Skip Links

USGS - science for a changing world

Report Series 2013–1149

>> Pubs Warehouse > OF 2013-1149

Geochemistry of Soils from the San Rafael Valley, Santa Cruz County, Arizona

By Helen W. Folger and Floyd Gray

Thumbnail of and link to report PDF (22.6 MB)Abstract

This study was conducted to determine whether surficial geochemical methods can be used to identify subsurface mineral deposits covered by alluvium derived from surrounding areas. The geochemical investigation focused on an anomalous geophysical magnetic high located in the San Rafael Valley in Santa Cruz County, Arizona. The magnetic high, inferred to be associated with a buried granite intrusion, occurs beneath Quaternary alluvial and terrace deposits. Soil samples were collected at a depth of 10 to 30 centimeters below land surface along transects that traverse the inferred granite. The samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and by the partial-leach Mobile Metal IonTM method. Principal component and factor analyses showed a strong correlation between the soils and source rocks hosting base-metal replacement deposits in the Harshaw and Patagonia Mining Districts. Factor analysis also indicated areas of high metal concentrations associated with the Meadow Valley Flat. Although no definitive geochemical signature was identified for the inferred granite, concentrations of tungsten and iron in the surrounding area were slightly elevated.

First posted November 14, 2013

    Tables

For additional information, contact:
Helen Folger

or

Director, GS-G-ER EMERSC-Outreach
U.S. Geological Survey
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive, MS 954
Reston, VA 20192

Part or all of this report is presented in Portable Document Format (PDF). For best results viewing and printing PDF documents, it is recommended that you download the documents to your computer and open them with Adobe Reader. PDF documents opened from your browser may not display or print as intended. Download the latest version of Adobe Reader, free of charge.

Suggested citation:

Folger, H.W., and Gray, Floyd, 2013, Geochemistry of soils from the San Rafael Valley, Santa Cruz County, Arizona: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2013-1149, 30 p., 5 tables, http://dx.doi.org/10.3133/ofr20131149.

ISSN 2331-1258 (online)


Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Sample Collection and Geochemical Analysis

Geochemistry of Soils

Conclusions

Acknowledgments

References Cited

Appendix A. Thematic maps showing sample location and distribution of selected trace elements in soil

Appendix B. Thematic maps showing distribution of factor scores determined from inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry analyses of soil samples

Appendix c. Thematic maps showing distribution of factor scores determined from response ratios for Mobile Metal IonTM analyses of soil samples

Appendix D. Thematic maps and biplots showing cluster results from inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and Mobile Metal IonTM analyses of soil samples


Accessibility FOIA Privacy Policies and Notices

Take Pride in America logo USA.gov logo U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://pubsdata.usgs.gov/pubs/of/2013/1149/index.html
Page Contact Information: GS Pubs Web Contact
Page Last Modified: Wednesday, 15-Jan-2014 12:00:49 EST