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Abstract:
Geochemical analysis of soil samples from the National Geochemical Database. Primarily inorganic elemental concentrations, most samples are from the continental US and Alaska. Samples were collected and analyzed over many decades, beginning in the 1960s, though some samples may have been collected earlier.
Purpose:
The National Geochemical Database is a curated repository intended to contain all geochemical analyses carried out by and for geological studies conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey. Sample characteristics, including the location from which the sample was taken, and characteristics of the location and nearby geographic area, are included as well as analytical determinations of the concentration of elements and other chemical species. The work of USGS is strongly concentrated in earth sciences, so most of the analyses are of inorganic components. Likewise as a US Federal government organization, the work of USGS focuses on areas governed by the United States. Samples are located throughout the world, but most of the samples come from the US. |