The Quilchena fossil site in the Okanagan Highlands of south central British Columbia is a rich repository of Eocene plant, insect, & fish fossils. Reliable age assignment of this site is critical in order to reconstruct the biogeographic, climatic, & evolutionary relationships between the flora & fauna of the Okanagan Highlands and those of other Tertiary sites around the world. Previous radiometric age determinations have been variable and inconclusive. This paper presents new data using uranium-lead dating of zircons from a thick tephra combined with argon-argon dating of sanidine crystals from the same bed. The age determined can be securely ascribed to the Quilchena fossils, since the dated tephra was deposited within the fossil-bearing shale & mudstone sequences.

Written for students and professionals, this revised textbook surveys the mineral industry from geological, environmental and economic perspectives. Thoroughly updated, the text includes a new chapter on technology industry metals as well as separate chapters on mineral economics and environmental geochemistry. Carefully designed figures simplify difficult concepts and show the location of important deposits and trade patterns, emphasising the true global nature of mineral resources. Featuring boxes highlighting special interest topics, the text equips students with the skills they need to contribute to the energy and mineral questions currently facing society, including issues regarding oil pipelines, nuclear power plants, water availability and new mining locations. Technical terms are highlighted when first used, and references are included to allow students to delve more deeply into areas of interest. Multiple choice and short answer questions are provided for instructors online at www.cambridge.org/kesler to complete the teaching package.