Date of Award
8-1981
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Geological and Environmental Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. John D. Grace
Second Advisor
Dr. Ronald B. Chase
Third Advisor
Dr. W. Thomas Straw
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
The origin of the Sudbury Breccia surrounding the Sudbury Basin of Ontario, Canada has long been debated. The breccia has been described both as an igneous injection and as an abraded country rock formed by attrition in place.
A geochemical analysis of selected elements in matrix and clast samples from the breccia revealed distinct differences between the two sample groups. Matrix samples were lower in silicon and higher in heavy elements than the clasts. Matrix and clasts were comparable in light elements.
The results of the analysis favor an igneous process. Petrographic observations and structural evidence support this idea. The Sudbury Breccia is most likely related to the sublayer beneath the basin.
Recommended Citation
Prochaska, Kevin M., "A Geochemical Study of the Sudbury Breccia" (1981). Masters Theses. 1822.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/1822