We present Sr-87/Sr-86 isotope ratios for similar to 1200 selected soil samples, collected by the GEMAS consortium from grazing (Gr) and agricultural (Ap) soils in Europe with the aim to better understand the strontium isotope distribution in the bioavailable fraction of the top-soil and its potential for provenancing applications. Spatial analysis shows that there is a clear distinction between coastal (<100 km) and non-coastal (>100 km) samples in their variance and that this variance is mirrored in the sodium concentration, suggesting an important but highly variable contribution from seaspray. We present two Sr-87/Sr-86 maps at 25 km x 25 km scale: one based solely on the measured data using a classical kriging approach and one based on a Random Forest model using complementary GEMAS data to predict the strontium isotope composition at the remaining 3000+ GEMAS sampling locations, including appropriate uncertainty assessment. Using a forensic Bayesian likelihood ratio approach, a tool was developed in R to create provenancing likelihood ratio maps. The maps delineate areas of high and low likelihood and allow investigators to direct their resources to areas of interest. For actual forensic case work either the measured or the modelled data can be used as reference data for the overall distribution of Sr-87/Sr-86 values in Europe. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All tights reserved.

Low-density geochemical mapping at continental scale reveals background for emerging tech-critical elements. The demand for a variety of mineral and/or element resources (e.g., rare earth elements, platinum group elements, cobalt, beryllium, lithium...) has increased with the continued consumption in developed countries and the emergence of developing economies. These elements are essential for maintaining and improving future quality of life, including many high-technology yet low-carbon industries. Two factors have been used by the NRC (National Research Council) to rank criticality: the degree to which a commodity is essential and the risk of supply disruption for the commodity. Further, the demand for energy-related minerals has increased, as global energy production diversifies beyond carbon and nuclear-based sources. A critical mineral and/or element is both essential in use subject to the risk of supply restriction and at the same time may induce environmental impacts. To provide a solid base for future generations, it is necessary to identify the spatial distribution of critical elements at a large scale, and additionally to study possible environmental consequences of the increased use of these resources. The average concentration, transformation and transport within and between the different environmental compartments of many chemical elements, which are now key components for the development of new technologies, are poorly known. Here we investigate three critical elements (Sb, W and Li) using low-density

The London Region Atlas of Topsoil Geochemistry (LRA) is a further step towards understanding the chemical quality of soils in London, following a previous project called London Earth carried out by the British Geological Survey (BGS) (Johnson et al., 2010[1]). The main advantage of the LRA is that it includes soil geochemical data from the counties surrounding London; placing the city within the context of its rural hinterland, allowing assessments of the impact of urbanisation on soil quality. The London Region Atlas of Topsoil Geochemistry is a product derived from the BGS Geochemical Baseline Survey of the Environment (G-BASE[2]) project. The London Region Geochemical Dataset (LRD, n=8400), on which the atlas is based, includes TOPSOIL data from two complementary surveys: i) the urban London Earth (LOND) and ii) the rural South East England (SEEN). The LRA covers the Greater London Authority (GLA) and its outskirts in a rectangular area of 80x62 km. This extends from British National Grid coordinates Easting 490000–570000, and Northing 153000–215000. The urban LOND and the rural SEEN surveys contribute with 6801 and 1599 samples respectively to the LRD. The concentrations of 44 inorganic chemical elements (Al2O3, CaO, Fe2O3, K2O, MgO, MnO, Na2O, P2O5, SiO2, TiO2, Ag, As, Ba, Bi, Br, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Ga, Ge, Hf, I, La, Mo, Nb, Nd, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sn, Sr, Th, U, V, W, Y, Zn and Zr), loss on ignition (LOI) and pH in topsoil are included in the LRA. For each element, a map showing the distribution in topsoil across the atlas area and a one-page sketch of descriptive statistics and graphs are presented. Statistics and graphs for whole dataset (LRD), London urban subset (LOND) and London surroundings rural subset (SEEN), as well as graphs of topsoil element concentrations over each simplified geology unit are shown. The LRD has been used already in a study aiming to detect geogenic (geological) signatures and controls on soil chemistry in the London region (Appleton et al., 2013[3]). It includes maps showing the distribution of Al, Si, La and I (and Th, Ca, Mn, As, Pb and Zr in supplementary material) and it is concluded that the spatial distribution of a range of elements is primarily controlled by the rocks from where soil derives, and that these geogenic patterns are still recognisable inside the urban centre. Other studies have been done that are based on data in the LRD, namely using the LOND subset or part of it. The main focus of these studies was the mercury content (Scheib et al., 2010[4]), the influence of land use on geochemistry (Knights and Scheib, 2011[5]; Lark and Scheib, 2013[6]); the bioaccessibility of pollutants such as As and Pb (Appleton et al., 2012[7]; Appleton et al., 2012[8]; Cave, 2012[9]; Appleton et al., 2013[10]; Cave et al., 2013[11]) and the lability of lead in soils (Mao et al., 2014[12]); the determination of normal background concentrations of contaminants in English soil (Ander et al., 2013[13]) and the contribution of geochemical and other environmental data to the future of the cities (Ludden et al., 2015[14]). The London Region Atlas of Topsoil Geochemistry formally presents detailed information for all chemical elements in the LRD. This information can be easily visualised and elements compared as its production and layout is standardised. Differences in topsoil element concentrations between the centre of the city and its outskirts can be assessed by observing the map and comparing statistics and graphs reported for the LOND and SEEN subsets respectively. This urban/rural contrast is particularly evident for elements such as Pb, Sb, Sn, Cu and Zn, for which mean concentrations in the urban environment are two to three times higher than those observed in the rural environment. This is a typical indicator suite of urban soil pollution reported in several other cities in the UK also (Fordyce et al., 2005[15]).

High resolution magnetic measurements provide new methods for world-wide characterization and monitoring of agricultural soil which is essential for quantifying geologic and human impact on the critical zone environment and consequences of climatic change, for planning economic and ecological land use, and for forensic applications. Hysteresis measurements of all Ap samples from the GEMAS survey yield a comprehensive overview of mineral magnetic properties in European agricultural soil on a continental scale.

High resolution HDR colour images of all Ap samples from the GEMAS survey were acquired using a GeoTek Linescan camera. This data set will help to develop new methods for world-wide characterization and monitoring of agricultural soils which is essential for quantifying geologic and human impact on the critical zone environment.

Soil geochemistry is routinely and effectively used for mineral prospecting in areas of glaciated terrain, notably in Canada and Finland. This study uses the Tellus and Tellus Border soil geochemical data to investigate possible glacial dispersal of gold and base metals in the Down–Longford terrane of Ireland. Results from multivariate statistical analysis of the data correlate well with known mineralisation and prove effective in identifying further areas of potentially high prospectivity. Dispersal of gold and base metals is identified, reflecting single and multiple ice flow directions over relatively short distances (≤20 km).

This report presents the results of a geochemical survey carried out by the British Geological Survey (BGS) between 2001 and 2002. The survey collected 1381 urban soil samples at a density of 1 per 0.25 km2 and 241 rural samples at a density of 1 per 2 km2 on a systematic grid across the Glasgow conurbation. The study was carried out as part of the BGS Geochemical Baseline Survey of the Environment (G-BASE) project. Top (5 - 20 cm) and deeper (35 - 50 cm) soil samples underwent analysis for approximately 46 chemical elements including contaminants such as As, Al, Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Se, V and Zn according to standard G-BASE procedures. In addition, pH and loss on ignition (LOI) as an indicator of organic matter content were determined in the samples. The aim of the project was to provide an overview of the urban soil geochemistry of Glasgow and the immediate rural hinterland as an aid to planning and development. This report presents the initial findings of the Glasgow soil survey. The data have a wide range of applications and will be interpreted in more detail as part of a wider BGS Clyde Urban Super-Project (CUSP), to be reported elsewhere. This report documents the G-BASE soil survey and analytical methods and presents the distribution of soil parameters as a series of geographic information system (GIS)-generated graduated symbol geochemical maps. The Glasgow conurbation is the largest built-up area in Scotland and has a long history of urban and heavy industrial development including coal and other mineral mining; ship building; steel and iron making; railway engineering; car manufacture and - until the 1960s - was home to the world’s largest chromium ore processing plant based in Rutherglen in the south-east of the city. As with all cities, urban land quality in Glasgow is the result of complex interactions between these man-made inputs and the natural concentrations of substances in soil, which are influenced by the geology and soil forming processes. Therefore, comparisons with rural soils can help elucidate the level of anthropogenic input to soils in urban areas. As an indication of anthropogenic (man-made) pollution, the results of the present study reveal that on the basis of median values, Cd, Cr, Ni and Zn concentrations are 2-3 times and Cu and Pb 5-7 times higher in Glasgow than the national average in Scottish soils. However, these results should be treated with caution due to the difference in analytical methods between the current G-BASE project and the national data for Scotland. Nevertheless, Ag (x 3.5), As, Co, Ge, Mo and P2O5 (~ x2) are also enhanced in Glasgow urban soils relative to world averages. Similarly, Pb (x 7.5), Cu, Ni, Sb, Sn and Zn (~ x2) and Se (x3) are enriched in Glasgow urban soils relative to world averages and are higher than BGS regional geochemical median values for the Humber-Trent area of England. This may in part reflect anthropogenic pollution and in the case of As, Co, Mo, Ni, and Se the presence of coals and volcanic bedrock in the Glasgow area. Comparisons between median values in the Glasgow dataset and other urban areas surveyed by the G-BASE project in the UK show that Cr and Ni are higher in Glasgow soils than most other cities. This is attributed to the history of Cr-processing and heavy industry in Glasgow and the presence of coals underlying the city and volcanic bedrock on the outskirts of Glasgow. In contrast, As, Cd and Pb are lower in Glasgow soils than most other urban areas. The results of the present study demonstrate that regardless of parent material type, concentrations of As, Bi, Ba, CaO, Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, Ge, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, Th, Y, Zn and pH are generally higher in urban than rural soils in the Glasgow area. Elements that are rare in nature in most environments but commonly associated with anthropogenic pollution such as Pb, Sb and Sn show greatest levels of enrichment (2.6 – 3.3 times, based on median values) in the urban soils. Calcium is also enhanced significantly (x2.1, based on median values) in deeper urban than rural soils probably as a result of buildings, coal and industrial waste in the urban environment, which tend to be calcareous in nature and commonly used as fill materials. Indeed, high Ba, CaO, Sr and pH soils are closely associated with made ground, industrial and derelict land in the city probably reflecting the presence of fill materials. The elements that show greatest enhancement in the Glasgow urban environment, namely CaO, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn and Zn are a typical indicator ‘suite’ of urban anthropogenic pollution commonly identified in studies of urban areas under the G-BASE project. Conversely, levels of organic matter are lower in urban than rural soils and several elements that are closely associated with organic matter show the same relationship including Br, I, U and W. Concentrations of Hf, SiO2, TiO2 and Zr are also lower in urban than rural soils as these elements are more closely associated with the detrital mineral composition of natural soils. Despite the over-riding influence of urban anthropogenic pollution on the soil geochemistry of many elements, geology and geogenic processes still exert a fundamental control on soil composition. Results in rural and urban Glasgow soils demonstrate that, for example, many elements such as Al2O3, Co, Cr, Cu, Ga, Ni, Pb, Se, Sn, Th, TiO2, U, V and Zn are relatively lower in concentration over Devonian sandstones present in the Dumbarton area as a result of natural geological processes including the lower clay content of these rock types. Similarly, many elements associated with alkali basaltic lavas (for example, CaO, Fe2O3, MgO, Na2O, Nb, Ni, P2O5, Sr, TiO2 and V) are relatively higher in soils over the Clyde Plateau Volcanic Formation, to the north and south of the city than other rock types in the area. Superficial peat deposits also have an effect on the geochemistry of the soils due to the importance of organic matter on the distribution of many elements such as As, Br, Cd, Co, Cs, Ga, Ge, I, Mo, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn and U in the environment. As might be anticipated, pH is also lower in these soils due to the presence of humic acids.

Hafnium (Hf) and zirconium (Zr) concentrations measured in over 4100 agricultural soil samples from Europe were assessed with the focus on their relationship to the distribution of aeolian deposits, such as loess and coversands. Comparison of extractable (aqua regia; ICP‐MS) and total (XRFS) concentrations shows that only 1.0 to 1.7% of the total Hf and Zr is chemically extractable because of the resistant nature of their host minerals. Resistate minerals, such as zircon, are commonly found in the predominantly silty fraction of loess deposits. In this study a statistical analysis of total Hf and Zr soil data from areas with and without loess was carried out to derive threshold values of 10 mg kg−1 (Hf) and 318 mg kg−1 (Zr). These values were subsequently applied across the project area in an attempt to indicate the presence of aeolian deposits. The spatial distribution of above‐threshold concentrations suggests a more extensive and coherent loess belt across central and eastern Europe, providing additional evidence of loess across Brittany, Aquitaine and near the Vosges mountains in France as well as in the basins of central and northern Spain. Above‐threshold concentrations were also detected in loess regardless of its thickness, emphasising the importance of the abundance of zircon in the upper part of the soil profile rather than the actual thickness of the deposit. Soil data however, failed to indicate various loess facies within most of the Pannonian Basin, suggesting that this approach only works where deposits contain a sufficient amount of zircon. This may also explain why the extensive coversands across northern Germany and Poland were largely undetected. This study demonstrates that continental‐scale soil geochemical data can help identify and map the distribution of zircon‐rich loess and coversand, and subsequently enhance and improve current knowledge of the extent of these deposits.

(1) Geological Survey of Finland, P.O. Box 96, FI-02151 Espoo, Finland (timo.tarvainen@gtk.fi), (2) Geological Survey of Norway, P.O. Box 6315 Sluppen, N-7491 Trondheim, Norway (clemens.reimann@ngu.no), (3) Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Universita de Napoli ‘Federico II’, Via Mezzocannone 8, 80138 Napoli, Italy, (4) Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR), Stilleweg 2, 30655 Hannover, Germany, (5) Czech Geological Survey, Klárov 131/3, 118 21. Praha 1, Czech Republic, (6) Geological Survey of Sweden, Box 670, S-751 28 Uppsala, Sweden

The GEMAS maps provide useful harmonised data for regional-scale bedrock (parent material) geochemical mapping and contribute to the geologist's knowledge about the average composition of the UCC. The GEMAS data are needed for evidence-based political decision-making in Europe. Apart from staisfying the EU REACH regulation on the chemical composition agricultural and grazing land soil, they will find applications in forensic science, medical geology, mineral exploration, and in further wide-ranging academic research. They can also be used as a data set for ground-thruting of remotely-sensed satellite observations that relate to soil composition. Last, but not least, they provide the farming community with a comparative database about soil quality, fertillity and the impact of certain farming practices at the European scale.

This report describes a study of geotechnical properties of till deposits that occur on Anglesey as part of the BGS Geotechnical and Geophysical Properties and Processes Team under Land Use and Development Programme. The first part of the report describes the sampling methods and the later the results. In the final section the engineering significance of the findings is discussed. The appendix includes the results of a trial to use rapid geochemical mapping techniques (handheld XRFS) to map the geochemical properties, and spatial extent of till units. The till deposits on Anglesey are a mix of fine and coarse grained soils and this textural variability affects their geotechnical and hydrogeological properties. In engineering terms the tills on Anglesey are typically very stiff/hard, with very high stiffness and low permeability.

This paper presents results from the first regional statistical analysis of soils developed on till in Northern Ireland, using the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland's Tellus geochemical database. Till geochemistry is largely determined by its parent bedrock and soils developed on tills are known to inherit this geochemical signature. Soil geochemistry from areas of till can therefore be used to establish sediment provenance which in turn provides information on palaeo ice flow directions and ice sheet history. In this study, we use Principal Component Analysis to establish geochemical groupings that can be related back to likely bedrock parent material for the tills in the region. The maps, presented here at 1:445,000 scale, show the results of the first regional investigation of soil geochemistry of part of the northern sector of the Irish Ice Sheet. The results indicate that the upper surface of the majority of tills in the study area have a close relationship to local bedrock with rapid geochemical changes observed at lithological boundaries. This suggests that tills in this sector of the Irish Ice Sheet are primarily local in origin, indicating rapid entrainment of bedrock and low rates of evacuation of debris to the ice margin.

The Geochemical Mapping of Agricultural and Grazing Land Soil (GEMAS) project provides soil geochemical data for over 50 elements at a density of 1 sample per 2500 km(2) across the European continent. Median baseline total concentrations of niobium (Nb) determined by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry in the < 2 mm fraction of 2108 ploughed agricultural soil (0-20 cm) and 2024 grazing land (0-10 cm) samples are 13 and 12 mg/kg, respectively. These concentration levels are more than 23 times higher than the median extractable concentration of Nb obtained by aqua regia digestion. Thus > 95% of Nb in soils can be considered 'immobile'.All anomalous soil concentrations can be related to geogenic processes. Many of the elevated Nb concentrations are underlain by Hercynian granitic intrusions and alkaline volcanic rocks. High Nb levels also correspond to the occurrence of residual soils over karst areas of southeast Europe and, to some extent, loess deposits of central and Eastern Europe. Lowest Nb concentrations are found in soils developed on most recent glacial sediments of northern Europe.Comparison of the aqua regia extractable concentrations of Nb in both sample types collected within < 450 m of each other show that concentrations are on average 0.12 mg/kg (15.4%) higher in grazing land soils, suggesting an influence of different land-use practises.