Crustal structure in West and South Greenland reflected by regional distribution patterns of calcium and potassium in stream sediments

Abstract

The sampling of stream sediment for reconnaissance geochemical mapping has been completed for a large contiguous area from Uummannaq to Kap Farvel in West Greenland and the compilation of analyticaI data has commenced. Distribution patterns for the first two maps produced, those of calcium and potassium, outline provinces which are related to crustal features. The geochemical provinces can be interpreted to reflect differences in the depth of the exposed crustal segments. Geochemical boundaries occurring in geologically poorly known regions may be indicative of contacts between crustal blocks which have not previously been recognised. In the appendix the quality of the analytical data used in the compilation of the geochemical maps is documented, and the procedure of calibration between data sets is presented.