Rattenbury, M.S.; Martin, A.P.; Turnbull, R.E.; Christie, A.B. 2014 Sampling methodology for a regional multi-element geochemical baseline survey. Lower Hutt, N.Z.: GNS Science. GNS Science report 2014/62 38 p.
Abstract: A regional multi-element geochemical baseline survey of southern New Zealand commenced in 2013. The survey sampling methodology is based on best-practise, international geochemical baseline surveys. The survey is sampling soil augured from two depths of 0–20 cm and ~50 cm from ~400 sites at 8 km centres around the Southland and southern Otago regions. Between December 2013 and April 2014, 335 sites were collected involving approximately 650 team hours and corresponding to an average daily collection rate of 4–5 samples. Approximately 5 kg of soil is collected per sample and this is dried, sieved to remove the >2 mm fraction and split into archive and analytical subsamples. Recording of collection data is in part digital using portable GPS-enabled tablets with a customised application, and in part analogue for back up purposes. Geochemical analysis of the samples will result in element variation maps of Southland-southern Otago and these will help establish a regional geochemical baseline that can be used by the public health, agricultural and mineral exploration sectors. The results will also be important for assessing the current state of the New Zealand land environment. (auth)
