ISSN:
1573-2932
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
Notes:
Abstract Lake water and sediment samples from approximately 2200 lakes and glacial sediment (sub-solum) samples from about 1800 sites were collected throughout a 38000 km2 rectangular area extending from Georgian Bay east to the Ottawa and St. Lawrence Rivers, Ontario, Canada. Lake water alkalinity and pH patterns are similar to the distribution of carbonate components in glacial drift. Carbonate-rich drift derived from the Paleozoic limestone terrain on the northeast flank of the Precambrian Frontenac Arch has been dispersed in a southwestward direction across a variety of non-calcareous metasedimentary and igneous rocks of the Canadian Shield, providing a buffering capacity to lakes situated in granitic terrain. The distribution patterns of mobile trace and minor elements are influenced by geochemical processes associated with subaerial weathering, ground and surface water transport, and the geochemical environment within the lakes themselves. Although composition of the drift is generally reflected by lake geochemistry, these post depositional processes can cause significant variations between patterns derived from the two sample types. Anions and cations such as S04 , Cl−, Na+, and F− exhibit concentration patterns thought to reflect both anthropogenic inputs and natural variations due to differences in the geology. All regional geochemical patterns may show evidence of local enhancement caused by high concentrations of chemically distinctive minerals in drift or nearby bedrock.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00284243
