Ferrar Dolerite Sill Composition in McMurdo Dry Valleys

Over 5,000 square kilometers of the McMurdo Dry Valleys are mapped for sheet-like basaltic intrusions known as the Ferrar Dolerites. Data includes petrologic descriptions and major element concentrations from samples of the Basement and Peneplain Sills, with analytical work performed by Franklin and Marshall University, Michigan State University, and SGS Geochemical Laboratories. The dataset also contains microprobe chemical analyses of pyroxene and plagioclase crystals from individual rocks.

Use Cases

• Classify sill types (e.g., Basement Sill, Peneplain Sill) using major element concentration data from rock samples.
• Analyze the spatial distribution of sills across the 5,000 km2 mapped area using the provided geologic map data.
• Model petrologic relationships by correlating microprobe chemical analyses of pyroxene and plagioclase crystals with sample location.
• Compare geochemical signatures between the four prominent sills (Basement, Peneplain, Asgard, Mt. Fleming) using major and trace element data.

Strengths

• Geologic map covers a significant area of approximately 5,000 square kilometers.
• Includes detailed petrologic and geochemical data, such as major element concentrations and microprobe analyses of specific minerals.
• Samples were collected from specific locations throughout the Dry Valleys to characterize distinct sills.

Limitations

• Sample collection focused primarily on the Basement and Peneplain Sills, with less coverage of the Asgard and Mt. Fleming Sills.
• Trace element determinations for the samples are noted as being in progress and may be incomplete.
• The total number of samples, rows of data, and specific file formats are unknown.

Provenance

Source

SCIOPS, with analytical work by Franklin and Marshall University, Michigan State University, and SGS Geochemical Laboratories.

Collection Method

Field sampling at specific locations in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, followed by laboratory petrologic description and geochemical analysis.

Geography

McMurdo Dry Valleys region of the Trans-Antarctic Mountains, Victoria Land, Antarctica.