geochemical exploration i
DESCRIPTION
GeoTRANSCRIPT
-
Lecture OverviewDefinition of Exploration GeochemistryOther fields of Applied GeochemistryTypes of SurveysReconnaissance SurveysDetailed SurveysProspecting Situations
-
What is Exploration Geochemistry?Any method of exploration based on the systematic measurement of one or more chemical properties of a naturally occurring material to find abnormal chemical patterns (anomalies) related to mineralization
-
Chemical PropertiesTrace concentration of the element of interestTrace concentration of a related element (pathfinder)Concentrations or ratios of groups of elementsisotope ratios
-
Types of MaterialsRock LithogeochemistrySoilGossanGlacial debrisVegetation Geobotany, BiogeochemistryStream sediments and/or waters DrainageVapor and aerosols
-
Applied GeochemistryAgricultural geochemistryEnvironmental GeochemistryPublic health geochemistryMarine geochemistryGeo-hazards prediction
-
ExplorationGeochemistryGeophysicsGeologyRemote Sensing
-
Scales of SurveysReconnaissanceDetailed
-
Reconnaissance SurveysDetect favorable indicators of ore provinces, districts, (ore bodies)Large area - X0 to X0,000 km2Sample density - 0.01- 1.0 /km2Cost $1 to $10 per square mileRapid, minimal samples, low cost
-
Reconnaissance MediaRocks Stream water and sediment aerosols (airborne dust)vegetation (especially photographic)geobotany and biogeochemistrySoils (rarely used because of cost)
-
Detailed SurveysOutline mineralized ground to pinpoint source Locate area for trenching, drilling, etc.Small area - X - X0 km2Area selected by other methodsSample density - 0.01 - 1/mCost $X00 to $X000 per square mile
-
Detailed MediaRocksSoils vegetation (biogeochemistry)Vapor surveys (soil gases)
-
Exposed OreOre
HaloGround WaterMass Transport
-
Leeched Ore
HaloGround WaterOreLeechedZone
-
Zoned Ore
HaloGround WaterMass TransportMnAgZnPbCu
-
Blind OreOre
HaloGround Water
-
Covered Ore BodyUnconformityOreGravelTillVolcanics