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Abstract

A geochemical survey was undertaken in the vicinity of massive sulphides at Anne-Cleaver and Camp Lakes to assess secondary geochemical dispersion within the zone of continuous permafrost. Samples were collected at several depths within the active layer together with snow-melt runoff, seepage, pit and lake waters and sediments. For each element (Ag, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn) geochemical patterns are similar in all three soil layers (L-F-H 0 to 14 and 14 to 25 inch depths); therefore, sample depth does not appear to be critical. Ag, Fe and Pb display similar, well developed patterns and, except for Fe, possess high geochemical contrast. Conversely, Cd, Cu and Zn patterns are poorly developed and have low contrast, particularly in mineral soil. In areas of low pH, high levels of Ag, Fe and Pb can be found while Cu and Zn values are low and often form negative anomalies. High Zn levels are usually confined to areas of relatively high pH. Relative to total patterns, partial extraction (0.05M EDTA and 1.0M HCl) patterns provide little additional information; however, low partial to total ratio patterns are well developed, which suggests clastic dispersion. Because Pb is immobile, it can be used as a model for glacial dispersion of sulphides. Dispersion of Pb is in narrow thin zones of sulphide-rich till which rise at low (