Dispersion of niobium and phosphorus in soil overlying the Qaqarssuk Carbonatite Complex, Southern West Greenland |
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| Authors: | H Kunzendorf K Secher |
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| Abstract: | Rocks and soils overlying the Qaqarssuk Carbonatite Complex, southern West Greenland, were analyzed for major and trace elements by various analytical methods. The carbonatitic rocks contain up to 5% P2O5 and up to 0.2% Nb. The soils are relatively depleted in Ca due probably to dissolution of calcite by CO2-rich waters. Apatite is not affected by this mechanism so that P2O5 tends to be enriched in the soils. A CaO/MgO ratio of less than about 1.5 is indicative of apatite accumulation in the soils. The dominant carbonate mineral in soils is dolomite and secondary apatite was not observed. Soil grains are angular and not seriously affected by mechanical transport. The investigations show that soil sampling for geochemical exploration in the arctic environment is suitable for mapping and prospecting for carbonatites. |
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