Survey Metadata

Between June 15 and July 31, 1971, approximately 1100 samples were collected in southeast Yukon along the Canol Road.  This study was undertaken to determine, on a local scale, trace element contents of bedrock, soil and vegetation in molybdenum-anomalous and non-anomalous areas.  Of the samples collected, approximately 350 were soil, 120 were stream sediments, 350 were vegetation, 250 were rock and 30 were samples of animal feces.  Nearly 100 soil profiles were examined.  At each soil site a small pit was dug and samples of each soil horizon were collected.  At stream sediment sites, fine, active and organic free sediment was collected where possible.  Most rock samples were collected as continuous chips taken perpendicular to bedding of selected rock sections.  Plant material was collected in a 10 x 10 m area in the vicinity of each soil pit.  Several species of trees, shrubs, grasses and lichens were collected.  The study is published in University of British Columbia M.Sc. thesis (1973, P.J. Doyle).  This survey follows on the results of a larger stream sediment survey conducted in 1968 and 1969 by Atlas Explorations Limited.  Anomalously high molybdenum contents were found in an area in eastern Yukon bounded by approximately 130° and 135° W and 62° to 64° N.  In this regional survey, nearly 600 stream sediments were collected at a density ranging from one sample per 5 square miles to 1 sample per 50 square miles.