Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

A Mineralogical Textural And Chemical Characterization Of A Hypothesized Kimberlite At White Mountain, Sunlight Basin, Wyoming, Stuart Kenderes

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Geologists have examined the causes and mechanisms responsible for the Heart Mountain detachment for over a century with much debate and discussion. White Mountain is a part of the upper plate, which was emplaced during the detachment event. Within White Mountain, there exist several andesitic dikes and carbonate ultra-cataclasite injectites, which were integral in the emplacement of the Heart Mountain detachment. This research involves the characterization and identification of an enigmatic vertical outcropping of brecciated rock located on White Mountain, Sunlight Basin, Wyoming, which was originally interpreted as a kimberlite. Samples were collected for geochemical and textural comparison, and cut …