Possible masked heavy mineral deposit, Florida Panhandle

Analysis of about 400 sand samples, from the vicinity of the Apalachicola River delta (Florida Panhandle), raises the question of where the river-carried minerals are being accumulated. The river apparently has been delivering a larger quantity of heavy minerals than is found on the surface of the modern beaches and barrier islands. Coastal energy conditions are such, however, that a relative increase in heavy mineral content should be observed on the rim of, or immediately offshore from, the delta. In the light of an anomalous distribution of coarse and fine quartz sands, on the offshore shoals of the area, the hypothesis is developed that the heavy mineral content of the shoals increases significantly with depth. If the reasoning is correct, the shoals might be attractive ventures for commercial development.

This record provided courtesy of AGI/GeoRef.