Major- and Trace-Element Concentrations in Rock Samples Collected in 2004 from the Taylor Mountains 1:250,000-scale Quadrangle, Alaska

The Kuskokwim mineral belt of Bundtzen and Miller (1997) forms an important
metallogenic region in southwestern Alaska that has yielded more than 3.22
million ounces of gold and 400,000 ounces of silver. Precious-metal and related
deposits in this region associated with Late Cretaceous to early Tertiary
igneous complexes extend into the Taylor Mountains 1:250,000-scale quadrangle.
The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting geologic mapping and a mineral
resource assessment of this area that will provide a better understanding of
the geologic framework, regional geochemistry, and may provide targets for
mineral exploration and development. During the 2004 field season 137 rock
samples were collected for a variety of purposes.

All samples were analyzed for a suite of 42 trace-elements to provide data for
use in geochemical exploration as well as some baseline data. Selected samples
were analyzed by additional methods; 104 targeted geochemical exploration
samples were analyzed for gold, arsenic, and mercury; 21 of these samples were
also analyzed to obtain concentrations of 10 loosely bound metals; 33 rock
samples were analyzed for major element oxides to support the regional mapping
program, of which 28 sedimentary rock samples were also analyzed for total
carbon, and carbonate carbon.

[Summary provided by the USGS.]