In 1996, the U.S. Geological Survey conducted a reconnaissance baseline geochemical
study in central Idaho. The purpose of the baseline study was to establish
a "geochemical snapshot" of the area, as a datum for monitoring future change in the geochemical landscape,
whether natural or human-induced. This report presents the methology,
analytical results, and sample descriptions for water, sediment, and
heavy-mineral concentrate samples collected during this geochemical investigation.
In the summer of 2000, the Clear Creek, Little Pistol, and Shellrock
wildfires swept across much of the area that was sampled. Thus, these
data represent a pre-fire baseline geochemical dataset. A 2001 post-
fire study is planned and will involve re-sampling of the pre-fire baseline
sites, to allow for pre- and post-fire comparison.
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