The dataset contains raw geochemical analytical results for rock samples from Greenland together with associated sample location information. The samples were collected over a long period and for different purposes, including geological mapping, classification and assessment of potential economic interest. Positional accuracy varies. Older sample locations were originally recorded in analogue form, including on aerial photographs and map bases, and were later digitised. After the introduction of GPS, sample positions generally became more accurate, but early GPS registrations in Arctic areas may still have considerable uncertainty, and the number of coordinate decimals does not necessarily reflect the actual positional accuracy.

The geochemical analyses were carried out by different laboratories and using different analytical methods. Accuracy and precision may therefore vary depending on element, method, laboratory and analytical period. The database serves as storage for analytical results as delivered by the laboratories, and the dataset does not in itself imply comprehensive quality control or harmonisation across all analyses. Empty cells, the value 0, negative values and special coded values may occur and may reflect missing data, values below detection limits or other laboratory or database conventions. Some samples or elements may have been analysed more than once, and differences between records may be caused by different analytical methods. The dataset should therefore be used with caution and with consideration of method and source information where available.

References:

Kystol, J. & Larsen, L.M. 1999: Analytical procedures in the Rock Geochemical Laboratory of the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland. Geology of Greenland Survey Bulletin 184, 59-62.

Steenfelt, A. 1999: Compilation of data sets for a geochemical atlas of West and South Greenland based on stream sediment surveys 1977 to 1997. Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, Rapport 1999/41. 101 pp.

Steenfelt, A. 2001: Calibration of stream sediment data from West and South Greenland. A supplement to GEUS Report 1999/41. Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland, Rapport 2001/47. 43 pp.

The data originate from GEUS collection and analysis of rock samples in Greenland as part of multiple activities and projects. Sample information and analytical results are stored in GEUS databases and are delivered as a digital extract from the GimmeX information system. Sampling was carried out without a systematic rock sampling design, and analytical tables are organised by analytical type/method. Location information and sample descriptions derive from field registrations; GPS has been used since 1997, while older locations were read or digitised from topographic maps and may have been adjusted between map bases using a mathematical transformation. Users should note that sample positions collected before 1997 may be less accurate, and if high positional accuracy is required the original sample location maps archived at GEUS should be consulted. The dataset provides raw analytical results and accuracy/precision may vary by laboratory and method; results below the detection limit may be coded in a specific way (e.g., as 0) in the analytical tables.

The geochemical analyses originate from different laboratories and analytical methods, and the database preserves the analytical results as received; comprehensive quality control or harmonisation across all elements, methods and analytical periods has therefore not necessarily been carried out.