Geochemical trends in central and western North Greenland

Abstract

Geochemical maps and geochemical cross-sections, based on chemical analyses of the < 0.1 mm fraction of stream sediment samples collected at a density of approximately 1 sample per 30 km2 in central and western North Greenland, show that the distribution patterns for the major elements and some trace elements reflect the main lithological units of the North Greenland Palaeozoic platform and trough. By contrast the distribution patterns for S and Sr are different. High S values are correlated with zones of tectonic activity and are thought to indicate migration of H2S along faults. High Sr values are correlated with evaporitic rocks in the platform sequence and with deep sea carbonates. High BaO values occurring along the Silurian platform margin and in the Ordovician platform-slope sequence are the result of Ba enrichment in the sedimentary environment, combined with epigenetic vein-type baryte mineralisation.