Edward Eble

Publication Date

1976

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Casella, Clarence J.

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Geology

LCSH

Geology--Montana; Geology; Stratigraphic--Precambrian; Geology--Wyoming

Abstract

The thesis area is located along the southwest margin of the Beartooth Mountains. Major Precambrian units from oldest to youngest are: 1) metamorphic complex, 2) granodiorite gneiss, 3) Hellroaring Mountain quartz monzonite, and 4) metagabbro dike. Minor units include igneous breccia and aplite and pegmatite dikes. The metamorphic complex consists of quartz-biotite schist with intercalated biotite quartzite, garnetiferous biotite schist, garnetiferous amphibole schist, and quartz pebble metaconglomerate. The granodiorite gneiss sill and the quartz monzonite stock are intrusive into the complex while the metagabbro dike is found only in the quartz monzonite. Apophyses of granodiorite gneiss in the metamorphic complex are deformed while dikes of the Hellroaring Mountain stock are not. This indicates that deformation occurred after the intrusion of the granodioritegneiss but prior to the intrusion of the Hellroaring Mountain stock. Two metamorphic events are recognized prior to the intrusion of the Hellroaring Mountain stock. The first was of almandine-amphibolite grade. Associated with this metamorphism is the deformation that formed the regional north-northeast trending structure in the metamorphic complex. The second metamorphism was of epidote-amphibolite grade. Associated with this metamorphism is the deformation that produced a second, cross-cutting biotite foliation. There is some evidence of a third very low-grade metamorphism that affected the area. The intrusion of the quartz monzonite stock shouldered aside the metamorphic complex rotating its strike parallel to the contact and locally changing dips from easterly to westerly. Contacts are concordant at structurally low levels of the stock and discordant at upper levels. Structural and mineralogical criteria indicate that the stock intruded as a crystal mush and crystallized in the mesozone. Resurgence occurred after the margins were crystallized producing cataclastic textures. Subsolidus recrystallization affected alkali feldspars and quartz, but volatile content was not sufficient to allow complete recrystallization and many primary textures are preserved.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references.||Includes illustrations and maps.

Extent

iv, 77 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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