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Petrology of the Elk Hill Complex in the Central Piedmont Province, VA
Gopon, Phillip
Gopon, Phillip
Abstract
The Elk Hill complex in the central Piedmont Province of Virginia has remained an enigmatic block since it’s naming in 1913. Viewed by some as part of the Chopawamsic Formation, and a distinct unit by others, this paper addresses the question of the relatedness of the Elk Hill Complex and the Chopawamsic Formation. Through a combination of field observations, petrographic analysis, and geochemical data we have determined that the Elk Hill Complex is similar to the Chopawamsic Formation and should be considered as a tectonically displaced slice of this formation. The similarities in the chemical signatures of Elk Hill and Chopawamsic mafic rocks, and the presence of tonalites in both units points to the relatedness of the two units. The presence of meta-andesites and meta-tonalites in the Elk Hill Complex suggests an arc setting. This conclusion in consistent with what is known of the Chopawamsic Formation. Included in this paper is a map of the northern extent of the Elk Hill Complex, an area that has remained previously unmapped.
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2007-01-01
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Geology