Date of Graduation

8-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Geology (MS)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Geosciences

Advisor/Mentor

Lamb, Andrew P.

Committee Member

Liner, Christopher L.

Second Committee Member

Potra, Adriana

Third Committee Member

Dumond, Gregory

Keywords

carbonatite; geology; geophysics; Magnet Cove; potential field

Abstract

The Magnet Cove alkaline-carbonatite complex in the Ouachita Mountains of south-central Arkansas could be a valuable resource for rare earth elements, though it has not yet been thoroughly studied using geophysical methods, and existing geophysical models simplify its diverse nature. Prior to this study, the subsurface structure and extent of the Magnet Cove complex was poorly understood and, in general, the process of emplacement of alkaline carbonatite complexes worldwide is also not fully understood. The Magnet Cove complex hosts an extensive variety of rare rock types and mineral resources that contrast significantly to the sedimentary rocks into which they have intruded. Using newly-acquired, high-resolution ground-based gravity and magnetic data, we present a range of detailed two-dimensional and three-dimensional geophysical models of the Magnet Cove complex. The models reveal that the intrusion could reach a lateral subsurface extent of ~25 km at ~10 km depth, extend to a depth of 20 to 25 km, and reach a volume of ~ 4480 km3. These findings are consistent with previous models, suggesting that the Magnet Cove complex could be connected at depth to other intrusions in the Arkansas alkaline province, specifically the Potash Sulphur Springs and V-intrusive complexes (10 km west), and possibly the Benton and Little Rock intrusive bodies (40-80 km northeast).

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