Mercury in soil gas and air--A potential tool in mineral exploration

Circular 609
By: , and 

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Abstract

The mercury content in soil gas and in the atmosphere was measured in several mining districts to test the possibility that the mercury content in the atmosphere is higher over ore deposits than over barren ground. At Cortez, Nev., the distribution of anorhalous amounts of mercury in the air collected at ground level (soil gas) correlates well with the distribution of gold-bearing rocks that are covered by as much as 100 feet of gravel. The mercury content in the atmosphere collected at an altitude of 200 feet by an aircraft was 20 times background over a mercury posit and 10 times background over two porphyry copper deposits. Measurement of mercury in soil gas and air may prove to be a valuable exploration tool.
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Mercury in soil gas and air--A potential tool in mineral exploration
Series title Circular
Series number 609
DOI 10.3133/cir609
Edition -
Year Published 1969
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description iii, 16 p. :illus. ;26 cm.
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