『Abstract
Since 1994 a geochemical mapping project has been undertaken
in Aichi prefecture, central Japan, with the aim of establishing
a data base to contribute to environmental assessment in the region.
To date more than 1200 stream sediments have been collected and
analyzed. The samples were analyzed for 10 major elements by X-ray
fluorescence spectrometry and loss-on-ignition.
The analyses show that stream sediments from areas with sedimentary
bedrock are enriched in SiO2 and mafic elements
such as TiO2 and Fe2O3 compared to areas with granitic bedrock. The
SiO2 enrichment is mainly due to the amount
of quartz and the enrichment in mafic elements is due to biotite,
both of which are derived from the sedimentary bedrock. In contrast,
sediments derived from granitic bedrock are characterized by high
abundances of elements contained in feldspars such as Na2O and CaO. This contrast in elemental distribution
(e.g., Na2O/TiO2 ratio)
can be useful for geological mapping in the areas covered by vegetation
and with poor bedrock exposure. The relative abundance of Ca,
Na and K in the stream sediments suggest that the Inagawa granite,
one of the main granite bodies in the study area, can be classified
into four distinct types. This classification is distinct from
previous classification based on geological and petrochemical
studies. It is confirmed that analysis of geochemical compositions
of stream sediments has considerable potential as a tool in geological
studies including lithological mapping.』
1. Introduction
2. Samples and analytical methods
3. Results
3.1. Geochemical maps
4. Discussion
4.1. Chemical comparison between stream sediments with sedimentary
and granitic bedrocks
4.2. Chemical alteration of granites during deposition of stream
sediments
4.3. Chemical heterogeneity of stream sediments from the Inagawa
granitic area
5. Conclusion
Acknowledgement
References