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Soil Lysimeter Excavation for Coupled Hydrological, Geochemical, and Microbiological Investigations
Published on: September 11, 2016
Geochemical patterns in the soils of Cyprus
David R Cohen1, Neil F Rutherford, Eleni Morisseau
1School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia. d.cohen@unsw.edu.au
The Science of the Total Environment
|February 15, 2012
Summary
This study presents the soil geochemical atlas of Cyprus, revealing that parent geology is the primary driver of soil chemistry. High-density sampling effectively mapped geochemical features across the island.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Environmental Science
- Geological Mapping
Background:
- Cyprus's soil geochemical atlas is part of a global initiative for environmental and resource management.
- Previous geochemical mapping programs have been conducted at national and continental scales.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a high-density soil geochemical atlas for Cyprus.
- To understand the distribution and controls of soil elements across the island.
- To assess potential soil contamination and its relation to geological and anthropogenic factors.
Main Methods:
- High-density sampling (1 site/km²) across Cyprus.
- Multi-element and multi-method analysis of topsoil (0-25cm) and subsoil (50-75cm).
- Statistical analysis of geochemical data and spatial distribution.
Main Results:
- Geochemical patterns strongly correlate with underlying geology, with distinct differences between soil types.
- Element concentrations show spatial continuity within geological units but sharp changes across boundaries.
- Potential contamination by elements like Pb, Hg, and Sn was identified, often higher in topsoil.
- Soil pH variations are linked to copper deposits and geological formations.
- Strong correlation observed between topsoil and subsoil geochemistry.
Conclusions:
- Parent geology and regolith formation are the dominant controls on Cyprus's soil geochemistry.
- High-density sampling is effective for mapping geochemical landscapes at various scales.
- The atlas provides a baseline for environmental monitoring, resource exploration, and land management in Cyprus.
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