Geochemical stream sediment dataset, West and South Greenland

This dataset comprises regional geochemical stream sediment data from West and South Greenland and forms the basis of the Geochemical Atlas of West and South Greenland (Steenfelt, 2001).

The Geochemical Atlas of West and South Greenland presents the results of a regional stream sediment geochemical mapping programme conducted between 1979 and 1998. A total of 7,122 stream sediment samples were collected from low-order streams with near-uniform spatial coverage across West and South Greenland.

The <0.1 mm grain-size fraction of 500 g samples was analysed for major and trace elements using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), delayed neutron counting (DNC) and loss on ignition (LOI). After systematic calibration and quality control to eliminate analytical bias between different methods and time periods, a harmonised and internally consistent dataset was established containing up to 43 elements per sample.

The atlas provides a regional overview of the geochemical composition of the minerogenic fraction of stream sediments and constitutes a geochemical baseline dataset for geological mapping and mineral exploration in Greenland.

Identifikation

Titel: Geochemical stream sediment dataset, West and South Greenland

Offentliggørelsestidspunkt

Dato (Publication): 2023-11-13

Ansvarlig myndighed og kontaktoplysninger

Kontakt vedr. service

Organisationsnavn	E-mail adresse	Rolle
The Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS)	sol@geus.dk	Point of contact

Metadata author

Organisationsnavn	E-mail adresse	Rolle
The Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS)	gis-support@geus.dk	Point of contact

Geografisk udstrækning

Koordinatsystem: WGS 84 / UTM 24N (EPSG:32624)

Nøgleord

Nøgleord: Dataset

Nøgleord: Geochemistry

Nøgleord: Stream sediments

Nøgleord: West Greenland

Nøgleord: South Greenland

Nøgleord: Trace elements

Nøgleord: Database

Type: Theme

Nøgleord: Sedimentary rocks and processes

Nøgleord: Economic geology

Nøgleord: Soils and biogeochemistry

Type: Theme

Titel: Forskningsemner

Dato (Publication): 2025-11-03

Kode: geonetwork.thesaurus.local.theme.GEUSResearchTopics

Nøgleord: Greenland

Type: Place

Titel: Geografisk

Dato (Publication): 2025-12-11

Kode: geonetwork.thesaurus.local.place.Geoplaces_SKOS_da_en

Kvalitet

Type som metadata beskriver: Dataset

Beskrivelse: Stream sediment samples were collected between 1979 and 1998 as part of a regional geochemical mapping programme conducted by the Geological Survey of Greenland (now GEUS). Sampling focused on low-order streams to achieve representative coverage of drainage catchments.

Prior to 1993, sample positions were recorded on 1:100,000 topographic maps and subsequently digitised. After approximately 1993, GPS was used for positioning. Around 2000, positional data were adjusted to a revised topographic reference system.

Laboratory analyses were carried out using multiple analytical techniques. Calibration procedures were applied to remove systematic differences between analytical methods and time periods. After quality control, a consistent dataset comprising 7,122 samples and up to 43 analysed elements was established.