Thermal History of Yukon Carlin-Type Gold Deposits via Multi-Method Geothermometry

A geological study constrains the thermal evolution of sediment-hosted Carlin-type gold deposits in central Yukon, Canada. It integrates independent analytical techniques including organic matter geothermometry (Tmax), fluid inclusion microthermometry, clumped isotope data (Δ47), and apatite fission-track analyses. The research identifies temperature events, such as a regional thermal record exceeding 150°C and a higher-temperature event around 220°C.

Use Cases

• Model thermal history by correlating Tmax pyrolysis data with apatite fission-track results to identify burial or hydrothermal events.
• Analyze fluid mixing during mineralization using calcite clumped isotope (Δ47) measurements and associated δ18OH2O values.
• Characterize late ore-stage hydrothermal conditions from fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures (123–173°C) and salinity averages (4.8 wt.% NaCl equiv).
• Compare thermal signatures of Yukon deposits with Nevada Carlin-type systems using overlapping temperature ranges from microthermometry and Δ47 data (91–162°C).

Strengths

• Integrates four independent analytical techniques (organic matter geothermometry, fluid inclusion microthermometry, clumped isotopes, apatite fission-track) for cross-validation.
• Reports specific quantitative findings, including fluid inclusion temperatures of 123–173°C and an average salinity of 4.8 wt.% NaCl equiv.
• Identifies a distinct higher-temperature event at approximately 220°C consistent with pyrobitumen reflectance.

Limitations

• Data is presented as a study summary in HTML format, not as a structured, queryable table or database.
• Sample size and specific measurement counts for each analytical method are not provided.
• Geographic focus is limited to central Yukon deposits, which may limit direct comparison to other regions.

Provenance

Source

Government of Yukon

Collection Method

Combined analytical techniques including pyrolysis, microthermometry, clumped isotope measurements, and fission-track analyses.

Time Range

Includes mineralization event dated circa 74 Ma.

Freshness

Last updated March 2026.

Geography

Central Yukon, Canada.