Geochemical soil surveys over cambrian and lower devonian formations in the belgian ardennes as a tool for geological mapping

Abstract

A geochemical soil survey was made over outcropping Cambrian and Lower Devonian formations in the Belgian Ardennes. About 300 soil samples were collected in an area of 2.5 × 1.1 km2.Analysis of rock samples from scarce, but stratigraphically well-known outcrops show that the Cambrian rocks are richer in copper than those of the Lower and Upper Gedinnian (Lower Devonian). The Upper Gedinnian rocks are more nickeliferous than the other horizons.In the well-drained soils, copper and lead distributions permit precise location of the boundary between Cambrian and Lower Gedinnian formations. The nickel distribution seems to be a good stratigraphic indicator for distinguishing Upper from Lower Gedinnian. Zinc distribution seems unrelated to underlying bedrock geology.Regression analysis confirms that the content of Cu, Pb and Ni is essentially a function of lithostratigraphy. However, the distribution of these elements is more influenced by pedological factors in the poorly drained soils.