Searching for Gold in Streams

The first point to follow of the tracking search is to do a study of the ground slope in order to determine the pattern of drainage. This can be done in a better way by using a topographical map. If you also have a geological map of surface or sub surface features like those of fault locations of the kind of formations, the usual mineral sites, etc, this is even more convenient. A geological map is not only able to determine the pattern of drainage but it can also determine contact between diverse formations and faults and these are some of the areas that you should look into first to begin with.

If you do not have geological maps or topographical maps available you will need to start the search up hill in the drainage pattern. It is not possible to give exact rules when it comes to searches because they all vary, however a methodic triangular kind of investigation can be done to almost all kinds of prospecting, even in a lot of those that are done through geophysical techniques.

In order to start the tracking search you will need to find the highest point from where the float could have initiated. This can get done either in the field or it can be done by using a topographical map. If you do not have a topographical map it would be a better idea to draw out a rough map when you get to this point. Then you will need to draw a line from the area where the float was located or the area you have determined the gold dwindled out in a stream to this high spot. This can then be considered your search line.

In theory the float should have gone along with this line of movement however it is not likely float will always be so cooperative. Because of this factor you will need to build a search area that will have the most probable areas the float could have come from but at the same time it is also needed to maintain the search at a level that can be managed well so that you do not waste time in it.