Enhancements in the interpretation of geochemical data using multivariate methods and digital topography

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 96, No. 1068, 2003

E.C. Grunsky and B.W. Smee

The development of low-cost, rapid multielement analytical techniques has generated large geochemical databases in many exploration programs. When a sampling program consists of several thousand samples, the resulting data matrix is enormous and effective interpretation using all of the elements individually becomes burdensome. However, the application of multivariate statistical techniques can extract geochemical patterns related to the underlying geology, weathering, alteration and mineralization. Imaging the results over topography enhances the interpretation of these patterns. Examples of this approach are shown from mineral exploration programs in Canada and Mexico.

Keywords: Geology, Mineralization, Geochemical data, Multivariate methods, Digital topography, Mineral exploration.