The composition of sands from the Fiskenæsset region, South-West Greenland, and its bearing on the bedrock geology of the area

Abstract

A study of sand samples has shown that most of the material of the sands has only undergone short transportation and that their composition gives a good impression of the composition of the rocks in the area. Therefore, the study of sands may be used for prospecting and for regional geochemical studies in this part of Greenland. Eighty-six sand samples were studied. Most of the sands were taken from river beds and minor streams and contain 45-60 vol. % of plagioclase, 20-35 vol. % of quartz, 5-20 vol. % of dark minerals and less than 15 vol. % of potash feldspar. Hypersthene occurs especially in the northern part of the area, and the amount gradually decreases towards the south. The bulk composition of the rocks seems to be much the same throughout the whole area.