Date of Award
12-1987
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Geological and Environmental Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. John D. Grace
Second Advisor
Dr. Ronald Chase
Third Advisor
Dr. Carolyn Rutland
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
The Lake Ellen kimberlite located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan represents a possible bedrock source for the diamonds found in the glacial deposits around the Great Lakes. The purpose of this research was to undertake a geochemical analysis in order to better understand the evolution of the kimberlite body and to elucidate on the garnet xenolith paragenesis.
Both instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and scanning electron microscope analysis (SEM) were utilized in this research. The INAA revealed that with respect to other types of upper mantle rocks, the Lake Ellen kimberlite is enriched in both the light rare earth (LREE) and the heavy rare earth (HREE) with a negative europium anomaly. The SEM analysis revealed that the garnets followed a Cr-poor, Ca-rich type of paragenesis which indicated that the Lake Ellen kimberlite is most likely nondiamondiferous.
Recommended Citation
Fults, Michelle Ellen, "A Trace Element Geochemical Analysis of the Lake Ellen Kimberlite, Crystal Falls, Michigan, U.S.A." (1987). Masters Theses. 1219.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/1219