CRC LEME
Open File Report 46
ABSTRACT
Reference geochemical data sets from the Mt Gibson orientation
study, Western Australia
Smith, R.E., Wildman, J.E., Anand, R.R. and Perdrix, J.L.
Data sets from the Mt Gibson geochemical orientation study have
been organized into reference groups based upon the regolith stratigraphy
for the area. The data sets (with the numbers of samples making
up each set in brackets) consist of soils (17 or, with gravelly
red earths included, 31), colluvium (58), lateritic gravel (55),
lateritic duricrust (112), mottled zone (13), and saprolite (25).
In addition, some data are presented for calcretes, iron segregations,
mineralized veins, and lag. The total number of samples included
in this report is 296.
The main information required to support the geochemical data is
presented in concise and accessible form. This includes maps of
the surface regolith relationships, bedrock geology, and sample
sites for each sample set, together with a regolith-landform model
and a schematic diagram of the regolith stratigraphy. Listings of
chemical analyses for each sample, grouped according to sample type,
are included, and summary statistics are presented. Box plots show
the distribution of levels for each element, or oxide, for units
of the regolith stratigraphy. Histograms for colluvium, lateritic
gravel, and lateritic duricrust are presented for each element and
oxide. Separate maps showing the geochemical dispersion patterns
for Au, Pb, As, and Bi in colluvium, lateritic gravel, and lateritic
duricrust allow the sampling to be seen in terms of the shape of
the geochemical dispersion anomaly. Scales used for maps in this
report are common to a previous report (20R) which comprehensively
discussed the regolith relationships at Mt Gibson. Correlation webs
highlight relationships between some elements for several of the
sample media and a Si-AI-Fe triangular diagram shows the main characteristics
of laterite samples.
The use of standardised formats for data presentation allow the
characteristics of each data set to be appreciated, and comparisons
to be made between the data sets. Furthermore, the Mt Gibson data
can then be readily compared with data sets, as they arise, whether
from other orientation studies, or from company exploration data.
A floppy disk of the geochemical data together with sample type
and location is included in standard format to enable users to have
easy access and readily manipulate the data for their required purposes.
Data sets, such as those presented, which are controlled within
a regolith-landform framework, are being generated from other orientation
studies within the Laterite Geochemistry Project. Collectively,
these reference data sets will form an essential part of a growing
interpretational data system.
Last updated: Thursday, January 06, 2000 08:42 AM
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