Semá:Th Xόtsa (Sumas Lake) and Sumas Prairie
    Explore Local History through Collage: Semá:th Xόtsa (Sumas Lake) and Sumas Prairie Self-guided activity OVERVIEW Try your hand at an art making activity inspired by historical photographs from The Reach Gallery Museum archives1 of Semá:th Xόtsa (Sumas Lake, pronounced seMATH hOTsa) and our permanent museum exhibition Voices of the Valley.2 This Edukit uses Historical Thinking Concepts to encourage participants to use primary resources and to develop historical literacy. Both experiences use Visual Thinking Strategies to encourage participants to construct meaning based on their own observations. Figure 1. Collage example. Through this project participants will: Explore connections to identity, place, culture, and belonging through creative expression. Create works of art, collaboratively or individually using imagination, inquiry, experimentation, and purposeful play. Examine relationships between local history, the arts, and the wider world. Experience, document, and present creative works in a variety of ways. Figure 2 (above left). Semá:th Xόtsa in 1920 prior to the drainage. Catalogue no. P188, The Reach Gallery Museum archive. Figure 3 (above right). Contemporary image of Sumas Prairie. 1 For more information on The Reach Gallery Museum archives, visit https://www.thereach.ca/research-and-collections/ 2 For more information on Voices of the Valley, visit https://www.thereach.ca/exhibitions/voices-of-the-valley/ The Importance of Place and Language The Reach Gallery Museum acknowledges that the City of Abbotsford is located on S’olh Temexw. [pronounced: suh-oll TUMM ook] S’olh Temexw is the unceded, traditional, ancestral shared territory of the Semá:th First Nation and Mathekwi First Nation. These two First Nations are part of the Stό:lō Nation, the People of the River.
    [Show full text]
  • Wetland Action Plan for British Columbia
    Wetland Action Plan for British Columbia IAN BARNETT Ducks Unlimited Kamloops, 954 A Laval Crescent, Kamloops, BC, V2C 5P5, Canada, email [email protected] Abstract: In the fall of 2002, the Wetland Stewardship Partnership was formed to address the need for improved conservation of wetland ecosystems (including estuaries) in British Columbia. One of the first exercises undertaken by the Wetland Stewardship Partnership was the creation of a Wetland Action Plan. The Wetland Action Plan illustrates the extent of the province's wetlands, describes their value to British Columbians, assesses threats to wetlands, evaluates current conservation initiatives, and puts forth a set of specific actions and objectives to help mitigate wetland loss or degradation. It was determined that the most significant threats to wetlands usually come from urban expansion, industrial development, and agriculture. The Wetland Stewardship Partnership then examined which actions would most likely have the greatest positive influence on wetland conservation and restoration, and listed nine primary objectives, in order of priority, in a draft ‘Framework for Action’. Next, the partnership determined that meeting the first four of these objectives could be sufficient to provide meaningful and comprehensive wetland protection, and so, committed to working together towards enacting specific recommendations in relation to these objectives. These four priority objectives are as follows: (1) Work effectively with all levels of government to promote improved guidelines and stronger legislative frameworks to support wetlands conservation; (2) Provide practical information and recommendations on methods to reduce impacts to wetlands to urban, rural, and agricultural proponents who wish to undertake a development in a wetland area; (3) Improve the development and delivery of public education and stewardship programs that encourage conservation of wetlands, especially through partnerships; and (4) Conduct a conservation risk assessment to make the most current inventory information on the status of B.C.
    [Show full text]
  • Dionisio Point Excavations
    1HE• Publication of the Archaeological Society of Vol. 31 , No. I - 1999 Dionisio Point Excavations ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF &MIDDEN BRITISH COLUMBIA Published four times a year by the Archaeological Society of British Columbia Dedicated to the protection of archaeological resot:Jrces and the spread of archaeological knowledge. Editorial Committee Editor: Heather Myles (274-4294) President Field Editor: Richard Brolly (689-1678) Helmi Braches (462-8942) arcas@istar. ca [email protected] News Editor: Heather Myles Publications Editor: Robbin Chatan (215-1746) Membership [email protected] Sean Nugent (685-9592) Assistant Editors: Erin Strutt [email protected] erins@intergate. be.ca Fred Braches Annual membership includes I year's subscription to [email protected] The Midden and the ASBC newsletter, SocNotes. Production & Subscriptions: Fred Braches ( 462-8942) Membership Fees I SuBSCRIPTION is included with ASBC membership. Individual: $25 Family: $30 . Seniors/Students: $I 8 Non-members: $14.50 per year ($1 7.00 USA and overseas), Send cheque or money order payable to the ASBC to: payable in Canadian funds to the ASBC. Remit to: ASBC Memberships Midden Subscriptions, ASBC P.O. Box 520, Bentall Station P.O. Box 520, Bentall Station Vancouver BC V6C 2N3 Vancouver BC V6C 2N3 SuBMISSIONs: We welcome contributions on subjects germane ASBC on Internet to BC archaeology. Guidelines are available on request. Sub­ http://home.istar.ca/-glenchan/asbc/asbc.shtml missions and exchange publications should be directed to the appropriate editor at the ASBC address. Affiliated Chapters Copyright Nanaimo Contact: Rachael Sydenham Internet: http://www.geocities.com/rainforest/5433 Contents of The Midden are copyrighted by the ASBC.
    [Show full text]
  • Section 2. Hazard Summaries
    Whatcom County SECTION 2: HAZARD SUMMARIES Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan SECTION 2. HAZARD SUMMARIES The following seven natural hazards were identified to be significant risks to the county, and specifically hazardous to the populated western areas of Whatcom County: 1. Earthquakes 2. Flooding 3. Geologic Hazards 4. Severe Storms 5. Tsunamis 6. Volcanoes 7. Wildland Fires The updated HIVA was received late in the plan update process and will be the basis for the next version of the all hazards plan. The following sections describe the seven significant natural hazards and their potential threats to Whatcom County. Much of the information collected in these hazard summaries came from local experts working in hazard assessment or hazard mitigation for a specific hazard. The summaries describe the hazards, convey the areas at potential risk from each hazard, and describe mitigation measures as implemented in the past or to be implemented in the future to manage the effects of natural disasters in Whatcom County. Each hazard description is organized into the following parts: Hazard Related Definitions Background Information General description of the hazard relevant to Whatcom County and Washington State History Historical background on the presence of the hazard in Whatcom County; much of this information was obtained from agencies such as FEMA, the Washington Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), and the U.S. Geological Society (USGS) Vulnerability Assessment Descriptions of specific areas within the county at risk for each hazard, when this information was available Mitigation Strategies Recommended mitigation strategies to lessen the dangers posed by each hazard Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management Original Submission: June 1, 2015 2 - 1 FEMA Approval: Dec 15, 2016 Whatcom County SECTION 2: HAZARD SUMMARIES Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan Whatcom County’s Planning and Development Services provided the entire hazard GIS datasets, except for the Wildland Fire data, which came from WDNR’s North Region.
    [Show full text]
  • Draft Engineering Evaluation / Cost Analysis for the Sumas Mountain Asbestos (Aka Swift Creek) Site
    Draft Engineering Evaluation / Cost Analysis Sumas Mountain Asbestos (aka Swift Creek) Site Whatcom County, Washington TDD: 12-02-0006 Prepared for: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10 1200 Sixth Avenue, ECL-113 Seattle, Washington 98102 Prepared by: Ecology and Environment, Inc. 720 Third Avenue, Suite 1700 Seattle, Washington 98104 July 2013 This page intentionally left blank. 10:START-3\12-09-0003 ii Table of Contents Executive Summary.................................................................................xi 1 Introduction ..............................................................................1-1 2 Site Characterization................................................................2-1 2.1 Site Description and History ............................................................................ 2-1 2.1.1 Site Ownership History ........................................................................ 2-1 2.1.2 Site Operations and Waste Characteristics........................................... 2-1 2.2 Physical Characteristics of the Site .................................................................. 2-3 2.2.1 Topography and Hydrology ................................................................. 2-3 2.2.2 Geology and Hydrogeology ................................................................. 2-3 2.2.3 Soils...................................................................................................... 2-4 2.2.4 Meteorology ........................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Nooksack Place Names Geography, Culture, and Language
    Nooksack Place Names Geography, Culture, and Language Allan Richardson and Brent Galloway Sample Material © 2011 UBC Press Noxwsá7aq Temíxw Pókw Nooksack Place Name Book Lhiyá kwes tse7ít xwhítsolh ilh ta Noxwsá7aq Temíxw tolí7 slhiyólh yestí7ixwólh. This here now is truly the history of the Nooksack Place Names from our late elders. Án7ma híkwt-as-kwm tíya s7aháynit ilh ta mókw’wát. It’ll be very important work for everyone. Ílholh ay ná7an kwóxwenalikw Selhám Líche7tsen qe sqw’ó7 ta Selhám Lawéchten. The authors were Mr. Allan Richardson along with Dr. Brent Galloway. S7aháynitas tíya Noxwsá7aq Temíxw Pókw tamatl’ótl’em qex syilánem, yalh as-híq’-as They worked on this Nooksack Place book for many years, finally it’s completed. Stl’í7-chalh kwes tson as7ísta tíya, “Yalh kwómalh as-hóy” ilh ta Selhám Líche7tsen qe Selhám Lawéchten kwes ay aháynitas tíya án7ma híkw syáyos. We want to say like this to Mr. Richardson and Dr. Galloway, “thank you” for working on this very important project. Ílh-olh-chalh kw ay wo7-aháyan-as tíya aslhq’ílnoxw ilh ta Lhéchalosemáwtxw-chalh. We are already using this information for our Lhéchalosem class. Íma ílh-olh-chalh kw ay wo7-aháyan-as tíya aslhq’ílnoxw ilh ta qalát ay welhtáchtxw-as welhnímelh xwhÍtsolh qe welhnímelh asláq’alhsólh. Also, we are already using this information for reclaiming our history and our culture. Tl’ósmas-kwom tse7ít-as tíya Pókw ay kwóxwen txwyátl’ slhiyólh sníchichim ilh ta Noxwsá7aq Stí7ti7ixw. Then so truly this book will help in the return of our language to the Nooksack People.
    [Show full text]
  • Sts'ólemeqwelh Sxó:Tsa Great-Gramma's Lake
    Semá:th Xó:tsa _ Sts'ólemeqwelh Sxó:tsa_ Great-Gramma’s Lake Story by Thetáx_ Chris Silver, Xémontélót Carrielynn Victor, Kris Foulds, and Laura Schneider Illustrations by Xémontélót Carrielynn Victor Semá:th Xó:tsa _ Sts'ólemeqwelh Sxó:tsa_ Great-Gramma’s Lake Story by Thetáx_ Chris Silver, Xémontélót Carrielynn Victor, Kris Foulds, and Laura Schneider Illustrations by Xémontélót Carrielynn Victor Foreword Dear Reader, This book is about what Semá:th Xó:tsa_ means to our people. To write this book, we drew upon echoes of the stories and teachings of our Sumas ancestors. We have used oral and visual storytelling in the book to help readers to understand how stories are passed down through generations. These stories must be presented with respect, honor, and dignity. Writing this book is another step in the process of Truth and Reconciliation. It is a chance to share Sumas history with young people so they understand that the lake was part of our everyday THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHOSE VOICES KEPT THE STORIES ALIVE lives, and that its memory remains a part of our lives today. The lake is remembered through its stories. It is important to acknowledge what has happened to our land, and the changes experienced by the Sumas people over the last 100 years. This book is just one story of the changes to the land and water experienced by Indigenous people since settlers came to our territory. These changes continue to impact our people today. Today, our territory continues to put food on people’s tables.
    [Show full text]
  • THE FRASER ADVANCE ^ 31 Journal of Optimism and Helpfulness, Especially Devoted to Tbe Interests of the Fraser Valley
    THE FRASER ADVANCE ^ 31 Journal of Optimism and Helpfulness, Especially Devoted to tbe Interests of the fraser Valley The KniHer Advance: Vol. I, No. 10 CHILLIWACK, B. C, SATURDAY, MAY 2ft, 1007. Chilliwack Progress: Vol. XVII. No. 8 THE WORLD OVER. According to tlie Blaine .Tour- BOARD Of TRADE. the Cultus Lake dirtrict equally VEDDER PROTECTION WORKS nnl it party of engineers repre- as well, if not better than did the A business panic is threatened sentiiigHtone & Webster, passed Addition! to Membership tultus old road and which could be con- Cribbing and Mattressing Complete in San Francisco. through that town on a tour of Lak» Road. strutted at a much less expendi- Channel Cleared to Sumas Lake 1_ inspection last week. The _ ture of money, and which would llenorts from Winnipeg state Journal believes that this com- The Chilliwack Board of Trade have a much easier grade than This week witnesses the satis- that seeding has been completed. V^M\ ft&J# ^ the 'r^ui^Sl^^^! M*»oUrmA. factory completionof the Gov- construction of a line from Bel- *;Ourt HoUBe ojhFriday evening, Bejt therefore resolved by this ernment protection work which *» «v.._i, , . I'siV Hnjriiam. iiirough Blaine to Van. ^ !™« ,™, «^JW^-Botad of Trade, that this has been in progress below the 1 Sir Wilfric Uurler left Lon. cmv+r> * •••»..•-.• announced for;8 o'clock, but be-^^ ,mBtter be brought to the attention Vedder bHdge for the past three don for Parts on Tuesday. ; ± cause of the lack of a quorum of ^ provincial Government, months, and now the waters of „ .
    [Show full text]
  • Sumas Mountain/Swift Creek Sediment Management Project
    WHATCOM COUNTY qqrigin/i CONTRACT NO. JJOMOIOI 3 JOINT AGENCY AGREEMENT (20T*r sW15 , l0 5 fi# /e_c SUMAS MOUNTAIN/SWIFT CREEK SEDIMENT MANAGEMENT PROJECT U.S. EPA REGION 10 WASHINGTON STATE DEPT. OF ECOLOGY WHATCOM COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT WHATCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON USEPA SF I. INTRODUCTION 1467272 Whatcom County (the County), the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District (Flood Control Zone District), the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10 (EPA) (collectively, "the Parties") enter into this Joint Agency Agreement ("Agreement") to reduce the risks associated with human exposure to naturally occurring asbestos within sediment transported through the Swift Creek channel from a naturally-occurring landslide on Sumas Mountain, and/or removed, dredged, transported, or otherwise managed through human activity at certain locations. To address these concerns, the Parties have evaluated alternatives, considered public comments, identified a Project Area (see map at App. 1), and developed a framework known as the Swift Creek Sediment Management Project ("the Project"). As described below, the Project consists of a set of actions intended to address flooding and asbestos concerns for a period of ten years or more. In order to implement the Project, the Parties must first satisfy a number of legal requirements, including those established by the Washington Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA), the Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The Parties intend for actions selected through these processes to be the subject of this Agreement. The Parties further intend for those elements of the Project implemented under MTCA to be implemented pursuant to a consent decree entered in Superior Court of the State of Washington.
    [Show full text]