Mineral exploration in the glaciated terrain using upper soil and snow geochemistry

Abstract

<div lang="en" class="abs"><p class="abs_header">Summary</p><p>Surface geochemical sampling and analysis techniques has opened new way to do environmentally friendly and cost-effective mineral exploration in variable environments. Techniques which are based on the migration of mobile metal ions from mineralization in the bedrock through the sediment cover to the upper part of the soil can be use in exploration for all type of elements and their associations. Huge benefit is that practically all type of materials, i.e. mineral and organic sediments, plants and even snow are suitable sample media. Experiences have been good in the areas of transported cover such as in the glaciated terrains, where secondary transport distances of surface sediments can be long and complex making conventional tracing of mineralized rock sources difficult.</p></div>