The National Geochemical Data Base contains more than two million records for samples collected in the United States and foreign countries. It includes data from USGS programs like NMRAP and the DOE's NURE HSSR, as well as RASS data, compiled from approximately 1996 onward. Samples of stream sediment, soil, rock, water, and vegetation were analyzed using techniques like emission spectroscopy, neutron activation, and x-ray emission.
Use Cases
- Establishing baseline chemical abundance based on over two million geochemical sample records
- Mapping spatial distribution of elements based on latitude/longitude and quadrangle location data
- Analyzing geochemical trends by sample type based on data for stream sediment, soil, rock, water, and vegetation
- Correlating chemical analyses with geologic context based on rock name, formation, and geologic age information
Strengths
- Contains more than two million data records
- Integrates data from multiple major federal programs (USGS NMRAP, DOE NURE HSSR, RASS)
- Samples are available for further analysis as most are held in archival storage
Limitations
- Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download
- Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified
Provenance
- Source
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and other Federal Government agencies
- Collection Method
- Samples collected during geochemical surveys and analyzed using various techniques (emission spectroscopy, neutron activation, etc.)
- Time Range
- Approximately 1996 - present, with historical data from earlier programs
- Geography
- United States and foreign countries