ANALYSIS OF BASALTS IN WHITE MOUNTAINS, CALIFORNIA BY X-RAY FLUORESCENCE SPECTROSCOPY (XRF)

In the White Mountain/Inyo Range, Miocene (10.8-10.9 m.y.) olivine basalt flows are located at several topographic highs in the Blanco Mountain Quadrangle. The source of the basalt is unclear. Gravity draws basalt flows to topographic lows like streams or river channels. It is assumed that the White Mountain basalt flowed east into Horse Thief Hills. I will collect basalt samples in the White Mountains and Horse Thief Hills to determine if the basalt flows are chemically similar. Samples will be powdered and analyzed for major and minor trace elements using X-ray Fluorescence spectrometer (XRF). Correlation of basalt flows across the region may reveal a paleo-river channel that would allow dispersal of aquatic and other species.