Geological Comparison of Skukum and Bennett Lake Volcanic Complexes

A geological study compares the Skukum Volcanic Complex and the Bennett Lake Cauldron Complex in southern Yukon. The research, initiated in 1982, analyzes structural settings, rock suites, and depositional environments to inform mineral exploration. It details three key differences between the two volcanic complexes.

Use Cases

• Analyze the bimodal suite of extrusive rocks to model distinct magma chamber sources.
• Compare structural complexity and the absence of major cauldron subsidence between the two complexes.
• Evaluate variability in depositional environments within the Skukum complex for geological mapping.
• Use findings on volcanic unit exposure and faulting to assess challenges for mineral target identification.

Strengths

• Provides a direct comparison of two spatially associated volcanic complexes with epithermal mineralization.
• Identifies three specific, documented differences in rock suite, structure, and depositional environments.
• Study initiated from field work beginning in the summer of 1982, providing a historical research basis.

Limitations

• Geology described as complex due to discontinuous and incomplete exposure of volcanic units.
• Analysis is complicated by severe faulting, which may obscure primary geological relationships.
• Sample data and structured columns are unavailable, limiting quantitative analysis.

Provenance

Source

Government of Yukon

Collection Method

Field study and geological investigation initiated in 1982.

Time Range

Study period begins 1982; publication date unspecified.

Freshness

null

Geography

Southern Yukon, specifically the Skukum Volcanic Complex and Bennett Lake Cauldron Complex.