Influence of preglacial dispersion on geochemical exploration in county Offaly, Central Ireland

Abstract

Abstract Weathering and erosion during the Tertiary period in Ireland gave rise to widespread secondary dispersion in the vicinity of exposed mineralization. Resulting patterns are still partly traceable under the glacial cover and constitute geochemical anomalies that are found to be more revealing than corresponding anomalies in the glacial till. A large near-surface lead and zinc anomaly in northeast County Offaly, Eire, was found to overlie an iron hydroxide-filled Tertiary(?) sinkhole. Tracing the dispersion patterns from this preglacial hydromorphic anomaly led to the discovery, to the north of the sinkhole and under the glacial drift, of two residual anomalies characterized by highly concentrated secondary zinc mineralization (up to 10% Zn). One of these follows a regional structural trend and may be of economic significance. Assessment of the depth of overburden was made using shallow refraction seismic equipment and sampling was carried out with two types of portable drills.