THE GEOLOGY OF A 120 KM. SQ.

AREA IN THE MOUNTAIN PINE

RIDGE, BELIZE-, CENTRAL AMERICA

Presented by· FAY SMITH •

'.", »,
 TAB L E OF CON TEN T S

Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose of Project

1.2 Geographic setting 3

1.3 Methodology 5
1.4 Layout of the report 6
1.5 Acknowledgements 7
1
Chapter 2 REGIONAL GEOLOGIC SETTING AND PREVIOUS WORK

2.1 Regional geologic setting and General geology 8

2.2 Previous Work 15

Chapter 3 PHOTOGEOLOGY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY

3.1 PHOTOGEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION 20

3.2 GEOMORPHOLOGY 22
Relief 22
Drainage 24

ji
 Chapter 4 ROCK UNITS 26

4.1 Introduction 26
4.2 The Santa Rosa Metasedimerfts 28
Regional Metamorphism 34
4.3 Mountain Pine Ridge Batholith 38
Coarse-grained granite 39
Granite porphyry 44­
Muscovite granite porphyry 48
.
-t Granodiorite 51
4·4 LimEtstone 56
Chapter 5 METAMORPHISM 63

Discussion 72

Chapter 6 STRUCTURES 74

6.1 Introduction 74
6.2 Metasediments 76
6.3 Mountain Pine Ridge Batholith ~3
6.4 Limestone ,87

iii
9hapter 7 SPECIAL PROJECT 94

7.1 Introduction 94
7.2 Methodology 94

7.3 Results 96
7.4 Discussion 100

ECONOMIC GEOLOGY
101
Chapter 8

GEOLOGICAL HISTORY
103
Chapter 9

APPENDIX 1
Results of point counting 106
111
Append i)( 2
114
REFERENCES

iv
 LIS T OF FIG U~R E S
y­
...... _~--~.­
...:

FIGURE

1 Index Map 2
2 Plate Tectonic setting of Belize 9
3 Generalized Geological map of Belize 10
4 Regional geology of north Central America

5 Generalized correlation of the stratigraphy of

part of Central America 13

6 Regional structure of north Central America 14
7 Photogeological Map 21
8 Photo showing topography of the area 23
9 Superimposed structural map on the drainage

pattern of the area 25

10 Stratigraphic sequence of the area 27
11 A type section of quartzite /argillite sequence 29
12 Photomicrograph of quartzite from L.S7 30
13 Photomicrograph of quartzite showing effect of

thermal metamorphism 32
14a Photomicrograph of andalusite (chiastolite) slate 33
14b Photomicrograph of chloritoid slate 33
15 Photomicrograph of regionally metamorphose

quartzite J5

v
-
FIGURE

16 Photomicrograph of regionally metamorphose slate 3S

17 Photomicrograph of quartzite with pyrite crystal 37
18 Photograph showing outcrop of coarse-grained
-. -'­
..:.:.:.::--=-~,-_._. ~

granite i.O
19 Photomicrographs of coar~~~grained granites 42
20 Photomicrographs showing graphic growth of quartz

and feldspars 43
21 A typical outcrop of quartz vein around the

Mahogany Creek 46
22 Photograph showing fibreous growth of a typical

quartz vein 47
23 Photograph of muscovite granite porphyry 49
24 Photomicrograph of muscovite granite porphyry SO
25 Photomicrographs of granodiorite 52
26 Sketch showing inclined foliation of granodiorite 54
27 Photograph showing contact between limestone and

granite 57
28
I '
Negati ve ~~~rint of crystal I ine 1 imestone 58
29 Limestone within the Rio Frio Cave showing

horizontal beds 59
30 Photomicrograph of a limestone that has been

partially crystallized 60
31 Calc tufa showing stepped sequence 62
32 Map showing location of samples that show some

effect of dynamic metamorphism 64

FIGURE

33 Photomicrograph showing plagioclase alteration to

sericite 66
34 Photomicrograph showing deformation in plagioclase 68
35 Photomicrograph of granite showing complete

alteration of feldspar to clay minerals and micas 70

36 Photomicrograph of granodiorite showing

sericization of plagioclase 71
37 Negative/~print of mylonite 73
38 Major faults and fractures in the Maya Mountains 7S
39 Photograph showing foliated nature of the

metasediments 77
40 Projection of poles to foliation for the

metasediments 78
41 Negative J;'print showing F1 fold and S1 cleavages 80
42 Photomicrograph showing S2 cleavages superimposed

on S1 cleavages 81
43 outcrop showing two episodes of deformation 82
44 Sketch showing shear zone in Mahogany Creek 84
45 Photograph showing foliation within a granodiorite

outcrop 86
46 Projection of poles to joint planes for the

batholith 88
47 Photograph showing joints in tonalite 89
48 Photograph showing joints in fine grained granite 90
49 Strain ellipse of wrench fau.lts 92
 TABLE

1 Table of formation

2 Point counting determination of Modal \ of

constituent minerals of batholith 97

PLATES +

- PLATE

1 Geological Map of study area in Mountain Pine

Ridge, Belize C. A.

Geological Cross section of Study area in Mountain

Pine Ridge Belize, C. A.

+
Inside pocket at bad'\
ABSTRACT

'The 120 sq.kmS mapped is within the Mountain Pine Ridge and is a
..... ~ u:-t-...J"''-­
part of the Maya Mountains; which is assumed to be the eastern

extension of the Cayman-Misteriosa Ridge. It is on the Southern

\',1, (
edge of the North A~erican Plate and ha~a been affected by

movements along this plate and the Caribbean Plate. The geology
G-
of the area is and was controlled by the tectoni1s of the region .

.L

Three diffei?t lithological units are present.

-These are:

(1) The Metasediments of the Santa Rosa Group.

,,~, this is Pennsyl vanian to Perm~ in age.

~ ~
.::;>,
It ~compris7~pf quartzite and argillite
that have been regionally metamorphosed and thermally

metamorphosed, in that order.

(2) The Mountain Pine Ridge Batholith which has

intruded the metasediments. Mainly four rock types

make up this batholith in the study area. These are

the coarse-grained granites; granite porphyry;

muscovite granite porphyry; and granodiorite which

grades into tonalite. Locally, the batholith has been

dynamically metamorphosed. Dykes are also present.

The batholith is approximately 225 m.y. based on K!Ar

radiometric dates.

IX
 ~
I

and (3) The Limestone: This I unconformably overl ieir- the coarse-
~.
grained granites. It is mainly crystalline and is

unfossiliferous. It outcrops as horizontal beds which

-t
are clearly seen in the Rio Frio cave) Jhis and other
caves being a feature of this unit. It has been dated

as Upper Cretaceous.

structurally, the area is faulted, folded and jointed. These,

however, do not appear to have affected the limestone. The Cooma

") J
Cairn Fault that trends northeast divides the area . . Other major

faults trend northwest and east-west. Superimposed folding

occurs in the metasediments which is also jointed along with the

batholith. The path of the streams present is controlled by O-loud s.r::..r

j.,lj~ ~~c;.
- these structural features.

In general, sediments were deposited in the area that later

- became folded and regionally metamorphosed. These were then

intruded by the batholith that thermally metamorphosed the ': "-.J..

. ,
sediments and ,; rU:,
caused further folding. Uplift, erosion and
1
faulting then occu~ed and was followed by subsidence. This
allowed the deposition of the limestone to occur. Finally, the
area was uplifted terminating this deposition thus bringing it to
what it is today.
 chapter I

INTRODUCTION

1.1 PURPOSE OF PROJECT

The project was done as a thesis which is required for the

Bachelor~of Science degree in Geology at the University of the

Nest Indies, Mona. Its purpose is to prepare a detailed

geological map of a 120kmsf' area in the Mountain Pine Ridge

Region of Belize (Fig. 1). This is to aid in the elucidation of

the structur;f' and g~logiCal history, as well at) to determine

- the stratigraphical sequence of the area.

The Government of Belize and C.F.C.T. (my funding agent at

O.N.I.) financed the project. The employees at the Geology and

Petroleum Office made the arrangement for the camp in the village

of st. Augustine, provided transportation, equipments, ,maps and

assistance. The Belize Government covered the cost of labour.

Pield mapping was carried out from the 14th-23rd September, 1990
and from the 4-6th February, 1991. The area was mapped at a
acale of 1: 12,500 (Plate 1). Samples were collected for.
petrographic studies.
 ~
C'WU,.EIlfI
S.A
If'

<,
,
"

.....
,
I

I <,

I "
I
J

"
1
_I HD«!X '18' OF 'Bwz.. SllOW~-.J,.4CkfJ'''----

", TN ~• .%r_A"'''!\II~~.--......"...~J---------
 As a special project / the igneous rocks of the area were analysed
modally. This was done in order to define the boundaries between
the different intrusive phases which are apparent in the area.
Modal analysis was done using an automatic point counter and the
rocks were classified using the lUGS's, QAP triangle.

It is hoped that this project will be a base on which further

work can be done since it is a more detailed study of a smaller
area than that carried out by previous workers.

1.2 GEOGRAPHIC SETTING

The field area lies approximately between longitudes SSoS4'W - S9°

• Ol'W and latitudes l6°S3'N - l6°S9'N. It is located within the
_ Maya Mountains, which is an upfaulted block of paleo~ rocks.
The Maya Mountains is an extended high area within Belize.

Belize
'>
bein~ a country in Central Americai)which lies between
longitudes S7°20'W to 89°20'W and latitudes lS·30'N to lS·30'N.

It is bordered to the North by Mexico, South and west by

~

Guatemala and East by the Caribbean Sea (Fi~ 1).

'1'he area is accessible from the capital Belmopanr via the

- ••tern Highway to the town of Santa Elena and from here by way
.of Cristo Rey Road to the camp at st. Augustine. An alternate
shorter route is through a road from Georgeville located

3.
 -along the Western Highway, The field area itself, is equipped I
I

with a wide network of dirt roads and trails which are basically !
passable even during the wet season. However, a four-wheel drive

vehicle proves to be more efficient.

------
The presence of numerous pine trees with grass at the base,

coupled along with the topographic high is probably why the area

is called Mountain Pine Ridge. These trees extend sparsely over

the areas underlain by intrusive rocks and the metasediments.

The vegetation, however, is more dense and vari~ within the

valleys and areas underlain by limestones. Within the limestone

areas, the vegetation is more typical~ ~ that of a tropical

: forest. Trees, (using their local names) such as Mahogany,

Nargusta, and Cotton Tree among others are found. The climate of

Belize is sub-tropical.

The Mountain Pine Ridge area is part of Belize's National

Forestry Reserves. Therefore, the fauna and some flora here are

protected. In some areas, the pine trees are cut down and used

for construction purposes. Within the thesis areaJtwo saw~ills

are present, one at Little Granite Basin and the other just

outside st. Augustine to the West of the camp. Note that because

the area is protected, the environmental impact that would result

by any possible mining for minerals within the area is of great

-importance.

"
 1.3 METHODOLOGY

The thesis project required the use of various techniques. These

- include~research on previous work done in the area, aerial

_ photograph interpretation, field mapping, sampling and laboratory

work among other things.

A review of the previous work is discussed in the next chapter.

Aerial photographs at a scale of 1:42,000 obtained from the

Ministry of Natural Resources were used to obtain an idea of the

topography and geological framework of the area. These
c,o t...Q I)

113,114,115,208,209,247
-
photographs were shot by the British Army.

and 248. However,

The numbers used were
these did not

adequately cover the entire area.

Actual mapping in the field was done on a 1:12,500 base map.

This was enlarged from original 1:50,000 topography maps numbers

28 and 29. These were produced under the director of Military

Surv~iy
i.
of the Ministry of Defence, United Kingdom, 1982. The
::'~ .:..
main traverses during field mapping ,~s' shown on Plate I . Sample

localities and other observation points are also indicated on

Plate I .

t\l \ ....''1Q.i C.o')vt.;'iL,

~'"';)"
-¥ 1\.0

A total of seventy samples were collected. Of these I thirty-five

_were used to prepare thin sections. Further laboratory work was

.done on sections prepared from the Mountain Pine Ridge batholith .

A total of fifteen sections were stained only ;~or K-feldspars

5
 using the method outline in Hutchinson 1974, p.19.
f I <,

i.:><
The main problem encountered was that th~ map used was out-dated.

Some roads marked on the map as major

. ------­
roads were mere trails.

The opposite was also true and some trails were found to be non­

existent. Also, the names of some roads did not correspond with

those on the map. Limitation to mapping presented itself in the

form of thick vegetation overgrowth along the streams, which

rendered most streams impossible to traverse. The presence of

poisonous snakes in the area also forces one to take extreme

precautions.

1.4 LAYOUT OF THE REPORT -+

~ In this report )the general features of the area are discussed

first. This is followed by a more detailed look at these

features in Chapters Four, Five, Six and Seven, where the

lithological units, metamorphism and structures are discussed.

The economic potential of the area is then evaluated; followed by

the geological history of the area.
 -'­

1.5 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The writer would like to acknowledge those without whose help

this project would not have been possible.

The writer is in debt to the Government of Belize, C.F.T.C., and

the s~ff of the Geology and Petroleum Office in Belmopan. These

are Dr. R. Ramanathan, Mrs. E. Garcia, Mr. E. Swift, Mr. S.

Samuels. Mrs. J. Vasquez, Miss L. Ruiz, Mr. J. Cal and Mr. G.

Davis.

Special thanks also to M~ Emeliano Mai, who expertly guided ~

through the forest and M~ Henry Tzib who provided the meals.

I also greatly acknowledge my dissertation advisor Dr. R. Ahmad

for his expert guidance, Dr. T. Jackson and Dr. R. Ramanathan,

once again for their supervision in the field. )(special thanks

also to the other staff members of the Geology Department, who

also provided help and encouragement. Thanks is also due to M~

;~
H. Dixon for his help in the Laborotory and the Petroleumn
Corporation of Jam~ca for the use of their equipment.

J'inally thanks to my immediate family and friends who provided

aUpport and also to Mrs. Angela Wade for patiently typing this
 chapter 2

REGIONAL GEOLOGIC SETTING AND PREVIOUS WORK

2.1. REGIONAL GEOLOGICAL SETTING AND GENERAL GEOLOGY

Belize is located on the southern edge of the North American

Plate and belongs, geologically, to the older continental crust

of Northern Central America. The east-northeast trending

Montagua, Chixoy-Polochic, and probably the Jocatan- Chamelecon

Fault Zones formr the boundary between this plate and the

o Caribbean Plate (Fi~ 2).

A generalized geological map of Belize is shown in Fig. 3. The

countryI .
has been divided into two major basins by ~. Rao
(19;'2\ ~/., :'~~'~ese are located in the north and south and are

separ~ed by a central uplifted block) the Maya Mountains. The

oldest known rocks of Pennsylvanian to perm~rn age are found on ~

this uplifted block. These rocks make up the Santa Rosa Group

and the Bladen Volcanics. The next oldest rocks, the granites,

are also found on this uplifted block. These have been dated as

early Triassic. The western part of the Maya Mountain is covered

by limestones, as well a~most of the Corozal and Belize Basins,

°Which are the basins to the north and south of the Maya Mountains
e respecti vel y.
 ,
goo
NORTH AMERICAN PLATE

<:, c::
JAMAICA

CA .... 8EAN "LATE

COCOS PLATE
COLOMBI'. I

Figllre 2 TECTONIC SETTING OF BELIZE

(' l
-t,! ",",- ('(('.lV'- ':,,'c'_I','/1 .
;" ';"J'
 _----I.. 'J,~.·f"-j'l.~······ .'

•
ss·
I

QUATERNARY
I'........
.... "
....
.. .. .. "
COASTAL SEDIMENTS
MESOZOIC - TERTIARY
I I I J! CARBONATES
Limestone
INTRUSIVE ROCKS
GRANITE

. ..' " PALEOZOIC,

.. ,
.
GUATEMALA
I~ SANTA ROSA GROUP
BLADEN VOLCANfC5
Kms, 9 -.....J...._--l...-_...J....----.J'
1-.
30
I 60 ___ CONTACT
---- FAULT

..Figure 3­ GENERALIZED GEOLOGIC MAP OF BELIZE

From Garcia (1990J.
 These limestones have been dated as Upper Cretaceous. The other
;'

parts of the Basins and along the coast are covered by alluvuim.

These are Quaternary sediments.

Bateson and Hall (1977,p.31-32) attempt a correlation of the

geology of Belize with that of the adjacent territories. They

reported a good correlation of the pre-Mesozoic rocks of

Guatemala with those of the southern part of Belize. These are

the Santa Rosa Group of Belize and the Santa Rosa - Tactic-

Chochal succession of Guatemala. However, they reported that the

correlation of the acid intrusive of Belize with those of

Guatemala is not obvious and the granites of Belize which are ~

similar, mineralogically with those of Guatemala are younger

c (Fiq.4 and Fiq.5).

- The major structural feature of the country is the uplifted fault

~ block, the Maya Mountains_ Bateson and Hall (1977, p.20) report

that this consists!I synclinorium trending east-north-east and

plunging about 10· to the west. This block, of which the study

area is a part, is bordered 9~the north and south by major fault

I
zones (Fig. 6) . The Cayman-Misteriosa Ridge is assumed to be the
eastern extension of this block into the Caribbean Sea (Bateson
Ii
and Hall, 1977, p.2S).

" ..,
 arw

,"'N
'-4EXICO
-=.::=}
",,"'It".."
,. " " "
V....-ca
..

0 '00
!
I i
- '2"W
0 50 lOOmdu
,o"w 88·'1'
!

.Figure 4 REGIONAL GEOLOGY OF NORTH CENTRAL AMERICA

from Bote-son 8. Hall (1977)

 J Guat.mala No,th
B.liz. a"d C."tral HO"du'e.
t Vell. d. Angel••

I GIOfI"

t
J
roODS SANTOS FM.
l Ju,assic

t NO

I
i rria,sic

r KNOWN
I U

I
I P.,m,a" 101

L
Paso Ho"do Fm.
La Vai",lIa Fm. ehoch.1 Fo,melio"
SEDIMENTS

M.'amo,phic

II
Gruoere Fm.
Volca"ic Tedic Fo,metio"
U Memb., Inr'u ....

P.""s'I'­
..anian
SANTA ROSA GROUP
Rocb

I
L
! I Chauc';. S.,i••

I
f
r
;
I
Fig.ureS Generalised correlation of the stratigraphy of
part of Central America (after Bateson, 1972)
I( I
J=ROMBATESONc?r HALL (1977)
!!
t
!I
 • aa-30W

t MEXICO

I
I
I

.
,
,
. _ . _ . _ . _ . _ . _ . _ . _ . _ . ~

.,·-·'i
BELIZE
............ _ _ ! YUCATAN iPLATFORM
........
Jj~ I
.... 0
"
~~~G"" . ­ ,
o~~........ GUATEMALA'
, 01..0-_
" 8El..r--_
., ---... -­

/ Plunging axis 0,1 synclinorium

HONDURAS
\ .... =><
GUATEMALA '\
..,I'

oA. o
/ ', I i

_./
.'
J
o

'_ ., I 88~O'W
o 50

Figure 6 Regional structure of north Central America

, '

.f:
BATESON & HALL 119771

'. r·... ·
\ -..
,..' .
-!"
 PREVIOUS WORK

The earliest geological work done in Belize is that of Henry

f1:tcr{.. . . u. 'v"vv~~\'1
Fowler (1879) .. He made a crossing of the Maya Mountains where he

recorded the rocks encountered.

, 11\ \ ,< •
/'
/

In 1886, G.H. Wilson traversed some of the larger rivers in

Belize and in his report gave information on the rocks he

observed.

/~.~ {?[~~cl?
-- J. j
Sapper (1889)t) began a more detailed geological investigation of

Belize. He recognized metamorphosed and

l.9

fossilif~rous Paleozoic
sediments, which he did not distinguish as separate formations.

He also noted granites and found presence of alluvial tin and

gold.

L.H. Ower, government geologist, later produced the first

geological map of Belize in 1928 from surveys he carried out
I
f
between 1921 and 1926. He found tin in Belize and categorizes
all the Paleozoic sediments as Upper Carboniferous and the

. Plutonic
;- rocks as Permo-Carboniferous. He also made an attempt
to correlate the limestone, to which he gave an Oligocenre age,
with the Rio Dulce limestone of neighbouring Guate~ala. This
-at tempt, however, was proven wrong by G. Fl ore~~\ 'r, i~i1, a

~etroleum Geologist. who found the limestone of northern Belize

----'~
~ to be Cretaceous to Eocene in age.
 PREVIOUS WORK

The earliest geological work done in Belize is that of Henry

~t<'-r(:~ 't,,\V~~\'\
Fowler (1879). He made a crossing of the Maya Mountains where he

recorded the rocks encountered.

',Lt
:>-"! .
-: I

In 1886, G.H. Wilson traversed some of the larger rivers in

Belize and in his report gave information on the rocks he

observed.
1
/ ' 'rV\)' ~....---- J..) :v~
' r).·
',--1",l
(
C 'A.
7

Sapper (1889)C) began a more detailed geological investigation of

Belize. He recognized metamorphosed and fossiliferous Paleozoic

sediments, which he did not distinguish as separate formations.

He also noted granites and found presence of alluvial tin and

gold.

L.H. Ower, government geologist, later produced the first

geological map of Belize in 1928 from surveys he carried out

I
i
between 1921 and 1926. He found tin in Belize and categorizes
all the Paleozoic sediments as Upper Carboniferous and the

....
Plutonic
:/ rocks as Permo-Carboniferous. He also made an attempt
to correlate the limestone, to which he gave an Oligocenre age,
with the Rio Dulce limestone of neighbouring Guatemala. This
,attempt, however, was proven wrong by G. Fl ore~·~ "(' :il..;-st..;;, a '

/ ~etroleum Geologist, who found the limestone of northern Belize

.>:

to be Cretaceous to Eocene in age.

 The most comprehensive work done in southern Belize was by C.G.
Dixon from 1951 to 1955. He prepared a new geological map and

investigated the mineral potential of the area, as well as [) the

_ water resources. He was the first to note the presence of baryte

in a vein located in the Mountain Pine Ridge area.

Dixon (1956) divided the Paleozoic sediments into a pre-Upper

1\ /1
Pennsylvatian and an Upper Pennsylva~ian to Middle Permi~n. This
'-­

was based on a presumed angular unconformity between his older

Maya Series (compris~ ~ metamorphics: slates and quartzite) and

his younger Macal Series (compris~pf shales, sandstone, and

crinoidal limestone). He concluded that the granite is older

than the Macal Series (Dixon, 1955, p.1S). and that the porphyry
of the Bladen area intruded after the sedimentation. Therefore,

it must be younger than the Macal Series so he gave it a Middle

perIJ¥i'),n age.

Based on the orientation and distribution of mesoscopic

structures in the Mountain Pine Ridge, S.E. Kesle~, J.H. Bateson,
W.L. Gray, G.H. Cramer. and W.A. Simmons (1911), f;und that

Dixon's regional unconformity ~.~ not exist between the Maya and
i J
Macal Series. Additionally, they found evidence of two periods
j

of folding in Dixon's Maya Series in localized area next to

~ranite where extensive faulting has taken place.
 ~V\J~\}./:J

W•A• Simmons (1972) made a detailed stratigraphic study and a

geological map of the Mountain Pine Ridge and agreed with Kesler

~t.al. (1971)~~ single unit existed instead of, Dixon's two.

je also agreed that locally)crenulation has been superimposed on

the foliation due to granite intrusion.

Bateson and Hall (1977 p.3) from previous work (1971) also

disagreed with Dixon's subdivision of the Paleozoic Sediments.

Their disagreement was based on new palaeontological data and

radiometric dating of intrusive granitel and volcanics, along

with detailed structural analysis. They revised the nomenclature

of the Maya Mountain rocks by renaming the Bladen porphyryt) ~~

Bladen Volcanics and grouped this along with Dixon's Maya and

'Macal Series into the Santa Rosa Group. They correlated this

with the Santa Rosa Group of Guatemala. They concluded that

there was continuous sedimentation from at least the

Pennsylvanian to Mid-Permain and that the Bladen Volcanic Members

.1\
were probably extruded about the end of the pennsYlv,rian and
early part of the Permain.
-:»:

2-J
Bateson and Hall (1977) also contend/that the Maya Mountains
/I.

represent an uplifted fault block of pre-cretaceous basement,

geographically isolated from the larger areas of Paleozoic rocks

.in Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico. Also, from their geochemical ,
l '.rl"<.l
Survey data (1969-70), they believe~the Maya Mountains present
little hope of major economic mineral discoveries.

/7
- .~,
.., ­
'''':{-t~~';'''''~
~
 shipley(unpub. theses I 1978) studied the petrography,

geochemistry and Qeology of the Mountain Pine Ridge Batholith and

produced a geoloqical map. He found it to be comprised of five

- major granite phases and several dyke rocks. They are arranged

_ here in , chronolOqical order:­

'}
t-..(
:zcr.U1C)''';''''\
(1 ) Coarse grain to coarse porphyritic pink granite (390m.y.)
---. (l1t v

(2) Red-brown, inequigranula~ porphyr~ phaneritic quartz

\ .
monzonite (30 0m.y.)
Ift (,­
3) Tan (inequigranular\ porphyrr/ phaneritic muscovite granite
\~ )
(300 m. s . )
ad
Grey medium grain granodiorite (2 2 7 t 8m.,.)
(4)

(5) Triassic dacite dykes (201t 8m.y.)

j., \' e.j J

- ..Be also studied joint patternl in the batholith and believ~thern

to be attributed to the Triassic igneous-tectonic event that also

deformed the Santa Rosa Group. He also suggest! two source(of

t>. .~
- magma from geoch.mical data of samples analysed. These are:
---'

(1) Granitic - responsible for potassic - alkali intrusion

before Penn5ylvanian - Permain

(2) A less potassic Source - responsible for other granitic
,~ -p.

rocks that have intruded the Pennsylvanian-Permain Santa

Rosa Group.
~AndrewsJ-~ Jones (unpub. rep. 1981) declared that the granites of
the Maya Mountains were all derived by multiple intrusion from

the differentiation of a single parent magma source. These rocks

()
range from granites to diorites i1 composition and are
mineralogically diverse. Also, the granites are chemically very

similar and are characterized by high alumina and silica content.

C"~ .s'-0.,-1'":1
(j

J'Jo W.~Vltl''''- "f (jsA /.DNAC, Vo!U!......e­

p...F - l'\~ o..\,cu [,r..~~ 13 1k ~

/
Cjul "~f~ >t~,- L I~-c .......: ~~fs / w0 rZc.r
[,..~<. . 't" ;.,.. ~.~,~'--
I
I

• ....,..... 'l'"~. ~... • r ...

Chapter 3

3.1. PHOTOGEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION I

I
) ,-' i
Photo~graPhS the7'~~~~ o~t-udy
I
Ari observation of the aerial of I
/" :I
~revealed the presence of three lithological units0which
became immediately apparent) and a major fault which trend north­ I
II
east (Fig.7) I

The unit which occurs to the northwest of the area has a dark
.grey tone which see~1 to have resulted from a dense vegetation
'I
cover. It can be said to have an overall coarse texture with
about two steep r~~ which occurp on an otherwise flat
-topography. The drainage density in this area is low and an
interrupted drainage line is observed. The boundary of this unit
,\,7
with the other is relatively sharp. In the field, this unit was
found to be limestones. One of the steep hills is approximately

S28m above sea-level and the interrupted drainage line is where

the stream flowed through the Rio Frio Cave.

The unit which occupies most of the area has a lighter tone than
that of the limestone. This can be attributed to its less dense
vegetation cover. Its drainage density is much higher and its
lines are persistent. In the field this unit was found
/

20
... ~~,,..,_._--- ........ _ . - . . . . .- - - - - _. . . . . ~ ~~--:
_ _. . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . < -.

-,I>
 -
-s"
~
v
\/'II

I
!
I
I

t··

CD

•
21
 to be members of the Mountain Pine Ridge Batholith. The

prominent northeast trending fault passes through this unit. In

the aerial photographs/ it ~a9 o~rved as a raised topographic

...) i... ".-0. ~c...9
feature, almost like a ridge~ I t is- cut by a few valleys through
0L..<:>t '7
'---­
which drainage lines pass. The boundary between ~ and the

. final unit is sharp.

The final unit occurs to the east and south of the area. It is
b~s~ ~
most apparent in the aerial photographs ~ its rugged terrain,

which comprises ~ high ridges and steep gullies. Drainage lines

in this area are also persistent.

3.2. GEOMORPHOLOGY

RELIEF

The relief varies throughout the area. It seems to be related

directly to the underlying lithologies. The area of highest

relief is that of the metasediments. It consists of angular

peaks and ridges along with steep narrow stream valleys. The

areas underlain by granites are noted for ~ broad rounded

hills. The stream valleys are shallower and not as narrow.

Those areas underlain by limestone are marked by a sudden high
--':--c I (

relie£ri-' locally. _r~ topography is generally of a karstic nature

which results in the development of a few caves. The stream
'. ,alleys are shallow (Fig.8).

21
~ The topography of the area, viewed from the south~~st
on a ridge of the metasediments looking northwest.
4

23
 .DRAINAGE

The area is well drained by numerous streams which appear~ to be

initiated within the area due to its high elevation. Therefore,

a consequent flow results mainly in a northwesterly direction.

This direction of flow is attributed to the difference in

elevation between the southeast and northwest of the area (Plate

:4). VL<Lcr~ ~ ~ I.Q a_LNG ~<..;>~ \-,;, ~e.u -"" ~\(e$.~

The drainage network forms a dentritic pattern in both the I

, !

metasediments and the granites. However, in the limestone the Ii

. pattern is more of a trellis nature (Fig. 9). These streams all

flow into the Macal River, which is to the west and south of the

area. During the dry season most of the narrow tributaries are
)

.. dry. These stream1 courses are controlled by faulting and

jointing~in the area (Fig. 9). \{

;"t ",'
\ ....
\,-­ rL
~
\ .,\ b
f.,~\' ~ .t
\i'\~

\. (. ­
\~.J-

~
.,
 ~

I
!
f' .~ '. i

- - .. .;. ..... ---..

i
, _ .... --'
-'" r -­ .....
/
~. \ .­
,~
1
,
. .­
~ J ~

.,. \
.'
,/' / ~.
,
/" ./ ./
t ..-'

:'--::--... _.
.
/
)~ --­ -
.-'

• • _1 "'''',

.­
./ I

,t ",,-.

,
I \
'­ , - -. ­,

\
I
t
~

,,>'

.... f --­
,

•
 ·244i---­
I
-
\

:;,
.)
0,
:< Vl
-l,
,II j"!
::to",
~ ~l... 8
~
:;
L~ """
Li: e;­
i
'--..,; :} ~
"'"
<.::
..
-
~
'>; ~

..
"v
~
<.,

:E-­
o ~
<1\
"...I -0 0
::l \ ,\ ) ~ 3 lo­ lJ "tl
... g 0 c I .. _~ -\: V

~t
~
< :: i:-Q
~ CQ...:: ~
:<:
1-1 ~ 'J) 't .~

(' % ..!!
\­ . ,It,
,
I

~ ttf I
----~\) ct
,
I
I t~ u
V)
~j
 Chapter 4

ROCK UNITS

~l. INTRODUCTION

The stratigraphic sequence of the area is outlined in Fig.10. .

. ~ l)JL.u-
The actual age of these units were obtained from the literature.

However, no problem was encountered in determining the sequence

of the units. This is because evidence found in the field that

.showed the granites intruded the metasediments, therefore, it is

younger. The limestone rested unconformably on top of the

granites and shows no evidence of deformation. Therefore, it is

younger than the other two units which have been deformed.
I-
I ' L.. LI'
cl - .'

I o'
" r: .
i.J\ c
The formations of the area is shown
'r,i~ .. "'}(.( 1
in ;,Table
~ ~7) ~.tJ. .
I ~nd their

distribution can be seen in Plate I. The nomenclatures of the

units are the same as that used by previous authors except for

the granite porphyry which is part of the Mountain Pine Ridge

Batholith. Each unit will be discussed starting with the oldest.

The general lithology, distribution and contact type will be

discussed. A type section of the unit will then be discussed

followed by detailed petrography, a brief look at the structures

and finally a discussion on the age of the unit.

26
fABLE 1

TABLE OF FORMATION

SYSTEM SERIES FORMATIONS LITHOLOGY

lMesozoic Upper Limestone Crystallized-partially

Cretaceous crystallized limestone

(Unfossiliferous)

UNCONFORMITY

Early Mt. Pine Ridge Coarse-grained granite

Triassic Batholith muscovite granite

porphyry granite
,/

porphyry and

granodiorite
<;
~' I !
~
« ,"
-"
;.-\

Paleozoic Pennsyl. Santa Rosa Metasediments:

~ Permain Group quartzite and slates

~~ SANTA ROSA METASEDIMENTS/METAMORPHISM

o . .l--t"'':'::­
. The metasediments ¥ part of the Santa Rosa Group. It is the
nisme given by Bateson and Hall (1971) to Dixon's combined Maya

and Macal Series.

The metasediments outcrop to the south, south-west, east and

north-east of the area mapped. It is composed of quartzite and'(

elL re..- _ ..--­
slates. Locally, these ~an . be fonnd fol Lat ed, hQ~le'Je~, the

slates are more dominant. The overall thickness of this unit is

unknown. However, it is certain that it forms an intrusive

contact with the granites, even though the exact contact is

obscured. This intrusive contact is certain as there is evidence

for thermal metamorphism within this unit. It also appears to

h~e been greatly distorted by the intrusion causing it to be

/

refolded, upturned and deflected.

'~; 'J f\­
,.I~· I\, 1.~ .. .

:
A. type secti~curs at L.57 (Plat.e 1 Fig. 11). This shows a
l. ;I
quartzite/argillite sequence. The foliations are clearly seen

with the quartzite layer ranging from 8-16cm wide. The foliation
A

strike E-W and dip 28~S.

']~he quartzi te is grey in color and fine-grained. 'l'h-ey showl no

" , '"\
1
sedimentary structures. Th ~s section study shows rewelding and

suz ur Lnc of adjacent quartz grains. This indicates that this

.t
1,· /(".,/ <': c.'
area has been thermally metamorphosed (Fig.12).

28
 ; !j
, I

Ii
i
I~

'j
"

A type section showing quartzite/argillite sequence ~ ,i

li-gure 11. 1i! !
at L.57. Foliation strike E-W and dip 28°5.
•

"

.. ~
 ,I

I
Figure 11 Photomicrograph of quartzite from L.S? showing
suturing of quartz grains .
•

30
 {

'­
The argi!lite or slate found at this location is grey in color.

Two set of cleavages are noted on a mesoscopic scale. The first

,
~ is a slaty cleavage (51) and the other appears to be a result of

a micro-shearing (52). This will be discussed further in chapter

'/ ~
L-·
I
six.
•
In this

layers is noted.
section, the alternation of quartz-and mica-rich
----­
------- ".

I
I.. .
I­

Elsewhere, the effect of thermal metamorphism is also noted

f within the quartzites at L.ll, L.12, L.42, L.6S and L.47 (Fi~

, ~3). The slates found at L.33 and L.93 also show effect of

thermal metamorphism by having a porphyroblastic texture. These

t
1 have porphyrob1asth0f andalusite m~, namely chiastolite,

"orientated in random directions. These andalusite slates were

used to determine the width of the metamorphic aureole (Plate 1).

At L.44 and L.SS, thermal metamorphism is evident from the post-

tectonic growth of chloritoid crystals, oriented randomly, over

81 cleavages. These crystals are mostly weathered into dark

brown opaque substances iFi,.I". Cl" lJ}

~
"7
 'i'
Ii
1
I
.'
!
1. I

Fig'tlre 13 ?hotQmicrograph3 0f'}WL,:zi t e showing effect of

thermal :T\e+:3.ll'.r)~-~:l:''3m· not > snt uri nq effect and
t;:c_91·", jl,nc::' it ;:::-li:1:=:. ,a. T'a k e n f rcm L.42,
(b) Taken f r orn ':...58

32
 i
i, 1
I
I

Figure 14a Photomicrograph of andalusite (chiastolite) slate,

taken from 4 L . 3 3 ; A = andalusite

Figure 14b Photomicrograph of chloritoid slate from L.44. Note

concordance of internal and external cleavages.
- "--­ ~. LJ­
33
 ,I
l/
I.
I (
i
I '

REGIONAL METAMORPHISM AND ALTERATION

I
I,

outside the metamorphic aureole, the sediments are regionally r

,
I.
J !
metamorphosed to a low grade. Andrews-~ones (1981) believetthis
metamorphism was induced during the APpalfachian Orogeny, during
the late Permain to early Triassic period. The arenaceous
sediments developed sericite and chlorite intertistially between
.J

the quartz grains (Fi~ 15). The guartz grains are still ii
1
identifiable as clastic grains, indicating that they had not been
recrystallised, further supporting the low-grade nature of
:i

metamorphism. ; ,
1:

The argillaceous sediments developed a phyllitic schistosity due

,--
, - " " , - . """-- ... ,­
.... -; ----.
to the preferential orientation of platy minerals. These platy
minerals which developed as a result of low grade regional
metamorphism are sericitic mica, which occurs as minute laths;
pale-green, slightly pleochroic amorphous chlorite and iron

oxides. Very fine grains of quartz are also present, and it is

essentially alternating layers of these and the platy minerals
that produce the schistosity. (Fig. 16). From the minerals
/

d~eloped, this author believes and hence agree with previous

authors that the sediments have been regionally metamorphosed to
S
the greenschist faci~
;Figure 15 Photomicrograph ot regionally metamorphosed
quartzite at L. 63; q = quartz, ~ = matrix 11 , ,
Ii.'

I i
(sericite, chlorite, micas)

Figure l.§. Photomicrograph of regionally metamorphose slate from

L.49 showing foliation of quartz (Q) ~nd micas (M)
grains that produce the schistosity.

35
I
I

r_ ~ ~ __ ~ _ __ _ __ _ •• T _~.,
~part from the thermal metamorphism which affected the sediments
7
in the faulted region along the

sediments have also been affected by

Mahogany Creek
--
(Plate'l), these

a more intense alteration

which possibly had a hydrothermal origin. This resulted in

pyritization. Numerous pyrite crystals were found in a sample

. / r

taken from this region. This mineral was also identified in thir( ) j ~?
section (Fi~ 17). <"
I ,
. V' \
,,~'''';

~J:\~~tJ
DISCUSSION 'fi~.j~~\,{
~

-
This unit is believed to have been deposited in a large

!Ieugeosynclinal trough behind a volcanic island arc

regional

system,

contemperaneously with the Bladen Volcanic Members which outcrop

to the south of the area. Also to the south, limestones were

found interbedded with this unit. Fossils found in the

limestones such as brachipods, corals, crinoids, cephalopoda and .,,...

,,
forams gave the unit a Pennsylvanian to per~~ age, mainly '.• \L L

... =-- <,

Perm~in (Andrews-Jones 1981). The basically fine nature of this
'v
'",)(1. .
.---­
unit suggest'S that it has hee-B­ deposited in a low energy
h.

environment, possibly under calm deep water marine conditions,

't,

Tae quartzite component were probably deposited under slightly

higher energy environment.

36
 py~I~~
Figure 17
Photomicrograph of quartzite from L.ll showing
,ro.i,., (center). tct~, r
<it
\\... t'-r:"L,
'.,~\ ,S' .
~.
llt":-'
\
'\ .
\ ;.:­ Q··V·
·r,
A...~
 WW
is clear that this unit have heen regionally metamorphosed

before being thermally metamorphosed.

. .)
i: '."

,. \;' ,.
%BE MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE BATHOLITH l~ v-
. '

s
JII
,I,
This is a composite batholith that occupies more than one-half of I

I.; Ii
,I: l'
,

the area mapped. It is comprisei'.Q"f'" four different type of I. '0

1
intrusive rocks. These are: (1) Coarse-grained granite 1
i
(2) Granite Porphyry 1,·1;;

(3) Muscovite granite porphyry I! I

_and (4) Granodiorite -Tonalite ~I
~I
;I
!I
(j
pykes)as well as veins/are also present. These are mainly found i
;

in the granite-porphyry area.

I
:!

~hipley~ (1978) also mapped the composite batholith and found

four different rock types within the thesis area. However, he

t--R '{vIA');l-{ ~-l , j
I

I
used the classification of Travis (1955) to name the rocks. The

name given to these rocks are similar to those above, except for

the Granite Porphyry which he called Quartz-monzonite porphyry.

However, this author after carrying out modal analysis on samples

from the area. and using a more modern s-s ys t em , t-ne- lUGS, to
h~ G\ '----­
classify the rocks ~ decided to call ed i t l; grani te porphyry.

This is because the samples contain more than 20% quartz in both
"i
(')

the phenoqYst~and the groundmass. This; along with the ratio of

plagioclase to K-feldspars, classifies the samples as granites,

instead of quartz monzonitel(Table 2).

\(} 01­
38
 /c

d.-
, I .... ~

QQARSE - GRAINhGRANITE "

This unit outcrop to the north and north-east of the area. In

the NW it unc~OrmablY underlies the limestone and can be seen

outcropping within the streams. It forms a sharp faulted contact

with the metasediments in the NE. This contact is deduce~from

slickensides surfaces found in both granites and the

metasedi~ts taken from along this boundary. These granites are

also in contact with the granodiorites. However, due to poor

exposures within this area, the contact was not seen by this

author. Therefore, based on samples collected, an estimate was

made. Shipley (unpub. thesis 1978 p.1S) ) however, described this
e-,L,
contact as sharp with the granodiorites plo~~ssing a chilled
margin.

A typ~ section for this unit occurs at L.20 within the Rio Frio
(Fig. 18) . From here, it is evident that these granites outcrop

as massive bodies and are best exposed within the streams.

coarse nature can be seen on the surface and the presence of

joints trending mainly in a northeast and northwesterly

directions are readily observable. In some places/these joints

a~e infilled by quartz)producing veins with widths of up to 2cm.

',.'/J ,,\...

Although a
~
slight flow feature can be observed in this outcrop,

no preferred mineral lineation is observed on a mesocopic scale.

-
.,

.39
Photograph showing outcrop of coarse - grained
granite at L.2'O.

t'
.i."
~ "WI I,
}
~-'

.,
.''­

JI
:1 /\."
,' I
I:
:' :
This unit is pink in color and has a coarse grai~texture, with
~
-t
.grain size ranging from Smm to 20mm, 1he smaller grains being
~
the mafic~ (biotites).

Microscopically, the grains are subhedral. The major minerals

present are quartz 39%, K-feldspars (perthitic and orthoclase)

46%, plagioclase 13% and biotite 2%. Accessory minerals include

>~
,-:/'
pyrite and muscovite. "\~/
<: \}J--Ld'
.The plagioclase is ~ altered to sericite, alteration being
(

more prominent in the center of the crystal. The biotite present

~ IS
~ green in color and shows some alteration to chlorite.
w~
Graphic growth of quartz with both plagioclase and K-feldspars ~
c:L~
also noted, and few crystals of strained quartz ~ present (Fi~

19).

Within a tributary of the Rio Frio at L.24, a fine-grai~variety

of this unit, which is probably an aplite vein outcrops. The

:=.' ,vi- e.:
grain boundarie~ here are subhedral to euhedral. Its composition
===­
is similar to that of the unit. However, it contains less
-,-"' "
\ ~~
\ ..., '

quartz, more plagioclase and the granotypic intergrowth of quartz

. ~ ~~'./ ' ...... \.. "~"'._ ... '. ,J' _ '. '"
and feldspars a?~more prominent. The accessory mineral, pyrite,

is also more abundant (Fig. 20).

ttl
 1·

i.
I
I
II
1,1.°' °
I i
II
1°
'I

II
I;
iI .1
H

Figure 19 PhQtomicrograp~of coarse - grained granite from

(3.: L.:O ~nd:b) L.61 Q = q u a r tz. , p= pla-
.,
gioclase, B = biotite, K = k- feldspar.

I
 : i ~

Figure 20 Photomicrographs from L.24 showing graphic growth

of quartz and feldspars, suggesting that both
where crystallized together.

.. L' ··n,··· ... - -ttttfttf·"-··":'"c,~'-_. • J_'

 QIlANITE PORPHYRY

This unit outcrops to the southwest of the area. It ranges from

a medium-grained granite to a granite porphyry, variety. It forms

a sharp intrusive contact with the metasediments which outcrop

within the body and to the east of it. Evidence for the

, intrusive contact is noted by the metamorphic aureole that

Ii
r' Its contact with the granodiorite to the north was
surrounds it.
seen by this author and had to be inferred. However,

Shiple y@ (1978, p.19) again noted a chilled contact zone within

the granodiorite.
Ii
I:

I
The best exposures for the porphyritic variety outcrops within I
Vaqueros Creek at L.40 and First Creek at L.41)both around the I
-
San Luis area. The color of the groundmass of these rocks also

varies from a salt and pepper variety to pink-reddish brown. The

l
!
i
latter groundmass is richer in K-feldspars than plagioclose.

whereas in the former the opposite is true. It is porphyritic­

phaneritic. The groundmass is fine grained and anhedral. The

phenogysts are medium to coarse- grain/ and subhedral. The
Ii
'" 5
feldspar pheno'{ystj show1 twinning and zoning even on a mesoscopic
s-sale.
 00
\
The medium grai~ variety best outcrops at L.8 within the Mahogany

creek and at L.34 within the Mollejon Creek. Its color is off-

white to light pink. It is equigranular, phaneritic and tends to

show a slight E-lli~;~~~~t. ---­

The major minerals present ar~ quartz 34%, K-feldspar 32%,

plagioclase 29%, Biotite and

--/' .-- ~
opa~ues
.
5%.
lL- u­
~
strained quartz ~ noted in

pert~tic and plagioclase altered sericite.

--
'r.so
Alteratio~again is most prominent at the center of the crystal.

The biotite present is being-!~:~~~lY pse':-domorp~bY chlorite.

~ ..L4

Hydrothermally altered crushed granite and hydrothermal quartz II

veins are noted at L.42 and L.45, L.46 and L.479 respectively.

This hydrothermally altered crushed grani te shows I~-ef fect) of

shearing by having elongated strained grains of quartz with fluid

inclusions. There is also a preferred orientation and I

M(,. ca.r"J;' -J!J,IY'::c.'i",<­

accumulation of maficsLsuch
I
-
---_._
as tourmaline.
-- _,----- . ..
. ~~-
Also feldspars have
..
..
~.-
-,- _
-f:= fY 4 11:

been completely broken down, due to chemical reactions with

hydrothermal fluids, to produce softer minerals such as clays

giving the rock a friable, porous nature. Hydrothermal quartz

veins with fib~OUS growth are as wide as 40cm. A typical

outcrop is shown in Fig. 21 and the nature of its texture in Fig.

22.

'. :<.Ih
 I
I
I
I

il
!~
j i
II

I~
I
1
:'il
~ :i

! :','Ii
i
i'
,"'l,~! :

.
,".
l.
,
I
I, '
!i' .
Figure l.l A typical outcrop of quartz vein around the Mahogany I'",
;
Creek. Vein trend N30·W at L.45.
 ,
.. '""
,
•
-.
.. t..
.". , .
~

~ .
........ ~..
~.

II". ..•.' ~

sno':,-Ji:lg ~_";.e fibreous gJ:'owth of a typical

figure 22 PhotogJ:'aph
ou.a;:t.: v e i n . T'r-i' wa3 taken f;:om L.56.

•
HYSCOVITE - GRANITE PORPHYRY

~.

This unit outcrops as a separate body in the SE of the area. It

:)t1w~
forms a~faulted contact with the metasediments~ therefore, it is

s-harP·

The best exposure for this unit was found along Little Granite

Basin at L.50, and even here it is highly weathered and friable.

The rock is off-white in color an~ is inequigranular porphyritic­

pnaneritic. The grains~r~~dral in shape~ ~he groundmass

.
being medium-grained (Fig. 23)

The minerals present are quartz 25%. K-feldspar 46%, Plagioclase

<:f

9.1%, ~uscovite 9%, ~iotite and opa1des 11%.

Quartz is present in both a strainedja recrystallized form. The

dominant K-feldspar is perthite and plagioclase is almost

completely sericitized (Fig. 24) . The effect of dynamic

metamorphism is obvious within the muscovite and biotite crystals

which have been kinked. Deformational twinning is also developed ';

, !

within the feldspars. This is discussed further in Chapter 5. , ,

 .,h.
"i

i
;1
/i

/I
I,I'! .
II
IIii, Ii
.j
'I
;1

,I

j
I
l~igure n Photograph of muscovite granite porphyry from L.SO.
 !
II i
r
Ii '
I'
I, I'II i
II'
I
: I'
"I
II /: i::
I '
I r
~. .,~4-', C'.L­ I I!i i
i ~.ii1 i
,.,u..t- P~!. tty i.

I'
l
I
i . ,fl!
I ,

I
r:
i I
IiI
il

11'
I'
III
l' :\
I
!~
II'I.
I· ;'
1

1 iU
'J' II
'.' f'

Figure 24 Photomicrographs of muscovite granite porphyry.

S : sericitize plagioclase, Mu = mucovite, r,/.i.' 1(., _." ~.
\'
q =quartz
Wc,:.J.J ~
'I
"
.~ ~ ~ I' a.J.- ,..
,. i i -
1"...'u.....,
r

Ii

so
~~-------'----------,.­ n
r
,
H
~

GRANODIORITE
, I

The granodiorite outcrop~in the central part of the area. It

forms a sharp contact with the metasediments to the south and

I
east, and is reported by Shipley, (1978) as mentioned earlier, to I .!
form a chilled zone

g~nites and the

near

gran)?e
its contact

porphyry.
with the coarse-grained

Evidence of its intrusive

,I
~olith
nature is noted by
L.70.
which is
Also, the metasediments surrounding it have been thermally

metamorphosed. This unit grades into

incorporated

tonalite as it nears its

in it at
I
t

margins.

~.
A type section can be seen at L.27 in the Rio On stream to the
-
north of the bridge. The rock is black and white in color and is
"7 i
I!
equigranular phaneritic. It is medium grained, anhedral to , ,
,.-/
subhedral (Fig. 25)
-,I ~

/. (
"i\~'t'i ,v~I,·.J J !

\. '} \
" "
, \\:....
/""
I >

The major granodiorite minerals are quartz 28%, K-feldspar 17%, '­

Plagioclase 43% and Biotite 12%. The major tonalite minerals are
~ =..' ­
quartz 40%, K-feldspars 3%, Plagioclase 40% and Biotite 17%. The
:1' ~

accessory minerals present are muscovite, pyrite and tourmaline.

·~l~·LJ
..-._­
;

,-.
d.H\;W 7 ~

51
. _ .... _- -- -------_ -
.... ~
- .
 t u

Ii: ;
!j.

~ I
;
; ,

I
i'
,i

,I
1

'3. :. '_.:;1 .., ':' and

~
.' ' ....... " :
\~)~.J~.
r­ '"'
'.I.
__
-:­
-.....-~ __ • ~ J,­ ......
·-idClJ..~,
:­ • e
s.,:>z.'.-'::-";;­
~ - . ,' ., . .
~-""~"_.--'-
1 as e ,•
M = rru ':: r C) <:: II D to': 13 :: ::; 1 : t-" ~.;,

52
Thin section studies have shown some strained quartz. The
plagioclase in most cases are completely altered and microAine is

th~ dominant K-feldspar present. Both green and brown pleochroic

biotite are present.

Of interest is the granodiorite which ou~rops at L.ss. It shows

an incl ined foliation, The feliati~ resulting from an

'.0-..... ~-, '._'

alternation of quartzofeldspa~ic and mafic layers. The quartzo­

feldspatic bands show~ strain features by forming boudinage ir

structures on a mesocopic scale. (Fig.26).

Hydrothermal alteration and veins are also noted within this

uai t , The altered rock occurs at L.72 and is similar to that

which occurs at L.42. However, the quartz grains are smaller,

medium grained, indicating that its original texture was not

porphyritic. A vein occurs at L.69 and a small hill of milky

I
quartz, approximately sm in length is exposed at L.48. Again, I
I
1
I'
these hydrothermal alterations are associated with the faulted :'

areas.

D.Ac I TE DYKE

Th~s outcrop at L.Ss along the San Luis Road. It is dark grey in
Color and has a porphyritic aphanitic texture. The groundmass
makes up approximately 50% of the rock and according to Shipley

it is a felsic intergrowth of quartz, biotite and feldspar.

 !'

",

_S,kd <h: -showirJ9-.-ir:dmed__­

-
JoJia+JoIL~f_9~&l1lafDo-we hOM
_L· 5~__ ,Nofe_bou..dillog.e £eatYf.f:. _ tuF SL.....",... ,-,---~_LJ__
The phenocrysts are coarse -grained ranging in size from 5mm to

12mm.
';JW
.::-. is
*"
comp r Ls ed ¢" quartz and whi te orthoclase crystals
which are subhedral in shape.
~ ,

~{c' ,.Le-v

has been dated by K/Ar method at 201+ 8 million years.

/' f L
I
This unit
Therefore, it is reported as the youngest intrusive

batholith by Shipley (unpub. thesis 1978, p.26)

-
place in the

DISCUSSION
The Mountain Pine Ridge Batholith which contained the four major
units mentioned above is believed to have resulted from a single

phase of activity during the Permo-Triassic orogeny (Andrews-

Jones, unpub. rep. 1981, p.19) . Rb/Sr age dates for the batholith
was found by Bateson and Hall, 1977 to be Devonian (390m.y.) and

Pennsylvanian (280-300m.y.). However, due to lack of field

- dates
eVidenc~9 for it being older than the metasediment~ these !.,."I,
I,.,!.
~.
p..' ',

~ere discredited by their authors.

"". ,
,,.(~<-""" .
£! r- 1,
• ,r ..
,';...... ~-'

//

A more reliable K/Ar ag~at-=~. have._~.ated the intrusive activity

as being around 225 million years, which placejit in the early

Triassic. From field evidence found by Shipley, (1978), the

granodiorite, showing a chilled zone, was the final intrusive

phase from the multiple intrusive phases which made up the

M~untain Pine Ridge Batholith found within the area mapped. The
--­
.. , .".~

str~ural -/'
feature/of
, the batholith ~ discussed in detail in
~,

Chapter Six.

ss
-- - - - ... -­
 -
CRETACEOUS LIMESTONE

The limestone outcrop to the northwest of the area and lies

unconformably over the coarse-grained granites at an elevation of

about 440m.
conveniently used as a
-
Its highest point is approximately S28m and this is

fire-lookout point. Its unconformable

contact with the granites is seen clearly at the exit of the Rio

Frio Cave at L.SO (Fig. 27). This cave is also :--ty~' section
;' for the limestone unit.

Nl

rsz:»
/ ~ -- »: »:
",.,
,U,.J
!crl-' I

The limestones here are crystallized and unfossiliferous (Fig. ~..) e.-1''­

28) . They outcrop as distinct horizontal beds ranging from 30cm _c;t......... c.r hi
D(' \~ IV'"
to 70cm in thickness (Fi~ 29). Present within the cave also are
e.:
hug~ stalactites and stalagmites along with a few pillars.

Elsewhere, the horizontal beds of the limestone are not seen as

r;

clearly due to overgrowth. However, samples taken also show .' -;",,'r,
these to be crystallized or in some areas such as L.22 only

partly ~rystallized (Fig. 30). A.t this location the limestone has
a chalky appearance. These samples are also unfossiliferous.

-. ( ., ,
, , r-.
-,,- i -, --, ,I ... ; ...
.: . '-( : I': f •.: ­
 I
!.
j
, .
;

~igure 27 D~otograph showing the heterolytic unconformity at

L.38 between the coarse-grained granite and the
limestone.

., ! /
. >..,.\Y

1­
,

'i
I.
I'
,
;'i
.
I
:

'II
57
- , ~ ... "" .---_.-.~"---- ""'''. .. - _. , f
 Figure 30 Photomiccograph of limestone that nas been !?ar-tially
re~ryst31li~ed; ~ake~ ~~Gm L.=:. \
,~

1IIrz
bo
- ............._
. ;
,

,.
J
",j"
'.1.1
. 'J .
1
 ~
I

Another smaller cave, with a height of about Sm and a width of

about 12m is present at L.37. The width of the cave decreases as
presen .1.11~ ~.L.l""
........ _... ~
__ _ __

IS
sequence (Fig.31). Limestonep ~robably dissolved from within

the cave and reprecipitated in this area, as the stream is very

shallow. Not all the granites were covered directly by the calc

tufa, but instead, were covered first by a deposij' of mud. This

suggest that at some time, probably during the dry season, there

had been a decrease in the energy level of the stream, causing

the deposition and reprecipitation of limestone, forming the calc

tufa on top. This calc tufa also infilled fissures within the
granites which it capped. This was noted on both a mesoscopic

and microscopic scale.

DISCUSSION

The limestone has been dated as Upper Cretaceous using data

collected by Flores in 1952 and fossils collected by DixonL1956

to the South of the Maya Mountain. The fossils were identified

by Dr. Bonnimann and R.J. Macaulay. They identified the

following: <;;osinella Oligoste~ina- sp, Dicyclia_~p, along

Sl?, -._----_.------ - _.~_._~- ­

with miliolids. molltac fragments and algae (Bateson and Hall

1976, p.28).

~I

- - - ·1 • _ ... .. _ _ .... _

, I
 Ii
'I
'I
'I
I

Ii\i
,I
I
"
I'

I'
i

:
I,

,i
,
,

'I
.
, ~tepped sequence a t it
~

) L u.:5. Note,
c cv e r i n c .3. log in the lcwer s:hc:~~graph.

•
 These are regional, thermal ana uyu ......... ­ ...- . -... --,.----­
c
Rosa Group in the area ha~ experienced all three, whereas, the

granites have only been dynamically metamorphosed.

C:;RAN'1f Sv-/h.~
The regional and contact metamorphism of the Santa Rosa Group was I'
d
discussed in Chapter Four while describing the unit. Therefore,

in this chapter the emphasis will be on the dynamic metamorphism

(I..,fe­
which affected the area. The effects of this metamorphism ~ -------­

concentrated around the two major faults of the area, the north­

east trending Cooma Cairn Fault and the northwest trending fault

that borders the muscovite granite porphyry (Fig. 32). The cata­

clas~c effect is more intense within the fault zone, with the

granite altering to mylonite. Away from the fault zone the .:-,
.>r ,..J;..J\
..
UV-'

~
J ,/

granites show the effect of simple alteration and deformation. thL !"'+'-'
j

For the purpose of this discussion the granites and the

metasediments will be classified into three zones. These are:

\~?~~
Zone 1 This is characterized by slight deformation and

alteration of the minerals. The samples observed

are those found at L.B and L.35.

i

, ,, ,
I

/
/
/

o
~
IkM

MClP showing locaiion of

so.mples away from fau.lt

zone
 Zone 3 - Here the strongest deformation and alteration

effects are observed. This resulted in the

formation of a mylonite. This sample was found at

;":
il
L .10. i
I
~ l
II
Zone 1 I

T!le samples taken from this zone are approximately 1.25 and 2km ?
I
I

I
measured perpendicularly, away from the fault. These have all

been classified as members of the granite porphyry group. The

major minerals present are quartz, perthitic K-feldspars,

plagioclase and biotite. Muscovite is present as an accessor~

rriineral .

The main alteration within this zone is noted within the

plagioclase. The plagioclase is being sericitized into very fine

grains, with its outer rim still intact (Fig. 33). Biotite is

also being altered to chlorite.

 ~
T~e deformational features within this zone W noted wi thin the
~..e ~
feldspars. Th~ ~ observed in thin section studies. At L.a,
the plagioclase shows deformational kink band (Fi~ 34) and at

L.35 deformational twinning is observed within the K-feldspars:

strained features are observed within the quartz.

Under thin section studies, epidote is noted in the sample

collected from L.35. However, it does not appear to be an
alteration product but appears to be confined to a vein type

arrangement. Probably a fracture zone.

Zone 2
The samples taken from this zone are found in a O.5km range, ;.:

measured perpendicularly, away from the faults. These samples

are from both the Santa Rosa Group and the granites. The granite
~amples from this zone have been classified as granite porphyry,

granodiorite and muscovite granite porphyry. That from the Santa

Rosa Group is classified as a quartzite. As a result, the

mineralogy of the granites within this zone varies. Their

c;.
mineralogy ha~ been discussed in Chapter F~ur.

The alteration within this zone is also noted within

feldspars. Both alkali feldspars and plagioclase have been
altered to clay minerals· and micas. At L.42, all the feldspars
-
have been altered. Some of the quartz crystals have been

r ec r ys t a l l i zed) whereasc0 others show a straining effect. It is

-possible that hydrothermal fluids also aided in the alteration of

67
- ~ - ' - - ~ --­
 -.
;his sample (Fig.35). The plagioclase within the sample at L.SS

nav~ almo~en completely sericitized into small grains.

Locally/the grains are slightly larges appearing as mica flakes
(Fi~ 36). At L.SO the alteration of plagioclase has progressed

further than that at L.S~ as the mica grains (muscovite) within

the plagioclase are larger. These grains are
-----------_ ---
also
trying to
I
align themselves.
twinning
, .... / - ......----­of
This
plagioclase (Fi~
~..........
alignment is
2lf) . Locall y,
.........
most pronounced along the
quartz is

recrystallized.
I
:1;
j

ME7At ~£DJI0£1V TS - ~,I...u II' (' I ii'

.. -

Iii
...,--~.'-~ ,~,_.,--.

Within the quartzite of the Santa Rosa Group, muscovite along

Ii
I' ;
with associated chlorite have developed between the quartz grains Iii
~ I:!.
1
where the matrices once were. The quartz grains are mostly I .,
; ii
sutured together (Fig. 17), Locall~ larger grains of muscovite and : I,
~QUe...
chlorite ~ accumulated, t-e~ethel. Pyrite is also found in
a~undance here and is believed to be a hydrothermal alteration
pJ:.:oduct.

I
-1J
The deformational features within this zone are noted within both
micas and feldspars. The most pronounced deformation is noted
Within the sample found at L.SO. Here, the muscovites are bent,
forming kinked bands, kinked folds and box folds. They are also
curved (Fig. 2.,+). The feldspars are also bent and deformational
tWinning has also developed within them. At L.SS, the
deformational feature is most noted within the micas which are
Curved and bent (Fig. 36). This is also noted within the
.
~.
mUScovites of the quartzite.
'f
 i
~

~~
ru
i,
I p

Jr~ 35 Photomicrograph of granite from L.42 showing the

complete alteration of feldspars to clay minerals
and micas. Q =quartz and A = altered feldspars.

iI .

,;
I,
,.

70

,
 zone 3

0-"'­
. v
This sample ~ taken from the fault zone. It has been classified
~ a mylonite and can
/ be called a quart~ mica schist. The
~ ~

original rock is believed to be a granite porphyry.

~1"",II~
This
..
intense

feldspar~
-­ sample

)
has been

recrystallization.

have
completely
All
8
the

been altered to sericite and chlorite.

and
plagioclase
.z: and
undergone
alkali

The quartz

occurs in lensoid aggregates and exhibits strain features such as

deformational bands and lamfllae.

e­

,,~ ,~
The entire rock has been deformed. The quartz ha¥e ~ulat~~
to form an auges structure and the micas are foliated around it

..(Fig.37).
b f .• .: '_I..-;n.~
The result is a cohesive foliated fault

IS
"
rock:~

'--- .1<--J-
It is evident that the Cooma Cairn Fault was a major fault, in

that, it has produced deformational effect in the granites as far

as two kilometers away. Those directly within the fault zone

have undergone intense recrystallization and deformation, so much

so that all the feldspars have been completely altered and their

alteration product foliated, producing a mylonite. The rocks

affected by this fault show various stages of dynamic
m~tamorphism between its point of strongest intensity (Zone 3)

and that of weakest intensity (Zone 1). The effect of dynamic

) k~~,
"~tamorphisrn is baBt seen in the granites than in the quartzites.
 chapter 6
STRUCTURES

WTRODUCTION

.../ ()..<V
f(The structural features w~J.hin the area ~ probably associated
l.with that of the Caribbean region. Since Belize is located on
the North American Plate near its boundary with the Caribbean
plate, the Motagua and Chixoy-Polochic Fault system which forms
the boundary with these two plates is believed to greatly affect
the tectonics of the area and Belize in general.

J
H
- Ii
Regionally, the area is believed to be a part of the landward :;
"

e~tension of the Cayman-Misteriosa Ridge, bordered by a Northern / ~

and Southern Boundary Fault zone. Both fault zones were reported

by DiXO~~195~ as being [normal fault zone. However, other

authors who have worked on the Bladen Volcanic members which
" p
outcro~~d near the Southern Boundary Faults believe that a left-
lateral component is also associated with these faults (Andrews-
.s->
Jones, 1981, p.1S). It ~ also suggested that conjugate fault
~
system/ and cross fractures developed in response to such
movements producing northwest and northeast trending faults (Fig
~9). The major faults within the study area are likely to be
parts of these conjugate fault systems. Bateson and Hall ~97~
'---­

have found that the area enclosed by the Northern and Southern
S
B6undary Fault is a major synclinorium which trendiN700E and dip
gently 10 0 t o the West.
-e-:
 ,
5

figure 38 FAULTS IN THE MAYA MOUNTAIN

In this respect, the area will be divided into three blocks based

on the lithogies present and the structural feature for each will
be discussed. In general faults, folds, foliation, joints and
/

cleavages are present. (Plate 1 )

METASEDIMENTS;

This unit within the thesis area can be said to be one in which

polyphase deformation has occur~d, as at least two episodes of

deformation are noted. This unit is foliated (Fig 3Q). A

stereonet plot of poles to foliations can be seen in Fig 40.

These poles tend to concentrate along a great circle which

indicates that a fold is present. From this plot, the fold axis
was found to trend in a direction 134 0 and plunge 40· This
orientation does not conform with Bateson and Hall's major
synclinomium. However, the discrepancy here is probably due to
the nearness of the metasediments mapped, to granites. This
~ I
1 ~
tends to conferm/Bateson and Hall and other aiIthor'--s~elieft that
I/'
the forceful intrusion of the granites ~greatly disturbed the
-tt. Q ","­
sediments; causing ~ to be refolded, upturned and deflected away

from the granite bodies. This deflection is clearly seen on

~where the foliations can be seen dipping away from the
,granites.

76
 :Ii

Photograph showing foliated nature of metasediments.

Foliation strike N200 E and dip 4S oSE. ~
i
\ .-­

77
 pt'!.r I 'I. Ill" l!.1l.

:-t

yJt~ ~

"'

'I

,.
.,
>

/ .'­
.,
EI

'"

,'"
-,
<r
,,~
..
'"
" ~

QJ
-cI
--t-.
\
1
 .s
The - foliatio~ mapped by this author are first order
surfaces (51). This is evident on a mesoscopic sea e on
collected at L.49. Here the original bedding surfaces
folded producing first fold, (F1). This F1 fold can be
described as a close fold as the interlimb angle of the anticline
D - "D 7')
and syncline are 40 and 70 respectively . . This folding resulted
in the development of axial plane cleavages, 51. The
intersection of 50 and 51 produced a lineation (L1). This
lineation is inclined) indicating that the fold is plunging.
81 cleavages produced are domainal with the preferred orientation
of quartz I micas and opaques. (Fig. ~/) .

~
c.
r
it Zfsewhere at L. 11 & L. 90 evidence for the second episode of
d~formation is seen. This deformation is in the form of kinked 4l> Ii e..t- ,,<;..,
microfolds and microshears of the 51 cleavages producing a
]tl.~
second or~r'
~~~
cleavage, (52). These 52 cleavages are seen on
both a mesoscopic and microscopic scale. These. however, do~

not appear to be pervasive. (Fig. 42). Thin section study of the

S
sample taken from L. 17 ha~ shown that micas also developed
C/Se.
preferentially along the 52 cleavages. On a larger scale, th~
~((,-
two episode/of deformation ~ noted in Fig 43.
I'

This complex deformation is also believed to be as a result of

/ / ['!L~I tt~
[, r~ulting. If this is the case. then this is field evidence for
;... ydJrY­
~'.
{ the Northeast trending fault that cuts the metasediments and acts . r. h1d£
part of its border with the granites. (Platel). Field ,ItC! s~-iL- f

·.Vidence for this fault is also noted by the presence of

19
 0(

7'*'t

-"-, --------j

Figure .Ii I.

, r
~X1'1QiJo.tL._Noi~ 1:f~ym7'-'r:} / ighl
Ii
r
I­
-D..'fJd__ -daJr._k band= I
, j

I:
I
!,
 .!

Ii:,
,

, ,
'I,

I~
P~otomicrograph of slate taken from L.1? showingIll"" :
,
I I',
I
I

52 cleavages superimposed on 51 cleavages ,

1
(alter:1ating quartz and mica layers).
q = quartz; m = micas; 52 = second order :;l\~'
,:; 1 eavages and 81 = first order cleavages.

II I
I I
I II

'I
I ! il
il. ij
, ;I

~
ll :1

!
I
. . 'I
," ;,'

8/
t 2
...- .
-'
'- _-..­
...... ... - -
~ ~ ­
 J~-

• .r. .
~~,
F.igure 43 outcrop at L.30 showing two episodes
~,drothermal quartz veins. At L.29, metasediments were found

incorporated in quartz. The major faults that affect this unit

~re mostly located along its border with the granites.

~he few joints measured within this unit trend N2SoE- NSOoE and

A few were trending in an eastwesterly

direction. These joints are dilational and)like those in the

granites;are vertical. A few however, dip very steeply at more

than 7 So.

MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE BATHOLITH

Shear zon~ mark the presence of faults is this unit.

Y\.
"with the major northeast trending faults are mylonite and

foliation. This fault is referred to by DixonO~9s~as the Cooma

-Cairn Fault. He also described it as the eastern and southern

limit to the Mountain Pine Ridge batholith. However, from Plate

I it can be seen that this is not so. Instead) it cuts across

~ost of the batholith except for a small area in the southeast

where it forms a southeast boundary. Dixon also mentioned that

~his fault crosses the Macal River by Guacamallo and continues on

into Guatemala.

~he shear zone along this fault is essentially obscured, except

for a ductile shear zone noted along the traverse of the Mahogany
~reek at L.q. This was found to trend N6S-E, (Fig 4~). Further

along the traverse at L.IO a cohesive foliated fault rock of

 '7'1
M
, /
"I
.... 1
, I
I '" I
-, "-
,'"
\ " /

\. , " '-
"- I
/
I
I G Y-Qtli+! , /
I

"- ~
/
\
I
I
I
!
it

," I
/
, \
I;
, I
I
/
/"
....

-~.
'" /
\
-~ "
"-
/
\
&rq.. .ife
\ I
\ ~?
I
, ...... ...... l"
- " <, 'i

\
"
/ J ,
, -
I I" \ '\

;' ...
\
/ .. ..... /
I:
;'
i
\ .... '" / ......
;'
i
.... ...
I \
'"
""­

\ '
1:

,.,.----
~ ----------------_ ... ... _-_.-._­ .... _-----~'"'

~ - - -
,hyilonite series is found. It is mica and chlorite rich and has
~~SilkY appearance of phyllite. It has been identified as a

.ylpnite and was discussed in Chapter 5. Another sample taken

from this area has slickensides on two surfaces. This suggestf

that this fault has been active at least more than once. From

its orientation, the slickenside surfaces suggest a left lateral

strike-slip and reverse dip-slip movements. 2:s "s~> /

~
~ ~~(~~
f~ ~'f~
ltV->
Apart from shearing, hydrothermal alteration and hydrothermal
Hi"u,tl~

veins are also found along the fault zone within the

the vicinity of the Mahogany Creek.

granites in iM
Foliation within the granodiorite at L. 55 in the northeast of
the area is also associated with this fault and another which
trends eastwest (Fig. 45). A sample taken from this locality
shows a gneissic foliation with crude banding of quartzo­

feldspathic and mafic segregates.

Deformation here is also seen within the mafics, (Fig.3').

The shear zone which results from the northwest trending fault

that borders the muscovite granite in the southeast is evident

from the deformation within the muscovite crystals. This was :1
1-\
, ,
observed in thin section, the muscovite possessing polyclinal

kink bands with the development of opaques along their cleavages

(Fig.2~. This fault zone is also hydrothermally altered and :!

ij
hydrQthermal quartz veins are also noted. m~r~.
M.W~ \1

I
8S
 c:
The most prominent str~ural feature within the batholith are
joints~ These joints are dilational and for the mo~t part
vertical (Fig. 47) A stereoplot of poles to these joint planes
shows that'these trend basically in two directions, N30· E to NSS·
(~tIHJ
E and N28·W to N40·W~ .Both joint trends are ~ominant in any

one outcrop. However, there is an exception at L. ~Q? where the

granite exhibits joints trending in three different directions.
Locally, some of these joints are infilled by quartz forming

veins (Fig. 48).

LIMESTONE ~ Stl
. !ot~\' J~
/ ~
~~~~~~~hesis area the zimestone mapped appears to be
i~tructureles~: None of the str~ural features as evident in the
-
other units were found. However, Dixon who mapped a larger area
of this unit reported a slight dip of approximately 5° in a NW j
"

direction to the southeast of Cayo and a gentler dip in a sw

direction to the east of Guacamallo. This would suggest that it
was slightly folded or faulted.

i ;:
I ~
i !

- _~_- ~

I
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 ,i,

~~ional Tectonics
,
l

The faults within the thesis area trend! east-west,

Dortheast, and northwest. These conformf. with the trend of faults
throughout the Maya Mountain region (Fig.J'). These faults were
probablY developed due to strike-slip movements along the main
faults of the northern and southern boundaries. Left lateral
~..
~0.-9
t .wei:"'S""
~' lDovemen reported along the southern boundary ( Andrews ­
~.
~ Jones, 1981, p.IS). Dixon, who mapped the northern faults in 1956 )

" reported mainly normal faults. However/he mentioned the presence

~;
~~.of sheared rocks along this boundary. Therefore/since both
!i.
t i'
; boundary fault zones have a strike-slip component, the faults
, developed in the Maya Mountains conforms to McClay (1987)
regional strain ellipse (Fig.~,). The Cooma Cairn fault then !
w~uld be an example of the Riedel Shear system. 111

The left lateral strike-slip movement0 which occur! II

along the Southern Boundary Fault zone, is probably directly
Ii
II
11
r~lated to strain which results from movements along the North i!
i
American and Caribbean Plates. This movement is also left lateral
~~
and ~been reported to occur along both Montagua and Chixoy ­ ,
"! !

Polochic fault zones, which is the boundary between these two

plates. It is also believed that future work along the Jocotan ­
Chamelecon fault zone will show evidence of active left-slip
faUlting (Schwartz et aI, 1979, P.440-441),(F~.50).

;1
u
II

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 /~
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andf~ .. synfh~~.
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Chapter 7

SPECIAL PROJECT

JjTRODUCTION

Happing the Mountain Pine Ridge Batholith has revealed its

composite nature. As a result, a special project was designed to
determine the mineralogical varieties and hence the compositional
varieties of this batholith.

The result can be seen on Plate 1. However, the actual boundary

had to be estimated as the best exposures of these granites occur
mainly in the streams and these streams are generally covered by
dense overgrowth which makes them inaccessible.

METHODOLOGY

The batholith was traversed and samples were collected. The

localities of these samples were noted clearly on the Map, (Plate
J). These samples were studied on both a mesoscopic and
microscopic scale.
 · ~
be ha!d specimens were studies carefully in order to provide a
../

iel d name. The procedure outlined in Th~e and Brown (1985)

'as - followed. Basically this involved taking notes of the

:ollowing:

(1) colour - The samples were placed into one of the following
groups based on its estimated total percentage of
M'" ~-.J..P
mafic~h leucocratic (0-33\), mesocratic (34-66\)
and melanocratic (67-100\)

(2) Texture, grain size and fabric:- On the basis of grain size
the samples were categorized as fine-grained
, . (where mean grain size is less than lmm);
medium-grained (l-5mrn) and coarse-grained (greater
than Smm). On the basis of fabric the shape of
the crystals were noted, as well as, their
relationship to one another.

t1
and (3) Miner~logy - Here, where possible the major minerals were
identified using Thorpe and Brown's Table 4.6
;: \
to~~d Qn~pages 38-4V.

An estimate was made, as a percentage, of the volume of the rock

OCCUPied by each identified mineral. Using this and the other
Observed characteristics of the rocks a field name was given
based on the above authors Fig 4.7 found an~age 4~.
 work in the laboratory was carried out on some of the

.amples by the preparation of thin sections. To better aid in

the identification of the minerals and the classification of the

.&lftples, these thin sections were stained and modally analysed.

were stained for K-feldspar using the method outlined by

Butchinson (1974) on page 19 of his handbook. They were modally

analysed using a polarizing microscope and an automatic point

counter stage unit which was attached to its stage. This unit is
I~
accompanied by an electronically controlL box with seven non-
resetting counters. The samples were then classified and named

~s~on the positions they occupy in the QAP triangle put forward
by lUGS in 1973. The QAP tr~ngle was used because the rocks
contained less than 90\ mafics and quartz, alkali feldspar and

plagioclase made up to light coloured constituents which were

recalculated to total 100\.

RESULTS

The results of the modal analysis can be found in Appendix 1 and

Table 2. A plot of samples on the QAP triangle is shown in Fig.~1

Based on the plot, texture and associated essential minerals, the

samples were grouped into four units and named as follows:

(1) Coarse-grained granite

(2) Muscovite granite porphyry

(3) Granite porphyry

(4) Granodiorite - Tonalite

"
 TABLE 2
;J.';

V·~':
~J~' *
> J'~

~"~:-~"
fJgIMT COUNTING pETERMINATION OF MODAL PERCENTAGE OF CONSTITUENT
~
liBERALS OF THE MOUNTAIN PINE RIDGE GRANITES

sample No. Rock Type K-Spar Plag Qtz Bio/Opq Mus

rS-20 C.Granite 50 12 37 1

rS-18 C.Granite 43 9 46 2

PS-19 Granite 46 19 34 0.5 0.5

rS-48 C.Granite 39 11 46 4

FS-22 Granodiorite 21 42 28 9

FS-44 Granodiorite 13 44 28 15

FS-43 Tonalite 2 38 39 20

FS-23 Tonalite 3 42 40 15

FS-S Granite 33 33 29 5

FS-6 Granite 25 29 41 5

FS-23 Granite 38 23 35 3.8 0.2

'17
 Table 2 (cont'd)

'5-32 Granite P.T. 40 20 35 5

Ps 11 3 12 2
Gm 40 23 32 5

FS-33 Granite P.T. 25 40 31 5

Ps 8 8 5

Gm 21 40 33 6

F5-28 C.Granite 31 27 34 8

FS-42 Muscovite
Granite 46 19 25 1 9

NQte: C= Coarse; P= Porphyry; Ps= Phenocryst; Gm= Groundmass;

T= Total

"
 Q

p
A

.FiC]llre 51 D IA(iRAM 5'"'0\11111\1(;. ~tOT TO

5 1\11 P t. { s

KEY

D­
o­ GflAfw'/7E

m-
PCIfPHYifY

c;.1l"'HOD'O~17£ ­

TONA'-IT E.
 JUSCUSSION
was carried out as accurately as possible using the

equipments at the geology department. To aid in the

v~ -;;II'
identification of the minerals under the microscope, apart from
the staining, the stage was unlocked several times during the

process so that it C~ld be rotated. It was immediately replaced il

in its original 10ckJPosition after identification of the mineral
was completed and the point counting process continued.

Granodiorite and tonalite are grouped together as there is no

f observable sharp boundary between the two. "* -JI.v. fuJA

r

/00
fJ'ONOMIC GEOLOGY
/
,be economic potential of the area is slim.

to.b e the most viab1 e unit. Since no metallic minerals are

'.vident its economic potential is based mainly on industrial and

building materials.

Andrews-Jones (1981, p.66-68) has reported in the Mountain Pine

Ridge region uranuim and thorium in the late stage

differentiation of the batholith. However, he also reported that

the economic potential of uranium mineralization is low due to

high thorium value and the low order of magnitude of the

anomalies, except for one area northwest of San Luis. This area

is-not a part of the study area.

Tin is also reported in the Mountain Pine Ridge region. Dixon \

(1~56, p.54-57) discussed this deposit and concluded that the
best chances of finding tin deposits are from Little Vaqueros

Creek which is also outside the study area.

Baryte was found at First Creek near San Luis. This again is
near the study area. Andrews-Jones arrived at a maximum value of

300,000 tons from an average thickness of 35' and an area of

2,000' x 500'. Its volume was given as 21% barium su1phates

(Garcia, 1990, p. 12-13). This occurrence was found at the

contact between the granite and the overlying limestone. No such

deposit was found in the study area.

s.
!ne granite~ within the area have the potential to be used as
construction material. They cover a large enough area (Plate 1)
and therefore can be economical. These can be used as cut stones
. -=­
as they provide a good polish surface. Their texture and colour
are also uniform and since they are resistant to weathering can
be used for monumental purposes.
~'~~'

In areas near to faults where these granites appear to be

altered, clay is present. However, the quality
and volume of this clay is unknown, consequently its economic

otential cannot be
vJ.
assertai~

water resources of the area are viable.

mentioned in Chapter One, this area is environmentally

Therefore any proposed minning activity will have to
studied carefully to get an idea of possible environmental
 Chapter 9

GEOLOGICAL HISTORY
.

The oldest rocks in the area are the metasediments of a Paleozoic

age, Pennsylvanian to Permain. These occur along with the Bladen

Volcanic Members from the Santa Rosa Group. According to

Andrews-Jones (unpub. rep. 1981, p.S) these were formed in an

island arc system and deposited (that is, the sediments before

being metamorphosed) over a subduction zone during a volcano-

sedimentary cycle. This system was developed along the

southeastern margin of the proto-North American Continent,
probably during the early Pennsylvanian. The metasediments
mapped in the area, being mostly argillites, were deposited

further north of the volcanic island arc system which had occured
to the south of the study area. Andrews-Jones (1981) believes

this deposition to be in a large regional eugeosynclinal trough.

The subduction zone then migrated south as a result of the

progradation of the island arc system.

Deposition was ·terminated and the sediments were folded and

,regionally metamorphosed. Andrews-Jones (1981) believes these to

~ yo
be a result of the APpalachial O~ogeny in the late Permain­
..... ,
.

~.'.rly Triassic period. This was followed by the intrusion of the

,.~:_,f._;:~,,\

. <Sitholith ,, ';';',~"
which also occurred during this period, having a

age. This intrusion further affected the metasediments,

'03.
 10-$20""
causing fi to be thermally metamorphosed and refolded. Evidence
fo~ the above sequence of events in the field is particularly

noted within the metasediments; Where~ a sample taken from L.44

~
:
under' thin section study ~eveals a chloritoid crystal growing
post-tectonically over a pre-existing cleavage. The chloritoid

crystal developed in response to thermal metamorphism)whereasv

the pre-existing cleavage developed in response to folding and
>
regional metamorphism. This suggestj that the sediments were
regionally metamorphosed before being intruded by the batholith,
which caused thermal metamorphism. Also the presence of a fold

axis in the study area that does not conform to Bateson and Hall
~

(1977) synclinorium, suggestithat this area had to be refolded)

which was probably due to intrusion of the batholith.

Apart from the Upper Cretaceous limestones, no other form of

sedimentation is noted in the area. This sugges~that the area

was uplffted, with the possibility of some Paleozoic sediments
, .

erod~d away. Bateson and Hall (1977,p.29) believe that the

\
Northern Boundary Fault Zone became active during~Jurassic

times as deposit~ of olastio rooks of Jurassio age ooour~ to the

north of the Maya Mountain Block. They suggested that this fault

zone represented the limit to such sedimentation. Also to the

the clastic rocks we~e succeeded by limestones of a
age. Limestones were also deposited to the south of

Block suggesting that the Southern Boundary Fault Zone

,
active during the cretaceous) Andrews-Jones (1981)

the mid-Cretaceous. With the activation of these fault

10f­
 ,
zones the area was uplifted. Movements along these fault gave
rise to the faults that affected the Maya Mountains and hence

the study area. f~ld evidence has indicated that these faults ~
occurred after the intrusion of the batholith, as this was

affected by dynamic metamorphism. Andrews-Jones (1981) suggested

that antithetic north, northeast and north- northwest fault
systems occurred in the late cretaceous in response to rifting

which occurred between the North American and Caribbean Plates.

Uplift and faulting were followed by submergence of the area,

with a tilting towards the northwest. This resulted in the

deposition of the Upper Cretaceous limestone. Bateson and Hall

(1977, p.30) believe the eastern part of the Maya Block was

e~ergent as the limestone thins eastward and indications are that

they were deposited in shallow water shelf seas. However, very
l S
little clastic material ~ incorporated within it, therefore,
tpey suggest that the block was either not greatly elevated or it
was not exposed to much physical weathering. No clastic

components were found within the limestone area mapped,

therefore, this small area would tend to support this theory.

The limestone sedimentation was followed. finally, by an uplift

of the area. Today I the area is being weathered and eroded. \/

=
 Appendix 1

o':)CUII~'" <;; .... -. . -­ ~

FS-20

End 81833 16459 41200 50561 40578 23038 43663

Begin 81589 16127 41199 50479 40571 23037 42996

Counts 244 332 1 82 7 1 667

- F8-18

82150 16748 41200 50675 40590 23038 44349

81833 16459 41200 50561 40578 23038 43667

317 289 64 12 682

82411 17104 41202 50770 40591 23041 45125

82150 16748 41200 50625 40590 23038 44357

261 356 2 145 1 3 768

· APpendix 1 (cont'd)

FS-22

End 82631 17272 41202 51104 40666 23041 45932

Begin 82411 17104 41202 50770 40591 23041 45135

counts 220 168 334 75 797

FS-44

End 82872 17386 41218 51490 40789 23041 46807

Begin 82631 17272 41202 51104 40666 23041 45935

Counts 241 114 8 386 123 872

83103 17646 41214 51755 40827 23041 47609

82872 17386 41210 51490 40789 23041 46810

231 260 4 265 38 799

83437 17848 41214 51991 40866 23042 48425

83103 17646 41214 51755 40827 23041 47613

334 202 236 39 1 812

.1"7
 il I '

Appendix 1 (cont'd)

FS-42
End 84961 18830 41232 53137 41230 23083 52547
Begin 84875 17668 41230 53069 41230 23052 52198

Counts 86 162 2 68 31 349

FS-32
(Phenocryst)
.~ -,~,;\ End 85049 18910 41235 53160 41241 23078 53316
... ~~:~~': -.
0.>,\

84961 18830 41232 53137 41230 23078 52609

:1::::.
~ii
- ------------------------------­
88 80 3 23 11 707

.'!~~~~ (Groundmass)
: :;,
85218 19122 41243 53278 41258 23078 54022
85049 18910 41235 53160 41241 23078 53310

169 212 8 118 17 712

 APpendix 1 (cont'd)

FS-33

(Phenocryst)

End 85243 19163 41243 53320 41258 23078 54536

Begin 85218 19122 41243 53278 41258 23078 54024

Counts 25 41 42 512

(Groundmass)

End 85396 19262 41251 53505 41278 23078 55101

'i, Begin 85243 19163 41243 53320 41258 23078 54536

\' ;fj.
it>
~ ,~~:fi ------------------------------­

O~I;.•~.l:.•
153 99 8 185 20 565
Counts

'. I-.;~

.>~~
<~~.~,
"'~~.:;

Ito
 York, 112p.
Bateson, J.H. s HalL T.H.S. 1977 The geology of the Maya
Mountain Belize; Institute of Geological Sciences,
Overseas Memoir, No.3, 43p.
Bl achador, G. R. et al 1980 Guide to Authors. A guide for the -::
preparation of geological maps and reports. Geol. Surv.
Canada, Miscell. rep. 29, 66p.
Dixon, e.G. 1956 Geology of Southern British Honduras; Belize
Govt. Printer ?t?
Fry, N. 1984 THe field description of metamorphic rocks.
Geological Society of London Handbook; Open Univ. & Halsted

1 Garcia, E.
Press, 110p.
1990 Mineral Resources of Belize, 25p.

t
7~
1964 Pet r 0 logy for s t udents; Cambri dge Uni v , Press.
i.'.. Harker, A.
(8th ed), 283p.
.
t Hutchinson, C.
'ii
1974
techniques; Wiley, New York rr .
Laboratory ~dbook' of petrographic

. '~Kennett, P. and Ross, C.A. 1983 Metamorphism; Longman, Great

·t Britain, 32p.
1983 Igneous Petrology; Longman, Great Britain, 36p.
,McClay, K.R. 1987 THe mapping of geological structures. Geol.
Soc. of London Hdbk; Open Univ. & Halsted Press, 162p.

c:
iddlemost, E.A.K. 1985 Magmas and magmatic rocks; Longman,

'di;:\1"'.
D.A •. e~) 1979 Qua ternary taul ting along
Caribbean ;;;;---~h American Plate· boundary in Central
the

America; Tectonophysic V.52, p.431-445.

~y, W.E. 1978 Geology, petrology, and geochemistry of the
, untain Pine Ridge Batholith Beliz~c~.; Unpub. M.S.
hesis, Lousiana state University \ r .
1969 Metamorphic textures; Pergoman Press, 350p.
Thorpe, R.S. and Brown, G. C.
igneous 1985 The field description of
rocks; Geol. Soc. of London Hdbk, Open Univ.
Halsted
Press r\l; &