Geochemistry can be defined as the measurement of the relative and absolute abundance of the elements and isotopes in various parts of the Earth with the object of discovering the principles governing their distribution and migration throughout the geological cycle. Exploration geochemistry concentrates particularly on the abundance, distribution, and migration of ore elements, or elements closely associated with ore, with the object of detecting ore deposits. This distinction is only one of emphasis since ores are natural, but not abundant, products of the overall rock-forming cycle.
Motive
As continents become explored more thoroughly, the chances of discovering ore mineral deposits by direct observation decrease. The present land surface, however, presents only a two-dimensional sample of the geology of the Earth's crust; this sample is reduced even more by obscuring layers of soil, vegetation, and water. Because it is feasible to exploit some ore deposits that are obscured by as...
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References
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© 1988 Van Nostrand Reinhold Company Inc.
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Joyce, A.S. (1988). Exploration geochemistry . In: General Geology. Encyclopedia of Earth Science. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-30844-X_26
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-30844-X_26
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