(Courtesy of Cees van Staal) larger image [JPEG, 179.6 kb, 440 X 330, notice]

(Courtesy of Cees van Staal) larger image [JPEG, 71.9 kb, 440 X 392, notice]

The aim of the Red Indian Line project is to study the geology of an important base metal- and gold-mineralized portion of the Newfoundland Appalachians. Detailed knowledge of the local and regional geology as provided by such federal-provincial collaborations is of vital importance for exploration programs and hence the development of strong communities in the area.

Rationale

The Red Indian Line is a segment of the Iapetus suture zone, the fundamental tectonic boundary of the Appalachian-Caledonide orogen. Study of this segment enables deciphering the true complexity of accretionary collage and collisional tectonics in this orogenic suture zone, with national and international implications for understanding the development of the Appalachian-Caledonide orogen from New England to the British Isles.

Geology

Continuing interest in exploration for volcanogenic massive sulphide and gold mineralization led to a detailed geological investigation of central Newfoundland centred on the Red Indian Line. The Red Indian line in Newfoundland is a major fault system along which two mineralised Cambro-Ordovician arc systems are tectonically juxtaposed. Palaeomagnetic data suggest that these two arc systems may have been separated before juxtaposition by at least 3000 km of oceanic lithosphere, that was destroyed by subduction.

Outcomes

The lack of detailed understanding of this geologically complex portion of Newfoundland is greatly hindering exploration for mineral deposits. Discovery of mineral deposits is potentially of great economic and sociological importance to this otherwise economically disadvantaged region of the country. This project is designed to advance the understanding of stratigraphy, structure and age of the rocks in this region such that it facilitates mineral exploration.

Outputs

Advances in the understanding of the geology of Newfoundland require revision of existing geological maps of Central Newfoundland. Hence, this project will produce a new set of 1: 50,000 scale geological maps complete with associated multidisciplinary databases.