Vein intersection problem for PCPG review course

Vein intersection problem

A quartz-calaverite vein is known to thicken where hydrothermal fluid chemically reacted with the Manto limestone.  

From which of the points on the map are you most likely to drill vertically and intercept that intersection at depth?

Quick answer

Field geology knowledge: the outcrop pattern on the map for both the vein and limestone are linear, suggesting they are planar features.  The lack of offset of the Manto limestone indicates the vein formed in a joint rather than a fault (or the extremely low-probability chance that the offset on the fault exactly matches the dip vector of the limestone). 

Structural geology knowledge: You know how to calculate structural contours of surfaces given three data points or a strike and dip.  Stuff that has steeper dips projects into the ground more deeply over shorter map distances.

Mineralogy:  Calaverite is a gold telluride (looks like pyrite, but softer and has striated faces).

Solution:  Vein dips north, reducing possibilities to A, B, C, D, or E.

Limestone dips southeast, so only D, E, F, G, and H can intercept limestone underground.

Only D and E are possibilities.

The Manto limestone dips more steeply, so projected line of intersection of the two planes will diverge from surface intersection radially along a line that stays closer to the Manto limestone.  You don’t need to do the math or precise projections on this exam.  You have limited time, so think things through.  Answer D is best place to drill.