Hydrogeochemical survey of groundwater for selected areas in the Arabian Shield and in cover rocks, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Open-File Report 89-334
By:  and 

Links

Abstract

In the spring of 1984, a hydrogeochemical survey was conducted in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to test ground water as a sampling medium in exploration for mineral deposits. Eighty-one water samples (mostly from wells) were collected. The samples were analysed for the presence and concentration of major cations and anions, as well as a suite of trace elements. Most of the water samples contained high concentrations of dissolved salts. The majority of the samples showed no significant amounts of the trace elements. A few well-water samples contained moderately anomalous concentrations of zinc, molybdenum, and uranium. These anomalies could be due to salinity effects, contamination, or the proximity of mineral sources. This survey has established some baseline water-chemistry data, especially for the trace metals, which to date have not been reported in ground water in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Hydrogeochemical survey of groundwater for selected areas in the Arabian Shield and in cover rocks, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 89-334
DOI 10.3133/ofr89334
Year Published 1989
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Description ii, 38 p. ill. ;28 cm.
Country Saudi Arabia
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details