Magnetic and geochemical surveys in the area between Geltsdale, Cumbria, and Glendue Fell, Northumberland

A magnetic survey has been carried out in the north-west corner of the
Alston Block, to investigate in detail aeromagnetic features thought to indicate
previously unrecorded structures in -the Whin Sill dolerite intrusion. This was
followed by a geochemical survey to assess whether the causative structures
might be mineralised. The magnetic survey, carried out over the Geltsdale-
Glendue Fell area, revealed anomalies en-echelon along the line of the
aeromagnetic feature. These may represent part of a major NE-SW structural
feature extending to the NE across Northumberland. The magnetic data indicate
that the Whin Sill may be more extensive than suggested on the geological
map, and additional evidence for this is provided by the geochemical data from
the Thinhope Burn and Glendue Burn catchments immediately west of the River
South Tyne. Stream and soil sampling, undertaken as part of the geochemical
survey, provide data which confirm base metal mineralisation in the area.