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  • The Bon Bon/Eba 1:100,000 regolith-landform map illustrates the distribution of regolith materials described using the RTMAP scheme developed by Geoscience Australia

  • The Byrock 1:100,000 regolith-landform map illustrates the distribution of regolith materials and the landforms on which they occur, described using the RTMAP scheme developed by Geoscience Australia, together with the total magnetic intensity image of the map sheet

  • The Canbelego 1:100,000 regolith-landform map illustrates the distribution of regolith materials and the landforms on which they occur, described using the RTMAP scheme developed by Geoscience Australia

  • The Coolabah 1:100,000 regolith-landform map illustrates the distribution of regolith materials and the landforms on which they occur, described using the RTMAP scheme developed by Geoscience Australia

  • The 1:250 000 maps show the type and distribution of 51 regolith-landform units with unique dominant regolith-landform associations, and are a subset of the 205 mapping units on the six 1:100 000 maps. These units are distinct patterns of recurring landform elements with characteristic regolith associations. Geomorphic symbols indicate the location and type of geomorphic activity. The maps present a systematic analysis and interpretation of 1:89 000 scale 1973 RC9 aerial photography, 1:100 000 scale topographic maps (AUSLIG), and field mapping data. High resolution (250m line spacing) airborne gamma-ray spectrometry and magnetics (Geoterrex) were used where applicable

  • Many countries around the world have carried out national-scale geochemical surveys, providing important information on the natural concentration of chemical elements and compounds in the near-surface regolith. Resultant data and information layers have been put to a multitude of uses: Identifying targets for mineral exploration; improving land-use management and environmental policy development; and providing information for studies into the health and well-being of humans, animals and plants. Between 2003 and 2007 several regional geochemical pilot surveys were conducted in Australia. These surveys have identified element concentrations that relate to soil acidity and salinity, reflect known areas of mineralisation, or are above or below national and international agricultural soils guidelines. In 2007, following on from the success of the pilot surveys, Geoscience Australia established Australia's first national geochemical survey. Working in collaboration with State and Territory geoscience agencies, ultra low-density sampling of catchment outlet (overbank) sediments from two depths (0-10 cm below surface and from a 10 cm interval at around 60-90 cm) has commenced. Samples are prepared and split into <2 mm and <75 mm fractions before both are analysed using a wide range of analytical techniques including XRF and ICP-MS. To date, 80% of samples have been collected and 50% of the total number of samples have been analysed. Ultimately the National Geochemical Survey of Australia project will rapidly and cost-effectively deliver a national geochemical atlas and a new dataset that will underpin positive outcomes in the exploration and mining, environmental, agricultural, forestry, recreational, and health and well-being sectors.

  • The National Geochemical Survey of Australia project represents an essential component of the Australian Government's Onshore Energy Security Initiative. The national geochemical survey involves the use of field-tested methods for collection and analysis of transported regolith samples representative of catchments covering most of Australia. The project is a collaboration between Geoscience Australia and State and Northern Territory geoscience agencies, which will provide an internally consistent geochemical dataset useful for calibration and ground-truthing of airborne radiometrics surveys. The survey also will help to fill gaps in current airborne radiometrics and geochemical coverages of Australia, provide multi-element characterisation and ranking of radiometric anomalies and aid in first-order investigation of the nature of geothermal hot-spots. As a result it will support and add value to numerous other Onshore Energy Security Initiative projects and have wider applications in mineral exploration and in environmental assessment and management. This report details the methodology underpinning the determination of the theoretical sampling points using terrain and hydrological analysis; and the protocols for sample collection. It will be used for knowledge transfer during training sessions for the State and Northern Territory field parties who also will receive field equipment and consumables which will ensure there is consistent sampling throughout the project. A digital data entry template has been designed to enable efficient and consistent in-field data capture, which also will streamline data entry into Geoscience Australia's corporate databases.