Department or Program
Earth and Climate Sciences
Abstract
The Shelburne, New Hampshire 7.5’ quadrangle contains a relatively narrow but distinct quartz pebble conglomerate unit (Srqpc). This unit is located on the western face of Mt. Carlo and is constrained by numerous varying rock units including interbedded gray schist quartzite, granitic pegmatite, micaceous quartzite, biotite granofels, and two mica granite. Conglomerate rocks have complex formations because they contain both clasts and a matrix of two different ages and origins. This Srqpc unit has never been studied in thin sections. Moreover, the analysis of the composition of its clasts and matrix at a microscopic level provides valuable insights into its formational relationship with the surrounding interbedded units and original tectonic deposition. Through large-scale mapping of this area and thin section analysis of numerous rock sites, this study provides new interpretations of the unique marine sedimentary processes required to create a medium grained metasedimentary rock with quartz pebble inclusions. It also sheds light on its constraining relationship to the surrounding interbedded units and the tectonic history of the greater Mahoosuc Range.
Although its existence and location were first documented in 1975, this unit has never actually been published in a bedrock map because of its narrow shape and the scale at which those areas were mapped. This study aims to further detail the description of this unit and map its existence onto a 1:500 large-scale map. The large-scale detailed bedrock map comprehensively represents the complicated bedrock variation of the study area and is accompanied by an exposed bedrock outcrop map. Together, these maps give non-mappers a glimpse into the nature and methodology of bedrock mapping by showing what the physical features were and by providing surficial geologic data. Together, the maps of this study improve upon traditional mapping techniques by representing and communicating complex spatial information in a meaningful and accessible manner. Additionally, the large-scale bedrock maps of this study lend insights into the orogeny and formation of this unit, something small-scale maps do not have the resolution to provide.
Level of Access
Open Access
First Advisor
Zachary Murgiua-Burton
Second Advisor
Dyk Eusden
Date of Graduation
5-2024
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Recommended Citation
Schrupp, Cal D., "The Nature of a Quartz Pebble Conglomerate Unit as Understood through Large-Scale Mapping and Thin Section Analysis" (2024). Standard Theses. 1.
https://scarab.bates.edu/eacs_theses/1
Number of Pages
91
Open Access
Available to all.