Heavy Mineral Concentrations In Sediments Of The Virginia Inner Continental Shelf

Authors

C. R. Berquist Jr.
C. T. Fischler, Virginia Institute of Marine Science
L. J. Calliari
et al

Files

Document Type

Book Chapter

Department/Program

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Editors

C.R. Berquist, Jr.

Publication Date

1990

Book Title

Heavy Mineral Studies - Virginia Inner Continental Shelf

Publisher

Virginia Division Of Mineral Resources

City

Charlottesville, VA

Volume

Publication 103

Abstract

The Virginia Division of Mineral Resources and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science investigated the occurrence of heavy minerals in the offshore sediments of Virginia. We began the project because earlier reconnaissance studies reported high heavy-mineral concentrations from several samples collected off the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Our work confirms the previously reported mineral values and locates additional high concentrations up to 20 nautical miles offshore. Furthermore, we show that potentially economic mineral values are not restricted no surficial sediments, but also are found in the upper 15 to 20 feet of inner continental shelf sediments. Several core samples indicate that potential economic values of heavy minerals are clustered offshore of Hog Island, Smith Island, Virginia Beach, and False Cape. These areas are likely targets for resource assessment studies of heavy minerals and construction or beach nourishment sand. The high heavy-mineral concentrations suggest that further investigations are warranted.

Recommended Citation

Berquist, C. R. Jr.; Fischler, C. T.; Calliari, L. J.; and et al, "Heavy Mineral Concentrations In Sediments Of The Virginia Inner Continental Shelf" (1990). VIMS Books and Book Chapters. 105.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/vimsbooks/105