Mapping the Precambrian Bedrock Geology of Rusk County, Wisconsin

Abstract

The primary objective of this project is to create a new regional geologic map of Rusk County, Wisconsin, highlighting the characteristics of the Precambrian bedrock hosting the past-producing Flambeau Cu-Au mine and various other metallic mineral deposits in northwestern Wisconsin. These deposits are hosted in 1.8-1.9 Ga accreted volcanic arc terranes (DeMatties, 1994; Shultz & Cannon, 2007). A historical bedrock geology map of northwestern Wisconsin (Mudrey et al. 1987) was used extensively throughout the development of the final map. This map was relied on during field mapping in order to find regions with bedrock exposures. Data from this map was integrated with additional datasets, such as geophysical data, geochemistry, to improved understanding of the geologic, tectonic, and metallogenic framework of the region.