Geological and Geochemical Exploration

Recommended Prerequisites

NA

Teaching Methods

Lectures on concepts involved in geological prospecting and geochemical exploration

Study of practical examples

Fieldwork for sampling and preparation of samples in the laboratory

Exercises for the identification of geochemical background and geochemical anomalies and analysis of variance

Learning Outcomes

In the end of the curricular unit, the student should understand the objectives of geological and geochemical exploration and should understand the examples of application. The student should be able to explain this knowledge.

It is intended that the student know the techniques and methods used in geological prospecting and geochemical exploration, including the sampling and the analytical methodologies used in geochemical exploration and the control of errors. The student will be able to pass the knowledge on analytical methodologies used and the errors associated with them.

The student will be able to apply data analysis to distinguish geochemical anomalies in soils and stream sediments.

The student will be able to design a campaign of geological prospection and exploration geochemistry campaign.

The student will be able to do the sampling and the preparation of soil and stream sediments samples for further analysis.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

a) The objectives, stages and techniques of geological prospection;

b) Orientation of survey campaigns

c) Methods for the prospection of  alluvial deposits;

d) Trenches, galleries and wells;

e) Interpretation of drilling logs

f) Methods and techniques of geochemical exploration of stream sediments. Examples

g) Methods and geochemical exploration techniques of soil. Examples.

h) Biological methods of exploration;

i) Analytical methods and control of their errors;

j) Data analysis;

k) Practical work on sampling and sample preparation for soils and stream sediments;

l) Practical work of analysis and interpretation of data using the techniques.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Exam: 20.0%
Project: 80.0%

Bibliography

Buccianti, A., Mateu-Figueras, G., Pawlowsky-Glahn, V. (Eds.), 2006. Compositional data analysis in the geosciences. Geological Society Special Publication 264. Geological Society of London, London, 212 pp.

Grunsky, E.C., 2010. The interpretation of geochemical survey data. Geochem. Explor. Environ. Anal. 10, 27–74.

Haldar, S. K., 2013, Mineral Exploration: Principles and Applications. Wiley-Blackwell, 352p.

Kreiter, V.M., 2004, Geological Prospecting and Exploration, University Press of Pacific, 384p

Marjoribanks, R., 2010, Geological Methods in Mineral Exploration and Mining, 2nd ed., Springer, 253p.

Sadeghi, M., Billay, A., Carranza, E.J.M., 2015. Analysis and mapping of soil geochemical anomalies: Implications for bedrock mapping and gold exploration in Giyani area, South Africa. J. Geochem. Explor. 154, 180–193

Zuo, R., Xia, Q., Wang, H., 2013. Compositional data analysis in the study of integrated geochemical anomalies associated with mineralization. Appl. Geochem. 28, 202–211.