Low-density geochemical mapping in Portugal

This paper reports the first results of a low-density geochemical survey covering the whole continental area of Portugal, taking both topsoils and active stream sediments as the sampling media. The data were obtained in a consistent way from 653 sites at a sampling density of 1 site/135 km2. The samples were analysed for 31 elements by ICP-AES and after quality control the following 19 were selected: Al, As, Ba, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, La, Mg, Mn, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, Th, V and Zn. The baseline levels for these elements are presented. The first geochemical maps of Portugal were prepared and the geochemical patterns are generally well correlated to geological factors sometimes combined with anthropogenic influences. Some general trends can be observed between geochemical patterns and soils distribution.