| Abstract: | Foliage from Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) tops was collected from 94 sites around the poorly exposed QR Au deposit in central British Columbia. Locally high concentrations of gold in ashed stems suggest a northwestward (down-ice) dispersion train of Au extending uphill for at least 500 m from the deposit. In addition, a down-slope, hydromorphic dispersion train is evident. All trees sampled are extremely rich in As, but the patterns of As distribution are less clearly related to the mineralization than those of Au enrichment. Summary statistics of analytical data for 35 elements are provided to serve as baseline information for any future studies.The sampling method, which is described in detail, is simple and cost-effective. In one hour the foliage of tree tops from about 50 sites, spaced at intervals of 200 m or more, can be collected by a three-person helicopter crew. The technique is particularly appropriate for rapidly screening rugged or heavily forested terrain, regardless of snow-cover, in order to establish priorities for ground follow-up exploration targets. |
