Chapter 5 Marine Geochemical Exploration Methods

Abstract

This chapter describes the marine geochemical exploration methods. Marine geochemistry includes the chemical analysis of the minerals and samples by means of direct and indirect methods. More or less extensive geochemical investigations are often hidden under exploration activity headings like sampling, analysis, and data evaluation. Geochemical exploration proved to be an important technique in terrestrial mineral exploration. The methods of geochemical exploration have been refined and geochemical methods are used in the search for hidden ore bodies. Geochemical exploration surveys are composed of sampling chemical analysis and interpretation of analytical data. The chapter describes the standard methods for sampling seawater, sediments, rocks, and minerals. Analytical methods used on board an exploration vessel and in land laboratories are outlined. The chapter also provides two marine geochemical exploration examples.