Integration of geophysical, geochemical and geological data to derive a metallogenic model for the Deer Lake Basin, western Newfoundland

This study examines fluid flow from and within the Carboniferous Deer Lake lacustrine Basin and adjacent Paleozoic basement, using potential field, geological and geophysical data. Whole rock samples were collected throughout the basin and were subjected to a number of analytical techniques to determine isotopic major and trace element geochemistry. A fluid inclusion study was also undertaken to determine temperatures and salinities of fluids.;Gravity and magnetic residuals suggest that the basement within the basin is block faulted. The basin can be divided up into eight distinct sections of fault bounded blocks based on the character of the potential field anomaly maps. The combined potential field and geochemical data show that some forms of mineralization in the basin occur near residual gravity and magnetic highs while other forms are correlated with high magnetic gradients. The trends indicate the association of mineralization and hydrocarbon deposits with the underlying basement topography and the faults that formed structural conduits along which these fluids migrated. The association of bitumen samples with mineralizing fluids appears to be the result of their utilization of the same regional fault system for migration. Formation of mineral deposits is a secondary feature related to structural and stratigraphic features and are controlled by the major basement faults.