Sample Collection
Field Equipment
The sampler will need: A field map, baggies (Zip-lock), a marking pen (Sharpie,
permanent marker) a pencil (for recording field sample points) and a stout hand
shovel. Other useful items would be a GPS a compass and a backpack.
The sampler will need: A field map, baggies (Zip-lock), a marking pen (Sharpie,
permanent marker) a pencil (for recording field sample points) and a stout hand
shovel. Other useful items would be a GPS a compass and a backpack.
Sample Location
Geochemistry is a statistical process. A single sample point is used to represent the
geochemical value of an area. The size of this area is determined by the sample
density. The point at which you sample is only one value of the distribution of
potential sample values available in the sampled area. The significance of this is
that geochemical sample points do not have to be precisely located. Therefore the
sampler should adjust the sampling location if the conditions of that sample are
poor. Disturbed or excavated areas should be avoided as should areas
contaminated with hydrocarbons, chemicals or animal wastes. Swamps and areas
that are continually under water should not be sampled. The sampler should
attempt to locate on the field map the sample point as closely as possible to the
actual sample site but absolute precision is not critical to the geochemical survey
results. A field vehicle odometer combined with topographic orientation will
provide acceptable sample locating precision unless sample density is less than
1/10 kilometer. GPS systems are both inexpensive and accurate and are great for
geochemical surveys
geochemical value of an area. The size of this area is determined by the sample
density. The point at which you sample is only one value of the distribution of
potential sample values available in the sampled area. The significance of this is
that geochemical sample points do not have to be precisely located. Therefore the
sampler should adjust the sampling location if the conditions of that sample are
poor. Disturbed or excavated areas should be avoided as should areas
contaminated with hydrocarbons, chemicals or animal wastes. Swamps and areas
that are continually under water should not be sampled. The sampler should
attempt to locate on the field map the sample point as closely as possible to the
actual sample site but absolute precision is not critical to the geochemical survey
results. A field vehicle odometer combined with topographic orientation will
provide acceptable sample locating precision unless sample density is less than
1/10 kilometer. GPS systems are both inexpensive and accurate and are great for
geochemical surveys
Procedure
Sample identification numbers
should be as simple as possible.
This saves time in the field and
reduces errors. The simplest
system is consecutive numbers
beginning with 1. Letters preceding
the number (i.e. PRJ1) can
uniquely identify the samples for
each of your project areas. Prior to
the commencement of collection an
adequate number of bags should be
numbered and organized in groups
of ten. Using the bags sequentially
and recording the bag number on
the field map or "marking" with a
GPS at the time of collection
eliminates almost all collection
errors. Each sample should be a
composite of three to five equal
scoops of soil separated by a few
feet. Samples should come from
the top few inches of the soil.
Rocks, coarse material, Plant
debris, Insects and small animals
should be excluded. The total
sample should be 200 to 300 grams
(7 to 10 ounces). After collection
the baggies should be carefully
sealed.
should be as simple as possible.
This saves time in the field and
reduces errors. The simplest
system is consecutive numbers
beginning with 1. Letters preceding
the number (i.e. PRJ1) can
uniquely identify the samples for
each of your project areas. Prior to
the commencement of collection an
adequate number of bags should be
numbered and organized in groups
of ten. Using the bags sequentially
and recording the bag number on
the field map or "marking" with a
GPS at the time of collection
eliminates almost all collection
errors. Each sample should be a
composite of three to five equal
scoops of soil separated by a few
feet. Samples should come from
the top few inches of the soil.
Rocks, coarse material, Plant
debris, Insects and small animals
should be excluded. The total
sample should be 200 to 300 grams
(7 to 10 ounces). After collection
the baggies should be carefully
sealed.
Soil should be collected from the top 2 in.
The sample should be 7 to 10 ounces
unless the soil is unusually coarse then
a larger sample may be needed to
provide sufficient fine fraction.
unless the soil is unusually coarse then
a larger sample may be needed to
provide sufficient fine fraction.
Three to five equal scoops should be collected from
the immediate area and placed in the numbered bag.
the immediate area and placed in the numbered bag.
Shipping
Samples can be shipped directly to GrayStone Labs. A good way to ship your
samples is in five gallon buckets. Buckets can not be damaged during shipping,
they hold forty to fifty pounds of samples and they have a handle. Small and
medium sized cardboard boxes also work well as long as you place the samples in
plastic trash bags to prevent moisture from reaching the cardboard and tape the
box heavily. Keep boxes less than 20 kg (45 lbs). The box should be sealed with
heavy shipping tape and addressed exactly as listed below. If you are sending
samples from out of the United States please call 303-278-3252, and I'll give you
the special shipping information you will need for the importation of samples.
GrayStone Exploration Labs, Inc.
15400 W 44th Ave. Suite 21
Golden, CO 80403
Contents: Soil Samples
samples is in five gallon buckets. Buckets can not be damaged during shipping,
they hold forty to fifty pounds of samples and they have a handle. Small and
medium sized cardboard boxes also work well as long as you place the samples in
plastic trash bags to prevent moisture from reaching the cardboard and tape the
box heavily. Keep boxes less than 20 kg (45 lbs). The box should be sealed with
heavy shipping tape and addressed exactly as listed below. If you are sending
samples from out of the United States please call 303-278-3252, and I'll give you
the special shipping information you will need for the importation of samples.
GrayStone Exploration Labs, Inc.
15400 W 44th Ave. Suite 21
Golden, CO 80403
Contents: Soil Samples
GPS
Back Pack
Hand Shovel
Clip Board
Utility Belt
Ready for the Field
GrayStone Exploration Labs, Inc.
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