GEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF CATACLASTIC RIDGE ON PINON MESA IN COOK CANYON, WESTERN COLORADO

In 1979, GeoMetrix performed an aerial magnetic survey in the Moab 1 X 2 degree Quadrangle (GeoMetrix , 1979). In 2012, Trumbell, Klassart, Redden and Johnson performed a magnetic survey of the Coates Creek-Cook Canyon area. A cataclastic ridge that displays a zone of hydrothermal mineralization and alteration is identified on the southwest corner of the research area (Trumbell, et al., 2012). The present study is to investigate the cataclastic ridge to determine its extent, composition and formation using field data and GIS datum. The study will also attempt to determine the approximate date of silicification, as well as the deposition of the hydrothermal mineral veins found in the area. The trend of the cataclast is 465m trending NE-SW and is a zone of silicification in the Entrada, Kayenta, and Wingate sandstone and may have occurred during the tectonic activity of the Uncompaghre Plateau. This cataclast is similar to the mineral composition to the other cataclasts found in Cactus Park and Unaweep Canyon. Both are believed to have formed by fault movement and hydrothermal activity.