Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
A sequence of metavolcanic and interlayered metasedimentary rocks crop out in the northern and eastern portions of the Columbia 7.5’ quadrangle. The rocks are the oldest in the quadrangle and originated in an island are tectonic environment in the Early Ordovician. The Chopawamsic Formation has been intruded by the Columbia pluton, a granitic/dioritic body dated to 457 + 7 Ma, both of which are overlain by Upper Ordovician metasedimentary units. The metavolcanic sequence consists of rocks that range in composition from felsic to mafic. Previous research indicates that there are two distinct volcanic packages, the Chopawamsic Formation and the Ta River metamorphic suite, an eastern and western facies with dissimilar compositions and metamorphic grades. However, my study in the Columbia quadrangle suggests that these two units are in fact part of a larger, single series of rocks and should not be divided lithologically, stratigraphically or tectonically.
Date Awarded
2002
Department
Geology
Advisor 1
Christopher M. Bailey
Recommended Citation
Relyea, J. A., "Geology of the Chopawamsic Formation; Columbia 7.5' Quadrangle, central Virginia Piedmont" (2002). Geology Senior Theses. William & Mary. Paper 104.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/geologyseniors/104
