Regional geochemistry and regional geoscience: some general considerations

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 79, No. 886, 1986

J.A.C. FORTESCUE, Research Geochemist, Ontario Geological Survey, Toronto, Ontario

Reconnaissance geochemical mapping, based on the chemical analysis of waters, stream, and/or lake sediments had its origin in geochemical prospecting surveys carried out in New Brunswick during the 1950s. More recently, reconnaissance geochemical surveys carried out by government agencies for mineral resource appraisal purposes have been seen as a special case of regional geochemical mapping which is carried out with the aim of describing geochemical patterns for elements which may be interpreted for mineral resource appraisal, environmental or geological purposes. The interpretation of patterns on regional geochemical maps is based on the concepts of landscape geochemistry. In this paper, the regional approach to geochemical mapping is described with reference to an experimental regional geochemical survey which was completed in southwest Ontario during 1981-82. It is concluded, on the basis of data patterns for one element only (i.e. arsenic), that the new approach has much potential for solving modern problems in geoscience. "If things don't alter they will stay as they are. "An old adage.

Mots Clés: Mineral exploration, Geochemistry, Geochemical mapping, Geochemical surveys, Geoscience, Prospecting, Micromodules, Mineral resource appraisal, Lake sediments