As the frequency of near-surface mineral discoveries in the British Columbia Cordillera diminishes, exploration is more frequently focused on regions of high potential but mantled by unconsolidated sediments or drift, dominated by Quaternary deposits. This volume is a compilation of papers on various aspects of drift exploration, using examples from British Columbia. Topics of the papers include Quaternary geology, recognition of paleo-flow direction, drift potential mapping, drilling methods, glacial dispersal determination using indicator clasts, till geochemistry, biogeochemical sampling, lake sedimentology, laboratory techniques, shallow seismic methods, borehole analysis, and resistivity mapping. Case studies elaborating on drift exploration concepts are dispersed throughout the compilation.

This volume describes the use of till geochemical and indicator mineral methods for mineral exploration in the glaciated terrain of Canada. The principles and examples described in this volume will have direct applications for exploration companies looking for diamonds, precious and base metals and uranium in glaciated parts of North America, northern Europe and Asia and mountainous regions of South America.

Conceptual Models in Exploration Geochemistry: The Canadian Cordillera and Canadian Shield is a compilation of 38 case histories from the shield and the cordillera. This volume aims to develop models ideally for the systematic description and exploration of geochemical data. These idealized models describe the principles and mechanisms of anomalies, which govern the use of exploration geochemistry. Furthermore, this volume focuses on the use of soils and sediments in exploration geochemistry. This volume is divided into four sections, the first of which is an introduction about landscape geochemistry, the idealized models, standardization of field data, and the general principles of geochemical migration. The second section consists of the idealized models and nineteen case studies obtained from the Canadian Cordillera. The third section also consists of idealized models and case studies but these were obtained from the Canadian Shield. Both the second and third sections discuss, in different views, the mineral zoning and distribution of mineralization, Pleistocene geology, physiography, climate and vegetation, and soils. This volume concludes with a discussion on orientation sampling and standardization of data collection and presentation.

Collection of papers presented in 1987, showing a variety of types of research being carried out in different geological settings in Canada and Finland. The papers indicate the value of grassroots studies in glacial geology and how the basis for drift prospecting is a thorough understanding of the provenance, stratigraphy, and ice flow directions of glacial sequences, backed by data on the geochemistry, lithology, and mineralogy of glacial sediments. Abstracts are included for each paper.

Examines the history, geography, climate, plants, animals, and peoples of the Cordillera region of Canada.