Mapping soil geochemical anomalies in the mesa quadrangle, Arizona, using NURE data

Abstract

Maps showing anomalously high concentrations of 13 different elements in soils within the Mesa Quadrañgle of southern Arizona were constructed using information contained in the National Uranium Resource Evaluation (NURE) database. Existing geochemical databases such as NURE provide an inexpensive and accessible resource that can be used to characterize an area geochemically. Anomalies in soils were determined after applying descriptive statistics, logarithmic transformations, elimination of outliers, and manipulation of below-limit detection values. Among the elements with the most number of anomalies, Cu clustered in the southcentral part of the quadrangle where porphyry copper deposits are located, while As, Be, Co, Cr, Zn, Th, and U anomalies were located over exposed Precambrian and Tertiary igneous rocks. In general, anomalies could be related to the rocks cropping out, type of soils, and several mines present in the area.

Department(s)

Geography, Geology, and Planning

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1526-0984.2000.72001.x

Keywords

Geochemical mapping, Mesa quadrangle, Metals, Soils

Publication Date

1-1-2000

Journal Title

Environmental Geosciences

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