Open AccessThe possibility of ilmenite placers in the Thule district, North Greenland
Author(s) -
M Ghisler,
Bent Thomsen
Publication year - 1971
Publication title -
rapport
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2597-2944
pISSN - 0418-6559
DOI - 10.34194/rapggu.v43.7283
Subject(s) - geology , bedrock , ilmenite , gneiss , proterozoic , sedimentary rock , geochemistry , submarine pipeline , basement , group (periodic table) , geomorphology , archaeology , oceanography , metamorphic rock , paleontology , geography , tectonics , chemistry , organic chemistry
The mineralogical composition of the heavy fractions of 19 sand samples from the Thule district reflect the local bedrock geology, which ranges from sedimentary rocks (Thule Group, probably Proterozoic) over different types of gneisses to intermediate and basic intrusives (probably belonging to the basement). One sample, taken from a 1 m thick black sand layer, contains 60-70 weight % of pure ilmenite, the source rocks of which are regarded as diabases intruding the Dundas Formation (Thule Group) in the area immediately to the east. lImenite placers may occur in the raised beaches reaching 125 feet above the present sea level, and also the possibility af offshore deposits should be taken into consideration. Thc climate and access to the area are briefly discussed.