Over the years, USGS scientists recognized several problems with the database. The two primary issues were location coordinates (either incorrect or lacking) and sample media (not precisely identified). This dataset represents a re-processing of the original RASS data to make the data accessible in digital format and more user friendly. This re-processing consisted of checking the information on sample media and location against the original sample submittal forms, the original analytical reports, and published reports. As necessary, fields were added to the original data to more fully describe the sample preparation methods used and sample medium analyzed. The actual analytical data were not checked in great detail, but obvious errors were corrected.
U.S. Geological Survey, 1999, U.S. Geological Survey RASS Geochemical Data for Alaska: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 99-433 99-433, U.S. Geological Survey, Menlo Park, CA.Online Links:
This is a Point data set. It contains the following vector data types (SDTS terminology):
Horizontal positions are specified in geographic coordinates, that is, latitude and longitude. Latitudes are given to the nearest 10.0 seconds. Longitudes are given to the nearest 10.0 sseconds. Latitude and longitude values are specified in Decimal degrees.
| Value | Definition |
|---|---|
| YYMMDD | 2-digit year, month, and day of the month |
| Range of values | |
|---|---|
| Minimum: | 660719 |
| Maximum: | 881001 |
| Range of values | |
|---|---|
| Minimum: | 54.0000 |
| Maximum: | 70.0000 |
| Units: | Decimal degrees |
| Range of values | |
|---|---|
| Minimum: | -130.0000 |
| Maximum: | -169.0000 |
| Units: | Decimal degrees |
| Value | Definition |
|---|---|
| AK | 2-letter state abbreviation |
| Value | Definition |
|---|---|
| A | rock |
| B | unconsolidated sediment |
| C | organic material |
| D | soil |
| E | water |
| F | other |
| G | gas |
| Value | Definition |
|---|---|
| A | single/grab |
| B | composite |
| C | channel |
| D | other |
| Value | Definition |
|---|---|
| A | outcrop |
| B | mine |
| C | dump/prospect pit |
| D | float |
| E | drill hole, well |
| F | marine |
| G | other |
| H | stream |
| I | spring |
| J | lake |
| K | aqueduct, canal, irrigation ditch |
| L | atmosphere |
| Value | Definition |
|---|---|
| A | unidentified |
| B | sedimentary rock |
| C | metamorphic rock |
| D | igneous rock |
| E | unconsolidated sediment |
| F | conglomerate |
| G | sandstone |
| H | siltstone |
| I | claystone |
| J | shale |
| K | limestone or dolomite |
| L | carbonate |
| M | gneiss |
| N | schist |
| O | quartzite |
| P | marble |
| Q | skarn |
| R | phyllite or slate |
| S | felsic igneous |
| T | intermediate igneous |
| U | mafic igneous |
| V | ultramafic igneous |
| W | feldspathoidal |
| X | chert or jasperoid |
| Y | other |
| Value | Definition |
|---|---|
| BC | Bulk panned concentrate |
| BS | Beach Sediment |
| C | pan or other concentrate of undetermined nature |
| C1 | pan concentrate, identified as highly magnetic fraction |
| C2 | pan concentrate, identified as moderately magnetic fraction |
| C3 | pan concentrate, identified as weakly magnetic fraction |
| C4 | Concentrate, C2+C3 fraction |
| CL | clay |
| CV | colluvium |
| GV | gravel |
| LO | loess |
| MD | mud |
| MS | marine sediment |
| OZ | ooze |
| PB | pebbles |
| PS | pond or lake sediment |
| SD | stream sediment |
| SI | silt |
| SN | sand |
| TI | till |
| AL | algae |
| AN | animal part |
| FR | identified as fir |
| GS | grass |
| HL | identified as hemlock |
| HU | humus |
| LT | identified as Labrador tea |
| PN | identified as pine |
| PT | peat |
| SU | shrub |
| TE | tree, conifer |
| TD | tree, non-conifer |
| WL | willow |
| S | soil |
| BN | bentonite |
| BX | bauxite |
| LA | laterite |
| Value | Definition |
|---|---|
| CP | leaves and twigs combined |
| FL | flowers, cones, or pods |
| LV | leaves or needles |
| MI | mill tailings |
| ML | identified as mull |
| MP | moose pellets |
| MT | moss-trapped sediments |
| NB | No bromoform density |
| OA | oxalic acid leachates |
| PL | placer gold particles, these were collected at various placer gold operations in Alaska to examine trace element compositions of placer gold particles |
| SC | sediment core |
| SP | identified as spruce |
| Value | Definition |
|---|---|
| 01 | unknown, assumed to be -80 mesh |
| 02 | identified as +10 mesh |
| 03 | identified as -10 to +18 mesh |
| 04 | identified as -10 to +25 mesh |
| 05 | identified as -10 to +25 mesh |
| 06 | identified as -10 to +35 mesh |
| 07 | identified as -10 to +60 mesh |
| 08 | identified as -10 to +80 mesh |
| 09 | identified as -10 to +230 mesh |
| 10 | identified as -18 mesh |
| 11 | identified as -18 to +35 mesh |
| 12 | identified as -20 mesh |
| 13 | identified as -20 to +80 mesh |
| 14 | identified as -24 mesh |
| 15 | identified as -30 mesh |
| 16 | identified as -30 to +80 mesh |
| 17 | identified as +35 mesh |
| 18 | identified as -35 mesh |
| 19 | identified as -35 to +60 mesh |
| 20 | identified as -35 to +120 mesh |
| 21 | identified as -35 to +170 mesh |
| 22 | identified as -35 to +230 mesh |
| 23 | identified as -40 mesh |
| 24 | identified as +45 mesh |
| 25 | identified as -45 to +60 mesh |
| 26 | identified as +60 mesh |
| 27 | identified as -60 mesh |
| 28 | identified as -60 to +80 mesh |
| 29 | identified as -60 to +120 mesh |
| 30 | identified as -60 to +200 mesh |
| 31 | identified as -60 to +230 mesh |
| 32 | identified as -60 to +250 mesh |
| 33 | identified as +80 mesh |
| 34 | identified as -80 mesh |
| 35 | identified as -80 to +120 mesh |
| 36 | identified as -80 to +150 mesh |
| 37 | identified as -80 to +230 mesh |
| 38 | identified as -80 to +250 mesh |
| 39 | identified as -100 mesh |
| 40 | identified as +120 mesh |
| 41 | identified as -120 mesh |
| 42 | identified as -120 to +170 mesh |
| 43 | identified as -120 to +230 mesh |
| 44 | identified as -150 mesh |
| 45 | identified as -150 to +230 mesh |
| 46 | identified as -170 mesh |
| 47 | identified as -170 to +230 mesh |
| 48 | identified as -180 mesh |
| 49 | identified as -200 mesh |
| 50 | identified as -230 mesh |
| 51 | identified as -230 to +325 mesh |
| 52 | identifed as -250 mesh |
| 53 | identified as -325 mesh |
| 54 | identified as unsieved |
| Value | Definition |
|---|---|
| + | metamorphosed |
| 2 | quartz |
| 3 | mica |
| Value | Definition |
|---|---|
| A | plutonic |
| B | extrusive |
| C | dike/sill |
| D | intrusive |
| E | pyroclastic |
| Value | Definition |
|---|---|
| A | fracture/joint |
| B | shear or fault |
| C | other |
| Value | Definition |
|---|---|
| A | silica |
| B | Fe/Mn |
| C | carbonate |
| D | clay |
| E | other |
| Value | Definition |
|---|---|
| A | oxidized |
| B | partially oxidized |
| C | unoxidized |
| Value | Definition |
|---|---|
| A | propylitic |
| B | argillic |
| C | siliceous |
| D | sericitic |
| E | feldspathic |
| F | other |
| G | zeolitic |
| F | iron/manganese |
| I | supergene |
| Value | Definition |
|---|---|
| A | base metals |
| B | precious metals |
| C | mixed base and precious metals |
| D | other |
| E | radioactive |
| F | rare earths |
| Value | Definition |
|---|---|
| A | Precambrian undifferentiated |
| B | Early Precambrian |
| C | Middle Precambrian |
| D | Late Precambrian |
| E | Paleozoic undifferentiated |
| F | Cambrian |
| G | Ordovician |
| H | Silurian |
| I | Devonian |
| J | Mississippian |
| K | Pennsylvanian |
| L | Permian |
| M | Mesozoic undifferentiated |
| N | Triassic |
| P | Jurassic |
| Q | Cretaceous |
| R | Tertiary undifferentiated |
| S | Paleocene |
| T | Eocene |
| U | Oligocene |
| V | Miocene |
| W | Pliocene |
| X | Quaternary undifferentiated |
| Y | Pleistocene |
| Z | Holocene |
| Value | Definition |
|---|---|
| A | vein |
| B | replacement |
| C | disseminated |
| D | other |
| E | magmatic segregation |
| F | carbonatite |
| G | greisen |
| H | pegmatite |
| I | contact metamorphic |
| J | porphyry/stockwork |
| K | massive sulfide |
| L | lithophile metals in volcanic rocks |
| M | stratiform |
| N | sandstone uranium |
| O | chemical sediments |
| P | hot springs |
| Q | placer |
| R | residual |
| Value | Definition |
|---|---|
| INA | insufficient sample, data reported are qualitative only |
| INS | insufficient sample for analysis |
| Value | Definition |
|---|---|
| HG | high organic content |
| NU | reanalyzed NURE sample |
| RS | replicate sample |
| TS | 1 of 2 samples from same site |
| VG | visible gold in sample |
Christine M. Murphy, Richard M. O'Leary, Wendy Speckman, Steve McDanal, Jim Colvin
Bailey, Elizabeth A.
U.S. Geological Survey
Chemist
4200 University Drive
Anchorage, Alaska 99508-4626
United States of America
1-907-786-7442 (voice)
1-907-786-7401 (FAX)
<eabailey@usgs.gov>
These data may be useful both in exploring for mineral deposits and in establishing regional geochemical baseline information for the various sample media analyzed.
The samples in this dataset were chemically analyzed by a variety of techniques over a period of time from the mid-1960's to the late 1980's. For some elements, the methods of chemical analysis were the same throughout the study, while for others, the methods changed as analytical technology improved. The accuracy of the data varies with the analytical methodology and with the concentration of the element being analyzed. A qualifier such as N, L, G, H, and B accompanies some analytical data values. These qualifiers are defined as follows:
N = the element was not detected at concentrations above the lower limit of determination for the method. The value of the lower limit of determination is often given in the accompanying data field
L = the element was detected by the technique but at a level below the lowest reportable lower limit of determination for the method. The value is of the lower limit of determination is often given in the accompanying data field
G = the element was measured at a concentration greater than the upper limit of determination for the method
H = an analytical value could not be determined due to physical, chemical, or spectral interference
B = an analytical value was not determined
These qualifying values appear in this dataset as a separate field preceding each element. The attribute, or field name, for the qualifying values field always ends with a Q. For example S_FE_Q would be the name of the field containing and N, L, G, H, or B qualifiers for iron analyzed by optical emission spectroscopy.
Sample locations were determined from USGS topographic maps of various scales. The accuracy is dependant on the scale of the map from which the determination was made as well as the care taken by the individual who made the determination. When submitters reported locations as degree, minutes, and seconds of latitude and longitude the accuracy should be within a few seconds. When submitters only reported locations as degrees and minutes the accuracy is only to the nearest minute. The latitude and longitude degrees, minutes, and seconds have been converted to decimal degrees for this dataset. The base maps, from which latitude and longitude coordinates were determined, use the 1927 North American Datum (NAD27) based on the Clarke 1866 ellipsoid.
This dataset provides information on up to 30 descriptive fields for each sample. Not all the descriptive fields contain a value for a particular sample either because it was not recorded by the submitter or not appropriate for the sample media. The samples were analyzed by a variety of methods resulting in up to 170 data fields. Not all samples were analyzed by every single method. Analytical methods were generally selected by the submitter based on the sample media and the goals of the project. The predominant analytical methods used for samples in this dataset are:
Emission spectrography: Grimes and Marranzino, 1968; Fe, Mg, Ca, Ti, Mn, Ag, As, Au, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, La, Mo, Nb, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sc, Sn, Sr, V, W, Y, Zn, Zr, Th, Ga, Ge, Pd, and Pt
Atomic absorption spectrometry, partial extraction: O'Leary and Meier, 1986; O'Leary and Viets, 1986; Viets, 1978; Viets, Clark, and Campbell, 1984; Viets, O'Leary, and Clark, 1984; Ward and others, 1969: Ag, Bi, Cd, Cu, Mo, Pb, Sb, and Zn
The complete references for most of the analytical methods used are given below. It was not possible to determine the exact technique used or find a reference for a small number of the analytical data fields.
Adrian, B.A., and Carlson, R.R., personal communication, Platinum-group elements and gold by nickel-sulfide fire assay separation and optical emission spectroscopy.
Alminas, H., and Mosier, E.L., 1976, Oxalic-acid leaching of rock, soil, and stream-sediment samples as an anomaly-accentuation technique: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 76-275, 26 p. (oxalic acid leachates derived from rock, soil, or steam-sediment samples analyzed for 30 elements by the emission spectrographic method of Grimes and Marranzino, 1968)
Chao, T.T., Sanzolone, R.F., and Hubert, A.E., 1978, Flame and flameless atomic absorption determination of tellurium in geologic materials: Analytica Chimica Acta, v. 96, p. 251-257.
Church, S.E., 1981, Multi-element analysis of fifty-four geochemical reference samples using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry: Geostandards Newsletter, v. 5, p. 133-160.
Cooley, E.F., Curry, K.J., and Carlson, R.R., 1976, Analysis for the platinum-group metals and gold by fire-assay emission spectroscopy: Applied Spectroscopy, v. 30 p. 52-56.
Ficklin, W.H., 1970, A rapid method for the determination of fluoride in rocks and soils, using an ion-selective electrode: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 700-C, p. C186-C188.
Fishman, M.J., and Pyen, G., 1979, Determination of selected anions in water by ion chromatography: U.S. Geological Survey Water Resources Investigations 79-101, 30 p.
Grimes, D.J., and Marranzino, A.P., 1968, Direct-current arc and alternating-current spark emission spectrographic field methods for the semiquantitative analysis of geologic materials: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 591, 6 p.
Hubert, A.E., and Chao, T.T., 1985, Determination of gold, indium, tellurium and thallium in the same sample digest of geological materials by atomic-absorption spectroscopy and two-step solvent extraction: Talanta, v. 32, no. 7, p. 568-570.
McKown, D.M., and Knight, R.J., 1990, Determination of uranium and thorium in geologic materials by delayed neutron counting, in Arbogast, B.F., editor, Quality assurance manual for the Branch of Geochemistry, U.S. Geological Survey: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 90-668, p. 146-150.
Mosier, E.L., 1972, A method for semiquantitative spectrographic analysis of plant ash for use in biogeochemical and environmental studies: Applied Spectroscopy, v. 26, no. 6, p. 636-641.
Mosier, E.L., 1975, Use of emission spectroscopy for the semiquantitative analysis of trace elements in silver and native gold, in Ward, F.N., editor, New and refined methods of trace analysis useful in geochemical exploration: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 1408, p. 97-105. (used for a special study on gold particles collected from several placer gold operations throughout Alaska)
Mosier, E.L., and Motooka, J.M., 1984, Induction coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry-Analysis of subsurface Cambrian carbonate rocks for major, minor, and trace elements, in Proceedings volume of international conference on Mississippi Valley-type lead-zinc deposits, Oct. 11-14: Rolla, MO, University of Missouri-Rolla, p. 155-165.
Motooka, J.M., and Sutley, S.J., 1982, Analysis of oxalic acid leachates of geologic materials by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy: Applied Spectroscopy, v. 36, no.5, p. 524-533.
Myers, A.T., Havens, R.G., and Dunton, P.J., 1961, A spectrochemical method for the semiquantitative analysis of rocks, minerals, and ores: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 1084-I, p. I207-I229.
O'Leary, R.M., 1990, Determination of sulfur in geologic materials by iodometric titration, in Arbogast, B.F., editor, Quality assurance manual for the Branch of Geochemistry, U.S. Geological Survey: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 90-668, p. 136-138.
O'Leary, R.M., and Meier, A.L., 1986a, Analytical methods used in geochemical exploration in 1984: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 948, 48 p.
O'Leary, R.M., and Meier, A.L., 1986b, Bismuth, cadmium, copper, lead, silver, and zinc, organic extraction method, in Analytical methods used in geochemical exploration, 1984: U.S. Geological Survey Circular 948, p. 11-13.
O'Leary, R.M., and Viets, J.G., 1986, Determination of antimony, bismuth, cadmium, copper, lead, molybdenum, silver, and zinc in geologic materials by atomic absorption spectrometry using a hydrochloric acid-hydrogen peroxide digestion: Atomic Spectroscopy, v. 7, no. 1, p. 4-8.
Orion Research, Inc., 1975, Orion Research Analytical Methods Guide, 7th edition: Cambridge, MA, 20 p.
Perkin-Elmer Corporation, 1976, Analytical methods for atomic absorption spectrophotometry: Norwalk, CT, Perkin-Elmer Corp., 586 p.
Perkin-Elmer Corporation, 1977, Analytical methods for atomic absorption spectrophotometry, using the HGA graphite furnace: Norwalk, CT, Perkin-Elmer Corp., 286 p.
Skougstad, M.W., Fishman, M.J., Friedman, L.C., Erdman, D.E., and Duncan, S.S., eds., 1979, Methods for the determination of inorganic substances in water and fluvial sediments: Techniques of Water-Resources Investigations of the U.S. Geological Survey, Book 5, Chap. A1, 626 p.
Smee, B.W., and Hall, G.E.M., 1978, Analysis of fluoride, chloride, nitrate, and sulphate in natural waters, using ion chromatography: Journal of Geochemical Exploration, v. 10, no. 3, p. 245-258.
Sutley, S.J., and Mosier, E.L., personal communication, Rb, Cs, Li, Tl by modification of emission spectrography method of Grimes and Marranzino, 1968.
Thompson, C.E., Nakagawa, H.M., and VanSickle, G.H., 1968, Rapid analysis for gold in geologic materials: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 600-B, p. B130-B132.
Vaughn, W.W., and McCarthy, J.H., Jr., 1964, An instrumental technique for the determination of submicrogram concentrations of mercury in soils, rocks, and gas: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 501-D, p. D123-D127.
Viets, J.G., 1978, Determination of silver, bismuth, cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc in geologic materials by atomic absorption spectrometry with tricaprylyl methyl ammonium chloride: Analytical Chemistry, v. 50, no. 8, p. 1097-1101.
Viets, J.G., Clark, J.R., and Campbell, W.L., 1984, A rapid, partial leach and organic separation for the sensitive determination of Ag, Bi, Cd, Cu, Mo, Pb, Sb, and Zn in surface geologic materials by flame atomic absorption: Journal of Geochemical Exploration, v. 20, p. 355-366.
Viets, J.G., O'Leary, R.M., and Clark, J.R., 1984, Determination of arsenic, antimony, bismuth, cadmium, copper, lead, molybdenum, silver and zinc in geological materials by atomic-absorption spectrometry: The Analyst, v. 109, p. 1589-1592.
Ward, F.N., Lakin, H.W., Canney, F.C., and others, 1963, Analytical methods used in geochemical exploration by the U.S. Geological Survey: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 1152, 100 p.
Ward, F.N., Nakagawa, H.M., VanSickle, G.H., and Harms, T.F., 1969, Atomic absorption methods useful in geochemical exploration: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 1289, 45 p.
Watterson, J.R., 1976, Determination of tellurium and gold in rocks to 1 part per billion: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 76-531, 3 p.
Sample Preparation Methods:
Various sample preparation methods were used depending on the sample media. Stream-sediment and soil samples were generally sieved to minus-80 mesh before pulverizing but other sieve sizes may have been used depending on the requirements of the submitter and the nature of investigation for which the samples were collected. Heavy-mineral-concentrate samples were usually sieved to minus-35 mesh prior to further separation but again other sieve sizes may have been used. Most of the heavy-mineral-concentrate samples were panned in the field and subjected to heavy liquid and magnetic separation in the laboratory prior to analysis. However there are some samples that were only panned in the field and then analyzed in the laboratory. Occasionally there are heavy-mineral-concentrate samples that were field panned, subjected to heavy liquid and magnetic separation, and then 2 or more of the magnetic separation fractions were combined for analysis. Each sample in the database has been coded in the DESCRIPT1, DESCRIPT2, and MESH_SIZE fields to describe the sample media and preparation methods used as accurately as possible. Sample preparation methods used and references are given below:
Stream-sediment and soil samples are thoroughly dried, generally at less than 50 degrees C. The dried samples are disaggregated by hand as necessary and as much organic material as possible is removed. The samples are then sieved to the required particle size using stainless steel sieves. The sieved fraction is generally ground using a vertical pulverizer with ceramic plates, placed in a 3-ounce cardboard sample container, and mixed to ensure homogeneity.
Heavy-mineral-concentrate samples are generally sieved through a minus-10 mesh (2 mm) screen into a 14-16 inch stainless-steel gold pan and then further reduced by panning. In the laboratory, the remaining sample is sieved through a minus-35 mesh screen. The minus-35 mesh fraction is separated into heavy and light fractions using bromoform with a specific gravity of 2.8. The heavy fraction, the sample material with specific gravity >2.8, is further separated magnetically using a Frantz Isodynamic Separator, into a highly magnetic (ferromagnetic, C1) fraction, a weakly magnetic (paramagnetic, C2) fraction, and a nonmagnetic (C3) fraction. Depending on the amount of material available, the heavy, nonmagnetic (C3) fraction is divided into an analytical split and a split used for mineralogical identification by the submitter. The analytical split is pulverized using an agate mortar and pestle.
References for sample preparation methods:
Peacock, T.R., and Taylor, C.D., 1990, Physical preparation of stream-sediment and soil samples, in Arbogast, B.F., editor, Quality assurance manual for the Branch of Geochemistry, U.S. Geological Survey: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 90-668, p. 26-32.
Taylor, C.D., 1990, Physical preparation of heavy-mineral concentrates by heavy liquid and magnetic separation, in Arbogast, B.F., editor, Quality assurance manual for the Branch of Geochemistry, U.S. Geological Survey: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 90-668, p. 33-37.
For some elements, the methods of chemical analysis were the same throughout the study, while for others, the methods changed as analytical technology improved. Some of the methods used were specifically designed to give a concentration value based on a partial digestion or extraction of the sample. For these methods elements tightly bound in the structure of silicates in the sample are not measured. Therefore, the analytical results from these partial extraction techniques may not be comparable with results from methods designed to measure the total concentration of an element in a sample.
Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
- Access_Constraints: None
- Use_Constraints: None
Bailey, Elizabeth A.
U.S. Geological Survey
Chemist
4200 University Drive
Anchorage, Alaska 99508-4626
United States
1-907-786-7442 (voice)
1-907-786-7401 (FAX)
eabailey@usgs.gov
These data are released on the condition that neither the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) nor the United States Government may be held liable for any damages resulting from authorized or unauthorized use. The USGS provides these data "as is" and makes no guarantee or warranty concerning the accuracy of information contained in the data. The USGS further makes no warranties, either expressed or implied as to any other matter, whatsoever, including, without limitation, the condition of the product, or its fitness for any particular purpose. The burden for determining fitness for use lies entirely with the user.
| Data format: | WK1(1-2-3), DBF(III), and CSV (comma-separated values) |
|---|---|
| Network links: |
<http://geopubs.wr.usgs.gov/open-file/of99-433> |
Bailey, Elizabeth A.
U.S. Geological Survey
Chemist
4200 University Drive
Anchorage, Alaska 99508-4626
United States
1-907-786-7442 (voice)
1-907-786-7401 (FAX)
eabailey@usgs.gov