Geochemistry of Some Rocks, Mine Spoils, 

Stream Sediments, Soils, Plants, and 

Waters in the Western Energy Region of the 

Conterminous United States

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PROFESSIONAL PAPER 1237
Geochemistry of Some Rocks, Mine Spoils, 

Stream Sediments, Soils, Plants, and 

Waters in the Western Energy Region of the 

Conterminous United States

By RICHARD J. EBENS and HANSFORD T. SHAGKLETTE 

With sections on FIELD STUDIES

By BARBARA M. ANDERSON, JOSEPHINE G. BOERNGEN, JON J. CONNOR, WALTER E. 

DEAN, JAMES A. ERDMAN, GERALD L. FEDER, LARRY P. GOUGH, JAMES R. HERRING, 

TODD K. HINKLEY, JOHN R. KEITH, RONALD W. KLUSMAN, JAMES M. MCNEAL, 

CHARLES D. RINGROSE, RONALD C. SEVERSON, and RONALD R. TIDBALL

STATISTICAL STUDIES IN FIELD GEOCHEMISTRY

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY PROFESSIONAL PAPER 1237 

Geochemical summaries for natural materials from areas

... j r r -i r i

having important deposits oj josstl juels

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON : 1982
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 

JAMES G. WATT, Secretary

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

Dallas L. Peck, Director

Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data

Ebens, Richard J.

Geochemisty of some rocks, mine spoils, stream sediments, soils, plants, and waters in the western energy region of the conterminous United

States

(Statistical studies in field geochemistry) 

(Geological Survey Professional Paper 1237) 

Bibliography: p. 33 

Supt. of Docs. No.: I 19.16:1237

1. Geochemistry West (U.S.) Tables. I. Shacklette, Hansford T. II. Title. III. Series. IV. Series. 

QE515.E23 551.9'0978 81-607846 AACR2

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office

Washington, D.C. 20402
CONTENTS

Page

Abstract......................................................................................................................................................^ 1

Introduction................................................................................................................................................ 1

A<jknowledgments....................................................................................................................................^ 2

Methods of Study....................................................................................................................................... 2

Objectives............................................................................................................................................. 2

Collection procedures.......................................................................................................................... 4

Descriptions of field studies............................................................................................................... 4

Methods of analysis.................................................................................................................................... 24

Geochemical summaries............................................................................................................................ 27

Organization and use of data............................................................................................................. 27

Concluding remarks............................................................................................................................ 29

Pre-development stage................................................................................................................ 29

Development and operating stage............................................................................................. 31

Restoration and revegetation stage........................................................................................... 32

References cited.......................................................................................................................................... 33

ILLUSTRATIONS

Page

FIGURE 1. Map showing major coal resources of the Western United States............................................................................................... 3

2-16. Maps showing locations of study areas:

2. Sampling localities of shale and sandstone of the Fort Union Formation in the northern Great Plains Coal Provmce....................................................................................................................^^ 5

3. Rock core and ground-water sampling localities in the northern Great Plains Coal Province........................................... 7

4. Sampling localitites of oil-shale-core, stream-sediment and soil samples in the Piceance Creek Basin, Colorado.......... 8

5. Stream-sediment sampling localities, northern Great Plains Province, and sampling localities along the Powder

River..................................................................................................................................................^ 10

6. Drainage basins in which stream sediments were sampled, and third-order watersheds in which alluvial soils 

were sampled, in the Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, Utah and Colorado....................................................................... 12

7. Sampling localities for sweetclover and associated mine spoil material in the northern Great Plains............................. 13

8. Sampling localities within the San Juan Basin coal region..................................................................................................... 14

9. Powder River Basin showing soil and lichen sampling localities........................................................................................... 15

10. Localities in glaciated and unglaciated areas of the coal regions of the northern Great Plains Province where

samples of A and C soil horizons were collected.................................................................................................................... 16

11. Composite soil sample localities in the Bighorn and Wind River Basins.............................................................................. 17

12. Localities where the A and C horizons of soil, western wheatgrass, silver sagebrush, and above-ground plant

biomass were sampled in the northern Great Plains Province............................................................................................ 18

13. Sampling localities for soil and big sagebrush in the Powder River Basin........................................................................... 19

14. Localities of grain sampled in the Northern Great Plains coal Province............................................................................... 20

15. Sampling localities for big sagebrush in eight Western Physiographic Provinces............................................................. 22

16. Location of soils sampled in San Juan County, N. Mex........................................................................................................... 23

in
IV

TABLES

	Page

TABLE 1. Analytical methods used............~...........................................................« 25

2. Elements commonly looked for in samples of this study, but rarely or never detected by the methods listed in table

1, and their approximate lower limits of determination in parts per million........................................................................ 27

3. Percentage of ash obtained by burning dry material of plants..................................................................................................... 30

4. Aluminum in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants.............................................. 39

5. Antimony in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants................................................ 42

6. Arsenic in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants.................................................... 43

7. Barium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants.................................................... 46

8. Beryllium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils............................................................. 49

9. Boron in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants....................................................... 50

10. Bromine in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil, and soils............................................................................................................ 53

11. Cadmium in rocks, plants associated with mine spoil, and other plants..................................................................................... 54

12. Calcium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants................................................... 56

13. Carbon (carbonate) in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils............................................. 59

14. Carbon (organic) in rocks, streams sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils................................................ 60

15. Carbon (total) in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils....................................................... 61

16. Cerium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils.................................................................. 63

17. Chlorine rnsoUs..........................................................................^ 65

18. Chromium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants............................................... 65

19. Cobalt in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants...................................................... 68

20. Copper in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants..................................................... 71

21. Dysprosium in rocks and soils........................................................................................................................................................... 74

22. Erbium in rocks, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils.................................................................................................. 74

23. Europium in rocks, plants associated with mine spoil, and other plants..................................................................................... 75

24. Fluorine in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants................................................... 75

25. Gadolinium in rocks, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants.............................................................................. 78

26. Gallium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils................................................................ 79

27. Germanium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants............................................ 81

28. Indium msoUs.......................................................................................... 82

29. Iodine in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils................................................................... 83

30. Iron in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants.......................................................... 84

31. Lanthanum in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants............................................. 87

32. Lead in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants......................................................... 88

33. Lithium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants................................................... 91

34. Magnesium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants............................................. 94

35. Manganese in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants............................................. 97

36. Mercury in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants.................................................. 100

37. Molybdenum in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants.......................................... 102

38. Neodymium in rocks, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils.......................................................................................... 105

39. Nickel in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants...................................................... 106

40. Niobium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants.................................................. 109

41. Phosphorus in stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants........................................................ Ill

42. Potassium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants............................................... 113

43. Praseodymium in topsoil associated with mine spoil and other soils.......................................................................................... 116

44. Rubidium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils............................................................. 117

45. Scandium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants................................................ 119

46. Selenium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants................................................. 121

47. Silicon in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants...................................................... 124

48. Silver in rocks, soils, and plants..................................................................... 126

49. Sodium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants.................................................... 127

50. Strontium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants............................................... 130

51. Sulfur (total) in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants........................................... 133

52. Tert>iummsoils................................................................................................................................» 136

53. Thorium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils............................................................... 136

54. Thulium in rocks and soils.................................................................................................................................................................. 138

55. Tin in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils......................................................................... 138

56. Titanium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants................................................. 140

57. Uranium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants.................................................. 143

58. Vanadium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants............................................... 145

59. Ytterbium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants............................................... 148

60. Yttrium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants................................................... 151
CONTENTS

	Page

TABLE 61. Zinc in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants.......................................................... 153

62. Zirconium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants............................................... 156

63. Parameters measured in extraction studies of soils from San Juan Basin, N. Mex................................................................... 160

64. Parameters measured in extraction studies of soil from the Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak soil Association, San Juan

Basin which is likely to be used as topsoil in mined-land reclamation.................................................................................. 161

65. Parameters measured in extraction studies of soils and mine spoil from San Juan mine, New Mexico................................. 163

66. Elements measured in DTPA extracts of soils from the unglaciated area of the northern Great Plains............................... 165

67. pH determinations for rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil, and soils........................................................................................ 165

68. Geochemical summary of ground water from North Dakota and Montana................................................................................ 166

69. Geochemical summary of ground water from Poplar River basin, Saskatchewan and Montana............................................ 167

70. Geochemical summary of ground water from the Powder River coal region, Montana and Wyoming.................................. 168

71. Shale-outcrop mineralogy, Fort Union Formation, northern Great Plains................................................................................. 169

72. Sandstone-outcrop mineralogy, Fort Union Formation, northern Great Plains......................................................................... 170

73. Mineralogy of fine-grained rocks cored from the Fort Union Formation, northern Great Plains............................................ 170

74. Mineralogy of three rock types from drill cores at the Hanging Woman Creek site, Big Horn County, Montana............... 170

75. Mineralogy of stream sediments from the northern Great Plains................................................................................................ 172

76. Mineralogy of soils used in extraction studies, northern Great Plains........................................................................................ 172

77. Mineralogy of soils from Hanging Woman Creek, Montana......................................................................................................... 173

STATISTICAL STUDIES IN FIELD GEOCHEMISTRY

GEOCHEMISTRY OF SOME ROCKS, MINE SPOILS, STREAM

SEDIMENTS, SOILS, PLANTS, AND WATERS IN THE WESTERN ENERGY

REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

By RICHARD J. EBENS AND HANSFORD T. SHACKLETTE

ABSTRACT

Geochemical summary statistics for 59 elements in rocks, soils, 

stream sediments, mine tailings, and native and cultivated plants 

are given for 25 study areas having important deposits of coal or oil 

shale. Each study area is briefly described as to location, study objectives, and kind of material sampled, and references are given to 

published reports of the study. The concentrations of elements in 

the sampling media are given for suites of samples as summary data 

that include detection ratios, means, deviations, laboratory error, 

and observed ranges of concentration. Studies of certain elements 

in soils that exist in forms available to plants were conducted using 

several extraction procedures, and element concentrations as well 

as other parameters of the extracts were determined. The concentrations of as many as 40 elements were determined in samples of 

surface waters, in addition to the gross alpha and beta counts, and 

measurements of alkalinity, dissolved solids, hardness, pH, sodiumadsorption ratios, and specific conductance of these samples. The 

mineralogy is summarized for outcrop samples of shale and sandstone; of core samples of fine-grained rocks, sandstone, siltstone 

plus shale, and dark shale; of stream sediments; and of soils used in 

extraction studies. This report emphasizes changes in the geochemical environment that have accompanied coal mining in arid regions 

and suggests, through estimates of background element abundances, the geochemical effects to be expected in areas not yet mined. 

The elements in plants that grow on mine spoil and reclaimed soil of 

mined areas indicate that care should be taken to insure proper 

utilization of these areas.

INTRODUCTION

The necessity of increasing domestic energy production in the United States led to greater exploitation of 

fossil fuels in the 1970's, particularly in some of the 

Western States. In such exploitation, a wide range of 

environmental effects was inevitable, and studies of 

the known or anticipated landscape changes that would 

attend mining operations were begun by many State 

and Federal agencies. One effect believed certain to follow these operations was an alteration of the geochemical environment in or near the disturbed areas. Data

on the geochemical regimes that existed before disturbances occurred at the mining sites that is, background geochemistry are important for identifying 

and evaluating the changes that occur during mining 

and landscape restoration.

During the last two decades the U.S. Geological Survey has investigated landscape geochemistry in order 

to estimate natural background concentrations of elements in rocks, soils, and plants. Some studies were 

"large-scale" or national, such as one in which the concentrations of a large number of chemical elements 

were determined in surficial materials over the United 

States that were but little altered from their natural 

condition (Shacklette and others, 1970). Other geochemical investigations concerned particular areas of 

the country. One concerted study was made of the State 

of Missouri, in which the background geochemistry of 

rocks, soils, plants, and waters was determined 

(Miesch, 1976; Tidball, 1976; Erdman and others, 

1976a and 1976b; Feder, 1979; Connor and Ebens, 

1980 and Ebens and Conner, 1980). Tourtelot (1973) 

studied soil geochemistry of the Front Range Urban 

Corridor, Colo. Other studies were centered on small 

areas exhibiting geochemically related environmental 

problems, or were of cultivated soils and plants considered to be normal if not natural (Shacklette and others, 

1970; Connor and others, 1971; Ebens and others, 

1973; and Erdman and others, 1976b). Data from these 

studies, insofar as they represented natural or normal 

geochemical environments, were summarized in a geochemical compilation of landscape units of the conterminous United States (Connor and Shacklette, 1975). 

Geochemical summaries were published for fruits and 

vegetables and their associated soils from 11 areas of 

commercial production in the United States (Shacklette, 1980).

l
GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

By building on these baseline studies and the experience in sampling and data analysis gained in their 

accomplishment, studies that concentrated on the geochemistry of the western energy regions were begun in 

1973. These studies focused on areas where surface or 

underground mines for coal and oil shale were scheduled or were likely, as well as on the geochemical effects on the environment of existing coal mines and 

coal-fired plants that generated electricity. The investigations in areas where mining had not yet begun 

were essentially regional background studies that included the geochemistry of rocks and soils likely to be 

disturbed during mining and of native plants, stream 

sediments, and surface waters. Studies conducted 

around existing mines and power plants were more restricted in area; they investigated the effects on the 

geochemistry of soils, native plants, and surface 

waters by land-surface disturbances, stack emissions, 

fly ash, and mine spoil. Reclaimed land that consisted 

largely of spoil material was examined to identify 

changes in the element content of native plants and 

cultivated crops, and to measure the availability of 

chemical elements in the soil that might lead to levels 

of accumulation by plants that would affect the health 

of both plants and the animals that eat the plants. Details of these studies were described in a series of limited-distribution annual progress reports (U.S. Geological Survey, 1974a, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978) and in 

many journal and conference publications.

Although these studies were in widely scattered 

areas and concerned many different kinds of materials, 

they were unified by some common characteristics: All 

studies followed well-defined sampling plans designed 

to clearly identify the sample populations and to 

reduce sampling bias. The samples were submitted in a 

randomized order that was unknown to the analysts 

and were analyzed in that order so that the effects of 

laboratory bias or analytical drift on interpretation of 

the data could be circumvented. The interpretation of 

results of all studies was based on rigorous statistical 

analysis of the chemical data.

The present report gives, in summary form, the results of these studies of the Western Coal Region, 

which were conducted over a period of 7 years; it parallels in scope, format, and data presentation the earlier 

publication of geochemical summaries by Connor and 

Shacklette (1975).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The accomplishment of the studies described in this 

report depended on the assistance and cooperation of 

many other persons and organizations. Permission to

conduct studies on private property by land owners, 

mining and power plant companies, and tribal councils 

was essential and was greatly appreciated. The assistance of many State and Federal agencies in providing 

guidance and advice on field studies was also of great 

value. Within our own organization, the services of 

computer programmers, specialists in data handling, 

and assistants in the field, laboratory, and office were 

invaluable. Special acknowledgment and appreciation 

are extended to the chemists, spectrographers, and 

other laboratory personnel who catalogued and prepared the samples and measured element concentrations in the many kinds of materials collected in these 

studies. They are James W. Baker, P. R. Barnet, A. J. 

Bartel, B. L. Bolton, Leon A. Bradley, E. L. Brandt, 

P. H. Briggs, William Cary, J. G. Crock, Isabelle 

Davidson, J. J. Dickson, Andrew Drenicjc, C. M. Ellis, 

Jeffrey England, I. C. Frost, Johnnie M. Gardner, 

Carol Gent, Michele Goff, Patricia G. Guest, J. C. 

Hamilton, Thelma F. Harms, Raymond G. Havens, 

J. P. Hemming, Kathryn E. Horan, Claude Huffman, 

Jr., J. O. Johnson, R. J. Knite, Lorraine Lee, R. M. 

Lemert, Fred E. Lichte, M. J. Malcolm, J. C. McDade, 

C. McFee, R. E. McGregor, Violet M. Merritt, H. T. 

Millard, Jr., Wayne Mountjoy, Harriet G. Nieman, M. 

Panter, Clara S. E. Papp, Farris D. Perez, S. E. 

Prelipp, G. O. Riddle, Van E. Shaw, George D. Shipley, 

V. Smith, M. W. Solt, Arthur L. Sutton, Jr., James A. 

Thomas, Michele L. Tuttle, Richard E. Van Loenen, 

R. J. Vinnola, James S. Wahlberg, W. J. Walz, R. J. 

White, and Thomas L. Yager.

METHODS OF STUDY 

OBJECTIVES

The studies described in this report were planned to 

investigate the geochemical character of the rocks, 

soils, stream sediments, native plants, and surface 

waters at representative locations overlying major 

coal and oil shale resources of the northern Great 

Plains and Rocky Mountain Provinces, (figs. 1 and 4). 

By selecting areas for study in which coal mines were 

operating, or locations where future mining of coal or 

oil shale was probable, the current geochemical impact 

of these operations could be measured, and the probable effects of mining at new locations could be estimated. An objective that also influenced the selection 

of studies to be undertaken was estimation of geochemical baselines applicable to large areas in these 

provinces, as well as in contiguous provinces lying to 

the west (fig. 15), where changes in the geochemical environment attributable to energy resources develop-
METHODS OF STUDY

NORTH 

DAKOTA

IDAHO

SOUTH DAKOTA

7

NEBRASKA

NEVADA I

I___

l^^f

p$£e"hi[rallii;l

^ffifffffXf*:<**8*%3&:.

Sii^jlSl Region '%$

Bull Mountain Field

^^^

inMTAMA fei X£:^:':'v'y°;'°w° SfeSSy

I

I Southwestern Utah Region

I V .y» ^-

\

| KANSAS

Raton Mesa Region

 Jip ['

lir I

ARIZONA

1

Black Mesa Field

NEW MEXICO

OKLAHOMA

TEXAS

I I

100 200 KILOMETERS

FIGURE l.-Major coal resources of the northern Great Plains Province and the Rocky Mountain Province, Western 

United States. Map modified from Trumbull (1960) and U.S. Geological Survey (1970).
GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

ment may be expected. A further objective was the 

unification of methodology in sampling, chemical analysis, and statistical interpretation of data for the diverse types of sampling media so that coordinated 

evaluations of the geochemical attributes of these 

provinces could be made.

COLLECTION PROCEDURES

Sampling in most studies was based on a design intended to quantify the effects of "regional" variation 

and the factors underlying such variation by collecting 

samples following hierarchical designs. By this 

method sample sites were "nested" at various geographic scales in order to assess the proportion of geochemical variation exhibited at each scale. Krumbein 

and Slack (1956) discussed in detail such designs and 

the requisite mathematics. In some studies, especially 

those in which the geochemical effects of interest originated at a point source such as a mine or power plant, 

samples were collected at randomly selected sites, or at 

sites of geometrically increasing distances from the 

point source. In studies of rock cores, some samples 

were made of the core at uniform distances within the 

sections of interest, others at geometrically decreasing 

levels in the formation. The particular sampling design 

used for each field study is given under the description 

of that study in the following section.

Sample collection procedures in the field generally 

were consistent for each kind of material that was sampled. Outcrop samples of rock weighing a few kilograms were collected from natural as well as artificial 

exposures; they were trimmed in the field or laboratory 

to remove visible weathering rinds and surface effects. 

Each stream-sediment sample was a composite of five 

to six grab samples at a site and consisted of fine particles taken from the beds of flowing streams or from 

dry streambeds, taking care to avoid material from the 

streambanks. Soil samples of about 1 kg each were collected from various soil horizons, depending on objectives of the study, using soil augers or spades. Rock 

particles larger than 2 mm were removed by hand sorting in the field or while soil was being pulverized in a 

ceramic mortar. Plant sampling was of two main types: 

by species of plant, or plant biomass. In the first type, 

a sample consisted of various parts of a single species 

collected from one or more individual plants. In biomass sampling, the above-ground parts of all plants of 

various species that grew in a quadrat were clipped 

near ground level and composited as one sample. If the 

plants were excessively contaminated with dust, the 

samples were washed in distilled water. The part of the

plant that was collected depended on the objectives of 

the study; generally, the terminal part of woody 

plants, which included several years of stem growth, 

and the above-ground parts of forbs and grasses were 

collected. Cereal grains were sampled from farm storage bins by using a grain probe, which provided a composite sample of grain that had been harvested from 

many hectares. All water samples were collected from 

wells, following procedures described by Skougstad 

and Feder (1976).

DESCRIPTIONS OF FIELD STUDIES

The locations of the individual field studies on which 

the data in this report are based are shown in figures

2-16. They are briefly described below by the principal 

investigators who provided the data given in tables

3-77.

STUDY NO. 1

Shale and sandstone of the Fort Union Formation in the

Northern Great Plains 

By Richard J. Ebens and James M. McNeal

A suite of shale and sandstone samples was collected 

from outcrops of the Fort Union Formation throughout the northern Great Plains Coal Province during the 

summer of 1975 for chemical and mineralogical studies. Samples were collected according to a staggered, 

nested, analysis-of-variance design (Leone and others, 

1968). Sampling localities are shown in figure 2; each 

consists of a randomly selected outcrop of the Fort 

Union Formation within a 5-km cell. At 12 of the 48 

localities shown, two samples of each rock type (shale 

and sandstone) were collected from a stratigraphic section in order to estimate stratigraphic variability. 

Geographic variability was estimated by nesting 5-km 

cells within 25-km cells, 25-km cells within 50-km cells, 

50-km cells within 100-km cells, and 100-km cells 

within 200-km cells. Laboratory error was estimated 

by splitting 20 of the 60 samples into two parts, resulting in a total analytical load of 80 samples. The two 

sample groups, shale and sandstone, were each submitted to the laboratories in randomized sequence. 

Each sample was crushed in a jaw crusher and then 

ground in a vertical Braun pulverizer with ceramic 

plates set to pass 100 mesh. Preliminary chemical results of this work were published in Ebens and McNeal 

(1976, 1977), and preliminary mineralogical studies of 

the shale were published in McNeal and Ebens (1978). 

The shale mineralogy is given in table 71, and the sandstone mineralogy in table 72.
109 r'

METHODS OF STUDY

50

42°

NEBRASKA ;

i 

100 200 KILOMETERS

'00 2QGfV1!LES'i

FIGURE 2. Sampling localities of shale and sandstone of the Fort Union Formation in the northern Great Plains Coal Province used in 

Study No. 1. Large squares are 200 km on a side (heavy solid line); intermediate squares, 100 km (light solid line); and smaller 

squares, 50 km (dashed lines). Dots indicate sampling localities. Map modified from Whitaker and Pearson (1972) and U.S. 

Geological Survey (1974b).
GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

STUDY NO. 2

Chemical and mineralogical analyses of core samples from Hanging

Woman Creek, Montana 

By Todd K. Hinkley and Richard J. Ebens

Cored overburden rock of the Fort Union Formation 

at the Hanging Woman Creek potential coal mine site, 

Big Horn County, Mont., was collected in 1976-77 and 

was analyzed for bulk chemistry and mineralogy (fig 3). 

Cores (size "NX") from the five holes, drilled through 

all overburden and the thick Anderson coal (one deeper 

hole was drilled through the lower Dietz coal), ranged 

in length from 130 to 260 ft (40 to 80 m). Holes were 

spaced so that the minimum and maximum distances 

between holes were about 1 km and 4 km, respectively. 

Four samples of each of three rock types were taken 

from four of the holes, and some "special" samples 

were taken from all five holes. The following rock types 

were sampled: (1) sandstone, (2) siltstone and shale, 

and (3) very dark colored or black shale. This classification was chosen because the three groups were expected to be chemically and mineralogically distinct. 

Results of this study were reported by Hinkley and 

others, (1978). The pH determinations for these core 

samples are given in table 67, and the mineralogy is 

given in table 74.

STUDY NO. 3

Geochemistry of fine-grained rocks in cores of the Fort Union Formation 

By Todd K. Hinkley and Richard J. Ebens

Samples were taken in 1976 from each of five widely 

separated sites (>50 km): two in southeastern Montana, 

two in southwestern North Dakota, and one in southeastern Saskatchewan (fig. 3). Four rock samples were 

taken at each site from each of two drill holes that were 

separated by 1-2 km. The samples taken from each 

core were separated by a vertical distance of 0-100 m, 

and each sample consisted of 30 cm of a homogeneous 

stratum of shale or mudstone. Only three samples were 

collected from each of the two drill holes at Estevan, 

Saskatchewan, because of the paucity of fine-grained 

horizons in these cores. In all, 38 samples were collected. Twelve samples were split and submitted in 

duplicate to estimate analytical precision, as distinct 

from geographical variability, bringing the number of 

samples to 50. All samples were analyzed in a randomized sequence. Results of this study were reported by 

Hinkley and Ebens (1977). The mineralogy of these 

rock samples is given in table 73.

STUDY NO. 4

Geochemistry of sandstones from the Fort Union Formation, Northern

Great Plains 

By James R. Herring, Todd K. Hinkley, and Richard J. Ebens

Localities, sites, and sample design used for this 

study, which was conducted in 1976, are the same as 

those of Study No. 3, except that no samples were 

taken from Saskatchewan (fig. 3). Therefore, four samples were taken from each hole of a pair at four sites. 

Ten of the samples, split into duplicates, provided a 

measure of analytical precision. The total of 42 samples was analyzed in a random sequence. Each sample 

consisted of a section, 30 cm in length, of a relatively 

homogeneous sandstone. The pH determinations for 

these core samples are given in table 67.

STUDY NO. 5

Geochemistry of an oil shale core, Piceance Creek Basin, Colorado 

By Walter E. Dean

U.S. Geological Survey oil shale core CR-2 was drilled 

in the northern part of the Piceance Creek Basin, in the 

southeast corner of T. 1 N., R. 97 W. (fig. 4). Chemical 

analyses of the core were obtained in three stages over 

a period of about 3 years (1976-79). The lower 300 m of 

the core is in the Garden Gulch Member, which is the 

oldest lithologic unit of the Eocene Green River Formation in the Piceance Creek Basin of western Colorado. The Garden Gulch Member contains more clay 

and less carbonate, and generally has lower oil yields 

than does the overlying Parachute Creek Member that 

forms the main body of the Green River Formation. 

Samples of the Garden Gulch Member in CR-2 core 

were collected at approximately 0.3-m intervals, 

crushed, and homogenized for oil-yield determinations 

and chemical analyses. Each analysis, therefore, 

represents an average for the 0.3-m sample interval. 

Concentrations of Al, Fe, Mg, Ca, K, Ti, B, Cr, Cu, Ga, 

Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sc, Sr, V, Yb, and Zr were measured 

by semiquantitative optical emission spectroscopy in 

264 samples. More complete quantitative analyses 

were also obtained for Si, Al, Fe, Mg, Ca, Na, K, Ti, S, 

Li, Rb, Hg, U, and Th in 32 of the samples, representing approximately every tenth 0.3-m sample from the 

Garden Gulch Member.

The interval between about 230 and 320m in the 

CR-2 core contains the so-called Mahogany zone of the 

Parachute Creek Member of the Green River Formation, which is the part of this formation that is richest
METHODS OF STUDY

36" 1Q5' 'y4-

NEBRASKA 1

200 KILOMETERS

100 200 MILES

42°

FIGURE 3 Rock core and ground-water sampling localities in the northern Great Plains Coal Province. Fine-grained rock and sandstone localities are indicated by open circles (Studies No. 3 and 4). The location of Hanging Woman Creek, where overburden rocks 

(Study No. 2) and soils (Study No. 14) were sampled, is indicated by a triangle. Ground-water sampling locations in Fort Union coal 

region (Study No. 25) are indicated by squares, and in the Powder River coal region (Study No. 28), by solid circles. The patterned 

area is the Poplar River Basin (Study No. 27). Parameters measured for water samples are given in tables 68-70.
8 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

108°30' 108°00'

40°00'

T2N

T 1 N

T 1 S

T2S

39°30' - 

RIO BLANCO COUNTY 

~GARFIELD~cbUNTY

T7S

_ T8S

R 102 W R 101 W R 100 W R 99 W R 98 W R 97 W R 96 W 

0 10 20 KILOMETERS 

I__________I__________I

R 95 W R 94 W

I I \

0 5 10 MILES

FIGURE 4 Sample localities of oil-shale-core (CR-2, Study No. 5), stream-sediment (Roan and Black Sulphur Creeks, Study No. 9), and 

soil (C-a and C-b, Study No. 15) samples in the Piceance Creek Basin, Colorado. Hachured line enclosed Piceance Creek Basin.
METHODS OF STUDY

in oil. A total of 74 samples was collected within this 

90-m interval according to a nested analysis-of-variance design. The 90-m interval was subdivided into 

three 30-m intervals, each 30-m interval was subdivided into ten 3-m intervals, and each 3-m interval was 

subdivided into ten 0.3-m intervals. From each 30-m 

interval, two 0.3-m samples (the first and sixth) were 

collected from each of the ten 3-m intervals. Each of 

the 0.3-m samples was crushed and homogenized for 

analysis in the same manner as were the 0.3-m samples 

from the Garden Gulch Member. Every fifth sample 

was replicated in analysis in order to determine the 

analytical variance.

The 300-m interval between the bottom of the Mahogany zone and the top of the Garden Gulch Member in 

the CR-2 core contains most of the Parachute Creek 

Member of the Green River Formation. This interval 

also contains the saline facies of the Parachute Creek 

Member, as indicated by the presence of the evaporite 

minerals nahcolite and dawsonite. The middle 300 m 

was also sampled according to a nested analysis-ofvariance design in order to examine geochemical variability at the 30-, 3-, and 0.3-m levels. The same basic 

design used for the Mahogany zone was used for the 

middle 300 m except that two 0.3-m samples were collected from only two (first and sixth) of the ten 3-m intervals. This design resulted in the collection of 53 

samples for analysis (including analytical replicates).

STUDY NO. 6

Stream-sediment chemistry in the northern Great Plains 

By James M. McNeal

The objectives of this study, made in 1975, were (1) 

to determine if stream order and size of drainage basin 

are important parameters in defining different populations of sediments, and (2) to determine the magnitude 

of the regional geochemical variability of the sediments. To this end, data were analyzed in two analysisof-variance designs. Three target populations were defined sediments in first-, second-, and third-order 

streams as shown on l:l,000,000-scale topographic 

maps. A first-order stream is an upstream, unbranched 

stream segment, a second-order stream extends downstream from the junction of two first-order streams, 

and a third-order stream extends downstream from the 

junction of two second-order streams (Strahler, 1969, 

p. 483). Streams larger than third order were not studied because they were too few in number. In addition to 

stream order, the size of the drainage basin above each 

sampling locality was measured in order to investigate 

its relationship to the element content of the sediment.

Ten randomly selected 50-Km2 areas were chosen from 

a total of 15 in the northern Great Plains that contained at least two streams of each of the three stream 

orders of interest (fig. 5). Two streams of each of three 

orders were then randomly selected. Further, one 

stream of each order was randomly selected and a second sample was taken approximately 100 m upstream 

from the first. In order to reduce the sampling error, all 

samples were composited from five to six grab samples, depending on the size of the stream. All localities 

were sampled as near the junction of the target stream 

and a stream of the next highest order as was possible, 

while at the same time remaining above the region of 

influence of the larger stream during flood conditions. 

Results of this study were reported by McNeal (1976). 

The pH determinations for these sediments are given 

in table 67, and the mineralogy is given in table 75.

STUDY NO. 7

Chemistry of Powder River sediments

By James M. McNeal, John R. Keith, Barbara M. Anderson, and 

Josephine G. Boerngen

As part of a general effort to chemically characterize 

the landscape of the Powder River Basin, Wyoming 

and Montana, samples of Powder River stream sediments were collected in 1973 according to a nested 

analysis-of-variance sampling design (fig. 5). The 

length of the river across the basin was subdivided into 

six segments. In each segment, two localities were selected randomly, each locality being about the size of a 

section (1.6 km on a side). The objective was to reach 

the river somewhere within each locality and randomly 

collect two samples of the "active" sediment from a 

transect across the river bottom. In practice, the transect reached only to the edge of running water on the 

side from which the river was approached. The levels in 

this design reflect geochemical variation (1) between 

supertownships, (2) between transects within supertownships, (3) between samples within transects, and 

(4) between analyses of sample splits. In general, the 

two samples from each transect were located about 

25-100 m apart. Each sample was collected by shovel, 

placed in a cloth bag, and dried in the laboratory if necessary before processing. Each sample was disaggregated and passed through a 2-mm sieve. The < 2-mm 

fraction was further sieved into four size fractions: 

>200 /mi, 100-200 /mi, 63-100 /mi, and <63 /mi. 

Fifteen of the resulting 96 samples were randomly 

selected and split into two parts, and the entire suite of 

111 samples was submitted for analysis in a randomized sequence. The results of this study were reported 

in Keith and others (1976).
10 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

51 106 J 105r 104 C 103

NF.BRASKA

100 200 KILOMETERS

.

100 200

FIGURE 5 Stream-sediment sampling localities in selected areas of the northern Great Plains Coal Province (solid circles in 50-km2

areas), and along the Powder River (open circles, Study No. 7).
METHODS OF STUDY 11

STUDY NO. 8

Stream-sediment chemistry of the Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins,

Utah and Colorado 

By James M. McNeal and Gerald L. Feder

In this study two drainages in the Uinta Basin (Cottonwood Wash and Asphalt Wash) and two in the Piceance Creek Basin (Ryan Gulch and Duck Creek) were 

selected for sampling in 1975 (fig. 6). Each of the four 

stream drainages may undergo change in stream flow 

and sediment yield related to oil-shale mining and processing. In order to characterize each stream, eight samples were collected: three samples from random sites 

within three intervals of equal length along the main 

channel of the named stream, and five additional 

samples above alluvial fans at the mouths of five randomly selected tributaries entering the main stream. 

The resulting data were examined by a nested analysis-of-variance design containing four levels. The top 

level reflects differences between the two major basins 

(Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins); the second level reflects differences among the paired drainages within 

each basin; the third level reflects differences among 

the eight samples taken within each of the four drainages; and the lowest level reflects differences among 

splits of the randomly selected samples. All samples 

were collected from dry stream channels in areas where 

fine sediments had accumulated. At each locality approximately 2kg of sediment were composited from 

material taken at 7 -10 sites within 20 m of each other 

and at depths of no more than 3 cm. The samples were 

air dried at 40°, then sieved through a 150-jim 

stainless steel screen. Results of this study were 

reported by McNeal, and others (1976).

STUDY NO. 9

Geochemical variability of sediments from two streams in the Piceance

Creek Basin, Colorado 

By James M. McNeal, Charles D. Ringrose, and Ronald W. Klusman

This study, made in 1975, was largely aimed at quantifying the major scales of geochemical variability in 

sediments along two selected streams in the Piceance 

Creek Basin. Sediment sampling followed a six-level, 

nested, analysis-of-variance design. The six levels 

define components of geochemical variability (1) between streams, (2) between 10-km intervals, (3) between 1-km intervals, (4) between 200-m intervals, and 

(5) between 20-m intervals, and (6) define analytical 

error. The two streams chosen at the top level were 

Roan Creek, which flows from east to west in the

southern part of the basin, and Black Sulphur Creek, 

which flows from north to south in the central part of 

the basin (fig. 4). The Roan Creek drainage crosses exposures of the lower Uinta Formation, all of the Green 

River Formation, and the upper Wasatch Formation. 

Black Sulphur Creek lies mostly in the upper Green 

River and the lower Uinta Formations. Two major 

sampling localities separated by 10 km were selected 

on each stream. The design was geographically balanced: in each locality two stream segments 200 m in 

length were randomly selected about 1 km apart. In 

each 200-m length, two segments about 20 m long were 

randomly selected, and in each 20-m segment, two 

sampling sites were randomly chosen. Ten samples of 

the 32 collected were randomly selected for duplicate 

analysis, and all 42 samples were placed in a random 

order prior to chemical analysis. Results of this study 

were reported by McNeal, and others (1976).

STUDY NO. 10

Sweetclover and associated spoil materials from selected coal mines in

the northern Great Plains 

By Richard J. Ebens and James A. Erdman

Samples of sweetclover and associated soil or spoil, 

or both, were collected during late summer of 1974 

from 10 randomly selected sites at each of eight surface mines scattered throughout the northern Great 

Plains (fig. 7). In addition, three samples of alfalfa were 

taken from each of five mines. A sample of spoil material or a spoil-soil mixture was collected to a depth of 

about 20 cm. The sweetclover and alfalfa samples consisted of the above-ground portion of plants growing 

within 1 m of the spoil sample. Spoil materials at all 

mines consist of claystone and siltstone with lesser 

amounts of sandstone, shale, and coal of the Fort 

Union Formation. Glacial deposits consisting of 

gravel, sand, silt, and clay are important spoil materials at all mines except the Big Sky, Dave Johnston, 

and Hidden Valley mines. No shaping or topsoiling of 

the area where we sampled had been done at the 

Beulah North, Hidden Valley, Kincaid, and Utility 

mines. The Big Sky, Dave Johnston, Savage, and Velva mines were contoured and topsoiled where we sampled. Detailed descriptions of these mines are given by 

Erdman and Ebens (1975), Evans, Uhleman, and Eby 

(1978), and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

(1976). Results of this study were reported by Erdman 

and Ebens (1975), Erdman, Ebens, and Case (1978), 

and Erdman (1978). The pH determinations for these 

samples of mine spoil are given in table 67.
12 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

PICEANCE

CREEK 

, BASIN

40° -

39

FIGURE 6 Drainage basins in which stream sediments were sampled (shaded areas, Study No. 8), and third-order watersheds in which 

alluvial soils were sampled (dashed lines, Study No. 12) in die Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, Utah and Colorado (solid lines). 

Map modified from Oetking and others, 1967.

STUDY NO. 11

Soils, mine spoils, and native plants at the San Juan Mine, New Mexico 

By Larry P. Gough and Ronald C. Severson

Samples of mine spoil, replaced topsoil, alkali 

sacaton (Sporobolus airoides), and fourwing saltbush 

(Atriplex canescens) were collected in August 1977 at 

the San Juan mine, located in the San Juan Basin 30 

km northwest of Farmington, N. Mex. (fig. 8). Samples 

were collected at six randomly selected sites from an 

area of about 5 ha, on the basis of an unbalanced, 

nested, analysis-of-variance design. The area had been 

recontoured, topsoiled to a depth of about 20 cm, and 

seeded in 1974. Alkali sacaton samples consisted of the 

stems and leaves, usually of one grass clump, whereas 

the fourwing saltbush samples consisted of the young, 

terminal, 20- to 30-cm portion of stems (with leaves), 

usually from one shrub. Because alkali sacaton samples were judged to be excessively contaminated with

dust, they were washed prior to chemical analysis. The 

purpose of this study was to quantify the variation in 

the element concentration of soils, mine spoils, and 

plant species used for revegetation at geographic scales 

of 100 m, 25 m, and 5 m, as well as variation due to analytical methods. This study represents a preliminary 

examination of both the total and extractable chemical 

composition of replaced topsoil and mine spoil, as well 

as the chemical composition of selected plants re-established on these substrates. These data may be compared with our observed concentration means and 

ranges for elements in similar materials collected from 

undisturbed sites in the San Juan Basin. (See Study 

No. 19.) The element content of Atriplex that grew 

under natural conditions and on mine-reclaimed land 

was given by Gough and Severson (1980), and the 

chemical character of soil useful for mine-land reclamation in the San Juan Basin was described by Severson 

(1981). Parameters measured in extraction studies of
METHODSOFSTUDY 13

these soils and mine spoils are given in table 65, and 

pH determinations are given in table 67.

STUDY NO. 12

Alluvial soils of the Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins 

By Ronald R. Tidball and Ronald C. Severson

Alluvial soils of several randomly selected watersheds within the Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., and the 

adjacent Uinta Basin, Utah (fig. 6), were sampled in 

1975 and analyzed for total chemical composition to 

estimate (1) the magnitude and distribution of the 

variance, (2) any significant differences between watersheds, and (3) any significant differences within watersheds. A two-way factorial design (watersheds versus 

stream order) of the randomized-blocks type that included replication in each block was used. Channel 

samples of soil 0-40 cm in depth were collected from

108°

50'

48

SASKATCHEWAN o Re9ina

CANADA

UNITED"

STATES Vc^:*:;v:*:*:;:*:

 X-XvXvX- Bismarck v&Xs

46'

100 200

I

100

300 KILOMETERS

~\I 

200 MILES

FIGURE 7. Sampling localities for sweetclover and associated mine 

spoil material in the coal region, northern Great Plains 

(Study No. 10). Crested wheatgrass that grew on mine spoil 

was sampled at the Dave Johnston mine (Study No. 26).

three stream orders within each of five watersheds. 

The analytical error was estimated from duplicate 

analyses of 15 samples that were randomly dispersed 

in the sample set. Chemical analysis was done on the 

< 2-mm fraction of soil. The study was described by 

Tidball and Severson (1977).

STUDY NO. 13

Soils of the Powder River Basin, Wyoming and Montana 

By Ronald R. Tidball and Richard J. Ebens

A reconnaissance-type survey of soil composition in 

the Powder River Basin in Wyoming and Montana was 

made in 1973 to estimate the magnitude and distribution of variance in these soils (fig. 9). Sample sites were 

selected in accordance with four barbell clusters 

located within each of four nearly equal quadrants. 

Channel samples were collected from the surface horizon (0-2 cm in depth), the B horizon (or a depth of 

30-40 cm), and the C horizon (or soil parent material at 

110- to 120-cm in depth) at each of 64 sites. Components of variance were estimated over distance intervals of 0-0.01 km, 0.01-1 km, 0.1-1 km, 1-10 km, and 

greater than 10 km. Total chemical analysis was done 

on the <2 mm fraction. Analytical error was estimated from 47 duplicate analyses that were randomly 

distributed throughout the sample set. An account of 

this study was given by Tidball and Ebens (1976). The 

pH determinations of these soil samples are given in 

table 67.

STUDY NO. 14

Chemical and mineralogical evaluation of soils,

Hanging Woman Creek, Montana

By Ronald R. Tidball

The study area is one of the U.S. Bureau of Land 

Management's Energy Mineral Rehabilitation Inventory and Analysis (EMRIA) sites where significant 

deposits of federally owned coal occur. The site is 

located in Big Horn County, Mont. (fig. 3). Soil 

samples were collected in 1975 from representative soil 

groups according to a hierarchical analysis-of-variance 

design. Channel samples of the A, or A plus B, horizon 

and of the C horizon from about 60- to 80-cm in depth 

were collected from four random sites within each of 

four soil groups. Total chemical composition was determined on the < 2-mm fraction of soil; each sample is a 

composite of corresponding horizons from two nearby 

profiles. The analytical error was estimated from eight 

randomly selected samples of the A horizon and eight
14 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

samples of the C horizon. This study was described by 

Tidball (1978). The pH determinations of these soil 

samples are given in table 67, and the mineralogy is 

given in table 77.

STUDY NO. 15

Soils of the Piceance Creek Basin, western Colorado 

By Walter E. Dean, Charles D. Ringrose, and Ronald W. Klusman

The basic sampling for the study of soils in this 

basin, conducted in 1975 (fig. 4), was a partially unbal109°

anced, nested, analysis-of-variance design. The highest 

geographic sampling level contained nine supertownships, each of which consisted of four adjacent townships. Within each of the 36 townships, two sections 

were chosen at random. Within one of these two sections, two samples of soil (A horizon, or the upper 

10cm where horizons were not developed) were collected at a distance of 100 m from each other. Only one 

sample was collected from the other section in each 

township, which made a total of three samples per 

township. The three samples within a township were

*

SAN JUAN MINE

FIGURE 8. Sampling localities (circles) within the San Juan Basin coal region, with the unbalanced, nested, analysis-of-variance sampling 

grid superimposed (solid line, 50 km2; dashed line, 25 km2). Soils were sampled at all locations. Study No. 11 and 19.
METHODS OF STUDY 15

108

46° -

Barbell-cluster sampling 

design used in each locality

43° hFIGURE 9. Powder River Basin showing soil and lichen sampling localities (solid circles, numbered 1 

to 4), each containing a 10-km barbell-cluster design. Channel samples of the surface horizon, 

the B horizon, and the C horizon of soils were collected at each of 64 sites (Study No. 13). Composite samples of a lichen were collected, where possible, at each of eight sites within a cluster 

(Study No. 22). Patterned areas indicated known strippable coal reserves (modified from U.S. 

Geological Survey, 1974c). Dashed line indicates outline of the Southern Powder River basin 

uranium district.

collected either from ridgetops or valley bottoms, the 

sampling localities alternating according to a checkerboard design. The decision as to which of the two sections in each township would have two sampling locations and which would have only one was made by a 

flip of a coin. From the final suite of 108 samples, 32 

were chosen at random to be replicated in analysis. All

140 samples (108 samples plus 32 duplicates) were 

ground in a ceramic mill to pass a 100-mesh (less than 

149 /mi) sieve and were analyzed in a randomized sequence for 39 elements. The analytical design consisted of six levels: one physiographic (level 1, ridgetop 

and valley bottom); four geographic (level 2, supertownship; Ievel3, township; level 4, section; and
16 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

level 5, the sample), and one analytical level (level 6, 32 

duplicate analyses). Results of this study were published in Dean and others (1977, 1979).

STUDY NO. 16

Total soil chemistry, northern Great Plains 

By Ronald C. Severson and Ronald R. Tidball

This study, conducted in the fall of 1974, represents 

a broad-scale inventory of total chemical composition 

of the A and C horizons of soils of the coal regions in 

the northern Great Plains Province (fig. 10). Samples 

were collected randomly according to an unbalanced, 

nested, analysis-of-variance design which was used to 

quantify variation in total content of elements between 

glaciated and unglaciated terrains at four increasingly 

smaller scales (100 km, 50 km, 10 km, and 1 km), as 

well as variation due to sample preparation and analysis. Reliable maps were prepared, based on 100-km 

units, for calcium, potassium, and rubidium in A and C 

horizons of soils; for sodium, silicon, thorium, uranium, 

and zinc in A horizons; and for arsenic, calcium, germanium, and magnesium in C horizons. Results of this 

study were reported in Tidball and Severson (1975, 

1976) and in Severson and Tidball (1977,1979). In the 

present report, summary statistics for elements exhibiting significant differences between terrains are given 

for both glaciated and unglaciated terrains. Summary 

statistics for elements without significant differences 

in concentration between terrains are reported for the 

region as a whole.

STUDY NO. 17

Soil geochemistry of the Wind River and Big Horn Basins, 

Wyoming and Montana 

By Ronald C. Severson

A reconnaissance study of the element composition 

of soil (0- to 40-cm composite sample) was conducted in 

these basins in the fall of 1976 (fig. 11). Chemical variation between geologic units within a basin, within geologic units across different distances (25 km, 10 km, 

5 km, and 1 km), and for sample preparation and analysis were estimated by collecting samples according to 

an unbalanced, nested, analysis-of-variance design. 

Summary statistics for element composition of the 

soils are reported for each basin as a whole. Results of 

this study were reported in Severson (1977, 1979).

STUDY NO. 18

Soils and native plants, northern Great Plains 

By Larry P. Gough, Ronald C. Severson, and James M. McNeal

Samples of A and C horizons of soils, western 

wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii), silver sagebrush

(Artemisia cana), and above-ground plant biomass 

were collected at 21 geochemically diverse sites in the 

northern Great Plains in the fall of 1976 (fig. 12). The 

purpose of the study was to examine functional relationships between element concentrations in native 

plants and supporting uncultivated soils over the unglaciated part of the northern Great Plains. A number

,

MONTANA Of g|aciation \^

V^h NORTH DAKOTA >C. _ ___

I SOUTH DAKOTA

I I_____I_____L

100 200 300 KILOMETERS

_L

110' 

48° 108°

100 

106° 104°

1 

200 MILES

102° 100°

200 MILES

FIGURE 10. Sampling localities (dots) in the coal regions of the 

northern Great Plains Province where samples of A and C 

soil horizons were collected. A, glaciated areas; B, 

unglaciated areas; large squares (solid lines) are 100 km on 

a side, smaller squares (dashed lines) are 50 km on a side. 

Study No. 16.
METHODS OF STUDY 17

110° 109° 108° 107° 106°

45'

44°

43'

42'

MONTANA

50 100 KILOMETERS

j

I ' I

0 50 MILES

FIGURE 11. Composite soil sampling localities (indicated by barbells) in the Bighorn and Wind River Basins. Study No. 17.

of different extracting agents for soils were used; 

however, only data for DTPA (0.005 M, pH 7.3) extractable elements are reported here. The soil samples 

consisted of the < 1-cm material which was disaggregated to pass a 10-mesh sieve. Wheatgrass (aboveground parts) and sagebrush (terminal 20-30 cm of 

stems with leaves) samples consisted of a composite of 

material over about a 50-m2 area. The biomass samples were composites of all above- ground plant material in a 3-m2 area. Because the grass and biomass 

samples were judged to be excessively contaminated, 

they were washed prior to chemical analysis. These 

data provide an indication of the range in total and extractable element concentrations in soils that are 

favorable to native plant growth. Results of this study 

were presented in Gough and others (1977, 1978); 

Gough and others (1979); McNeal and others (1977); 

McNeal and others (1978); Severson and others (1977); 

Severson and others (1978); Severson and others 

(1979); Gough and others (1980); and Crock and Severson, (1980). Parameters measured in DTPA extracts of 

these soils are given in table 66, and the soil mineralogy is given in table 76.

STUDY NO. 19

Soils and native plants, San Juan Basin, New Mexico 

By Ronald C. Severson and Larry P. Gough

Samples of the A and C horizons of soils, galleta 

grass (Hilaria jamesii), snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae), and fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens) 

were collected in the summer of 1977 according to an 

unbalanced, nested, analysis-of-variance design from 

an area of the San Juan Basin, N. Mex. (fig. 8). The purpose of the study was to quantify the variation in the 

element concentration of these materials at geographic 

scales of 50 km, 25 km, 5 km, and 1 km, as well as variation due to analytical methods. This broad-scale 

study represents an inventory of both the total and extractable chemical composition of taxonomically defined soils likely to be impacted by the expanding development of energy-related activities in the basin. 

Further, the plants that were sampled are native species that are either likely to be used in reclamation efforts, or are important animal forage, or both. The A 

and C horizons of soils at 47 of a possible 48 sites were 

sampled. Owing to the sporadic distribution of the 

desired plant species, however, only 25, 18, and 10 

sites were sampled for galleta, snakeweed, and saltbush, respectively. The galleta samples consisted of 

the entire plant (leaves, stems, rhizomes, and roots), 

whereas the snakeweed samples were of the aboveground parts (stems and leaves) and the saltbush samples were of the terminal 20 to 30 cm of stems (with 

leaves). Galleta samples were composited over an area 

of about 10 m in diameter, but the snakeweed and saltbush samples usually were from an individual plant. 

Because galleta and snakeweed samples were judged 

to be excessively contaminated with dust, they were 

washed prior to chemical analysis. Total element composition of the soils was reported in Severson (1978a). 

The biogeochemical variability of plants and the geochemistry and variability of soils from natural and reclaimed areas of the San Juan Basin were given by 

Severson and Gough (1981) and Gough and Severson 

(1981). Parameters measured in extraction studies of 

these soils are given in table 63, and pH determinations are given in table 67.

STUDY NO. 20

Trace-metal variation in soils and sagebrush in the Powder River Basin,

Wyoming and Montana 

ByJonJ. Connor, John R. Keith, and Barbara M. Anderson

Samples of about 200 g of vegetation-free surface 

soil (0-25 cm in depth), 200 g of subsurface soil (15-20 

cm in depth), and about 50 g of terminal stems and 

leaves of big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) were collected from the Powder River Basin of eastern Wyo-
18 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

^ . Approximate southern

FIGURE 12. Localities (open circles) where the A and C horizons of soil, western wheatgrass, silver sagebrush, and above-ground plant 

biomass were sampled in the northern Great Plains Province (Study No. 18). Extractable element concentrations in soil samples 

are given in table 66.
METHODS OF STUDY 19

ming and southeastern Montana in May 1973 (fig. 13). 

The area of the basin was subdivided into 12 rectangular units between lat 43°-46° N. and long 

105°-107° W. Within each rectangle, three sections (in 

two townships) were randomly selected for sampling. 

In one of the three sections, duplicate samples were 

collected. Eighteen soil samples of each depth category 

were analyzed, but due to the absence of big sagebrush 

in some localities, only 41 samples of this plant were 

collected and analyzed. Concurrently with this work, a 

trace-element plume downwind of the Dave Johnston 

powerplant on the southern edge of the basin was ex0 10 20 30 40 KILOMETERS

I I I I

0 10 20 30 MILES

FIGURE 13. Sampling localities for soil and big sagebrush in 

the Powder River Basin used in Study No. 20. Sampling 

localities (sections) used in the basinwide study shown 

by solid circles; duplicate sampling localities by solid 

circles with ticks; sampling localities used in the profile 

study by numbered open circles; sampling localities 

used in the powerplant study by solid triangles; "supertownships" by rectangles; and townships by squares. 

Study No. 20.

amined using trace-element concentrations in sagebrush. Results of these studies were given by Connor 

and others (1976).

STUDY NO. 21

Miscellaneous small grains from the northern Great Plains 

By James A. Erdman and Larry P. Gough

The effects of surface mining on agriculture in the 

Northern Great Plains have led to regulations requiring that reclaimed mined land be returned to its former 

use, which in this region is principally small grain production. In the fall of 1974, small grains, mostly hard 

red wheat, were sampled throughout the northern 

Great Plains coal province, including the southernmost part of Saskatchewan, Canada. A total of 130 

grain samples was collected from storage bins located 

on 71 randomly selected farms (fig. 14). This total consisted of 54 samples of hard red spring wheat and 17 

samples of hard red winter wheat (both Triticum aestivum), 21 samples of oats (Avena sativa), 20 samples 

of durum wheat (Triticum durum), and 18 samples of 

barley (Hordeum vulgare). Sampling was usually accomplished by using a 6-ft (1.8-m) grain probe, which 

provided a composite sample of the grain that had 

been harvested from many hectares. Such a composite 

sample, therefore, tended to smooth out any smallscale variability in chemical characteristics of the 

grain that might have occurred throughout the area 

represented by the sample. The purpose of the study 

was to develop baselines in the composition of these 

grains (especially wheat). These baseline values, or 

ranges of concentrations of environmentally important 

elements, can then be used in assessing the effects of 

the geochemically altered surface-mined lands on similar field crops after the land has been returned to agricultural production. An assessment of this type was 

made by Erdman and Gough (1979).

STUDY NO. 22

Soil lichens from the Powder River Basin 

By James A. Erdman and Larry P. Gough

Samples of the terricolous lichen, Parmelia 

chlorochroa Tuck., were collected in the fall of 1973 in 

the Powder River Basin of Wyoming and Montana as 

part of a reconnaissance study of the landscape geochemistry (fig. 9). Twenty-two samples of this plant 

were collected according to a nested analysis-of-variance design. The long axis of the basin was subdivided 

into about 100-km intervals to establish four sampling 

areas nearly equal in size. With each area a barbell
20 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

cluster of sampling locations was selected, using a randomization procedure. Each cluster consisted of a 

major axis 10 km long, an intermediate axis 1 km long,

and a minor axis 100 m long. The sampling sites were 

then located at the ends of the 100-m axes, and samples of the lichen were collected and composited over

iQd- *C3° 100 C

Reqina

49

43° ii NEBRASKA i

0 100 200 KILOMETERS

n 100 200 MILES

42°

FIGURE 14. Localities of grain sampled from farms in the northern Great Plains Province (solid circles) used in Study No. 21. The Wyoming portion of the province was excluded from the sampling design because of sparse wheat production.
METHODS OF STUDY 21

an area about 10 m in diameter. Eight samples were to 

have been collected in each of the four localities (barbell clusters), but the absence of the lichen at many of 

the sites caused the design to be unbalanced in this 

respect. In order to estimate the analytical precision, 7 

of the 22 samples were divided into equal parts prior to 

analysis. The sampling design permitted estimation of 

variation at a number of geographic scales as well as 

variation due to analytical procedures. Results of this 

study were described by Erdman and Gough (1977).

STUDY NO. 23

Big sagebrush from eight western Physiographic Provinces 

By Larry P. Gough and James A. Erdman

Samples of big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata 

Nutt.) were collected in the fall of 1975 from eight 

western Physiographic Provinces according to an unbalanced, nested, analysis-of-variance design (fig. 15). 

Thirty samples were collected from each of three very 

large provinces (Columbia Plateaus, Basin and Range, 

and Colorado Plateaus), whereas 20 samples were collected from each of the other five provinces (Great 

Plains, Northern Rocky Mountains, Middle Rocky 

Mountains, Southern Rocky Mountains, and Wyoming Basin). The purpose of the study was to quantify 

the variation in the element concentration of young 

sagebrush branches (terminal 20-30 cm of stems, including leaves and inflorescences) at geographic scales 

of >200 km (between provinces), 200 km, 100 km, 

50 km, 25 km, and 0.1 km, as well as variation due to 

analytical methods and procedures. This broad-scale 

study provides a preliminary estimate of elementconcentration ranges that are characteristic of big 

sagebrush throughout its distribution. Subspecies 

were not considered in this study all variants were 

sampled as one species. The samples were not washed 

prior to chemical analysis. Seasonal differences in the 

element content of Wyoming big sagebrush were given 

by Gough and Erdman, 1980, and concentrations of 

uranium in ash of big sagebrush from three provinces 

were published by Erdman and Harrach (1981).

STUDY NO. 24

Total and extractable chemistry of the Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil

Association in the San Juan Basin that is likely to be used as topsoil in

minedland reclamation.

By Ronald C. Severson

This study conducted in the fall of 1977, was designed to measure variation in total and extractable 

element composition of the Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak 

Soil Association in the San Juan Basin of New Mexico 

(fig. 16) The sampling localities were confined within 

the boundaries of the mapped occurrence of the Cretaceous Kirtland Shale and Fruitland Formations (Dane

and Bachman, 1965), and also within the boundaries of 

the mapped occurence of the Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak 

Soil Association (Maker and others, 1973). Soils of this 

association are considered as providing prime material 

for stockpiling and using as topsoil in mined-land 

reclamation. The A and C horizons of soil were collected randomly according to an unbalanced, nested, 

analysis-of-variance design. The results were used to 

estimate variation at four distance scales (10 km, 5 km, 

1 km, and 0.1 km) and the variation due to sample 

preparation and analysis. In addition, the taxonomic 

classification of each sample was identified. The total 

element composition of soils of this study was published in Severson (1978b). Summary statistics for extractable element composition of these soils are given 

in table 64, and pH determinations are given in 

table 67.

STUDY NO. 25

Ground-water chemistry, Fort Union coal region 

By Gerald L. Feder

A reconnaissance-type survey of ground-water quality in geologic formations above the Pierre Shale in the 

Fort Union coal region of North Dakota and Montana 

was made in 1974 (fig. 3). The objectives of the study 

were to estimate the magnitude and distribution of 

variance in the quality of these ground waters. In order 

to estimate the regional component of variation, 19 

townships were randomly chosen within the study area 

and a water-quality sample was collected from a well 

within each township. To estimate the local variation, 

4 of the 19 sites were selected at random, and a second 

well was sampled within 10 km of the first sample site 

in the township. Sampling and analytical errors were 

estimated from three duplicate samples collected at 

random from the 23 sites described above. All samples 

were collected and analyzed according to methods described by Skougstad and Feder (1976). Results of this 

study are described in Feder (1975), and Feder and 

Saindon (1976). The geochemical summary for samples 

of this study is given in table 68.

STUDY NO. 26

Crested wheatgrass at the Dave Johnston mine 

By James A. Erdman and Richard J. Ebens

Crested wheatgrass, Agropyron cristatum (L.) 

Gaertn., was sampled at the Dave Johnston mine, near 

the southern edge of the Powder River Basin in Wyoming (fig. 7), as part of a larger study whose purpose 

was to assess the effects of reclaimed spoils on the element concentrations in vegetation at surface coal
22 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

117° 115° 113° 111° 109° 107" 105" 103"

47"

45°

39°

37'-

GREAT PLAINS

Salt Lake I i /Rock Springs

e t' City 

Heno BASIN AND R^NGE

COLORADO

PLATEAUS

Flagstaff ' *Gallup

TEXAS

0 100 200 300 400 500 KILOMETERS 

0 100 200 300 MILES

FIGURE 15. Sampling localities used in Study No. 23, indicated by squares 50 km on a side, for big sagebrush in eight Western Physiographic Provinces. Map modified from Fenneman (1931.)
109'

METHODS OF STUDY

COLORADO 108°

23

San Juan# 

Shiprockl/,0 Mine

30

I

20 MILES

FIGURE 16. Location of soils sampled (barbells) in San Juan County, N. Mex. used in Study No. 24. 

A, the outline of the Cretaceous Kirtiand Shale and Fruitland Formations (shaded) was 

modified from Dane and Bachman (1965); and B, the distribution of the Sheppard-ShiprockDoak Soil Association (stippled) was modified from Maker and others (1973).
24 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

mines in the northern Great Plains. This species of 

wheatgrass dominates the revegetated spoil banks at 

this mine, as it does at many of the surface mines that 

were sampled. Sampling was conducted July 24,1974, 

when growth of wheatgrass was at the mature-seed 

stage of development. A three-level analysis-ofvariance design was used that (1) assessed the differences in element concentrations between this grass 

growing on spoil materials and on soils native to the 

site (topsoil borrow), (2) estimated the degree of uniformity in the element contents of wheatgrass within the 

two substrate types, and (3) estimated the laboratory 

precision (reproducibility). Ten samples were collected 

at randomly selected locations within two tracts of reclaimed spoil piles. Ten other samples, which served as 

controls, were collected from two topsoil borrow areas 

adjoining the active mine. Each of the 20 field samples 

was homogenized and divided into equal portions. The 

number of samples for this study was, therefore, 

doubled from the 20 field samples to 40 laboratory 

samples. A report of this study was published by 

Erdman and Ebens (1979).

STUDY NO. 27

Ground water chemistry, Poplar River Basin,

Montana and Saskatchewan

By Gerald L. Feder

A reconnaissance-type survey was made in 1978 of 

ground-water quality in geologic formations above the 

Bearpaw Shale (named Bearpaw Formation in Canada) 

in the Poplar River Basin north of Scoby, Mont., including the Saskatchewan part of the basin (fig. 3). 

This survey was made in conjunction with a study by 

the Ground Water Quantity and Quality Committee of 

the International Poplar River Water Quality Board of 

the International Joint Commission. The Poplar River 

Basin lies in the north-western part of the Fort Union 

coal region. Because of the limited number of wells 

available for sampling, only nine sites were chosen for 

collecting representative samples from each of five 

aquifers in the area. The samples were collected and 

analyzed according to methods outlined in Skougstad 

and Feder (1976). Results of this study were described 

by Ground Water Quantity and Quality Committee of 

the International Poplar River Water Quality Board 

(1979). The geochemical summary for samples of this 

study is given in table 69.

STUDY NO. 28

Ground-water chemistry, Powder River coal region,

Montana and Wyoming

By Gerald L. Feder

A reconnaissance-type survey of ground-water quality in geologic formations above the Pierre Shale in the 

Powder River Basin in Wyoming and Montana (fig. 3) 

was made in 1975 to estimate the magnitude and distribution of variance in the quality of these ground 

waters. In order to estimate the regional component of 

variation, 20 townships were randomly chosen in the 

study area and a water-quality sample was collected 

from a well within each township. To estimate the local 

variation, 3 of the 20 sites were selected at random and 

a second well was sampled within 5 km of the first. 

Sampling and analytical errors were estimated from 

three duplicate samples collected at random from the 

23 sites. All samples were collected and analyzed according to methods described by Skougstad and Feder 

(1976). Results of this study were described by Feder 

and others (1977). The geochemical summary for samples of this study is given in table 70.

METHODS OF ANALYSIS

All analytical work was performed in laboratories of 

the U.S. Geological Survey. The analytical technique 

used for each entry in the summary tables 4-77 is 

defined and identified by number in table 1. Fifty-six 

elements are listed in the summary tables. Of these, 

some were detected in only a relatively few samples of 

only a few studies. Approximate limits of determination for a variety of elements commonly looked for in 

spectrographic work, but seldom or never detected in 

earth materials and plants, are listed in table 2.

For various reasons, 21 of the 92 naturally occurring 

elements were never analyzed for in any of the studies. 

They are the six noble gases (helium, neon, argon, 

krypton, xenon, and radon), nitrogen, oxygen, technetium, ruthenium, rhodium, cesium, promethium, osmium, iridium, polonium, astatine, francium, radium, 

actinium, and protactinium.

The total element variation observed in a specific 

study always includes variation due to laboratory 

("analytical") procedures, as well as variation due to 

natural effects. The inclusion of hidden and randomly 

sequenced sample splits in many of the laboratory sub-
METHODS OF ANALYSIS 25

TABLE I. Analytical methods used

[Number in the first column identifies the method used for determining chemical or physical properties reported in tables 2-77]

No. Name of method Materials analyzed, and properties 

commonly reported

Principal references Remarks

Six-step emission 

spectrographic.

Plate-reader emission 

spectrographic.

Atomic absorption, 

flame.

A Atomic absorption, 

flameless.

5 X-ray fluorescence, 

fusion.

6 Colorimetric

7 Turbidimetric

8 Neutron activation

9 Selective ion

10 Gasometric

Stream sediments, soils, and plants: Myers and

Al, B, Ba, Cr, Cu, Mg, Mn, Na, Nb, Ni, others, 1961;

Pb, V, Y, Yb, and Zr. Stream sedi- Neiman, 1976.

ments and soils: Be, Co, Ga, La, and

Sc. Soils and plants: Ba, Mn, and Mo.

Stream sediments only: Ca, K,

and Ti. Soils only: Ce. Plants

only: Al, Ge, Fe, and Ti.

Rocks, stream sediments, spoil, soils, Dorrzapf, 1973; 

plants, and waters: Ba, Cr, Cu, Mn, Barnett, 1976. 

Mo, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, and Zr. Rocks, 

stream sediments, spoil, soils, 

and plants: B, La, Nb, Sc, Y, and 

Yb. Rocks, stream sediments, spoil, 

soils, and waters: Be, Co, and Ga. 

Rocks, stream sediments, spoil, and 

soils: Ce. Rocks, spoil, and soils: 

Er and Nd. Rocks and spoil: Gd. 

Rocks and soils: Pr and Th. Plants 

and waters: Ag and Ti. Rocks and 

waters: Ag. Rocks only: Cd, Dy, In, 

and TI. Spoil only: F and P. Soils 

only: Tb. Plants only: Fe. Waters 

only: Bi, Ge, and Sn.

Rocks, stream sediments, spoil, soils, Ward and others.

Concentrations reported 

as midpoints of six 

geometric classes per 

order of magnitude. 

Method largely replaced by method 

No. 2.

Concentrations reported 

as actual values, 

rather than as 

classes of values.

plants, and waters: Li and Zn. 

Rocks, stream sediments, soil, plants, 

and waters: Mg and Na. Rocks, stream 

sediments, spoil, and soils: Rb. 

Plants and waters: As, Ca, Cd, K, and 

Mn. Plants only: Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, 

Sb, and Si. Waters only: Cr, Mo, Se, 

and Ti.

Rocks, stream sediments, spoil, soils, 

plants, and waters: Hg.

Rocks, stream sediments, spoil, and 

soils: Al, Ca, K, S, Sb, Si, and Ti. 

Stream sediments, spoil, and soils: 

As, Se, and Sn. Rocks and soils: Br. 

Stream sediments and spoil: In. 

Spoil and soils: Mg and Na. Spoil 

only: I. Soils only: Cl, Mn, and P.

Plants only: Mo and P. Waters only: 

B, Br, Cl, I, Fe, P, Si, and V.

1969; Harms, 

1976; Huffman 

and Dinnin, 

1976.

Vaughn and McCarthy, 

1964; McHugh and 

Turner, 1975; 

Harms, 1976; 

Vaughn 1967.

Wahlberg, 1976.

Plants only: S 

Rocks, stream sediments, spoil, and 

soils: Th and U.

Rocks, stream sediments, spoil, soils, 

plants, and waters: F and pH. Soils 

only: Chloride.

Rocks, stream sediments, spoil, and 

soils: Carbonate C.

Ward and others, 

1963.

Harms and Papp, 1975. 

Millard, 1975.

Huffman and Dinnin, 

1976; Skougstad and 

Feder, 1976.

Huffman and Dinnin, 

1976.

Used delayed-neutron 

technique.
26 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 1. Analytical methods used Continued

No. Name of method Materials analyzed, and properties 

commonly reported

Principal references Remarks

11 Calculated

12 Combustion

13 Fluorimetric

14 Gravimetric

Rocks, stream sediments, spoil, and 

soils: Organic C. Soils only: 

Sodium absorption ratios, exchangeable 

sodium percentages. Waters only: 

Hardness and alkalinity.

Rocks, stream sediments, spoil, and 

soils: Total C.

Plants and waters: UPlants: Ash. Waters: Dissolved 

solids.

15 Conductivity cell Waters only: Specific conductance16 Induction-coupled 

plasma.

Soils only: Hot water extraction of B

17 Titrimetric Waters only: Bicarbonate and carbonate

18 X-ray fluorescence, Rocks and stream sediments: Ge and Sn. 

sulfide Rocks only: As and Se. 

precipitation.

19 Instrumental Waters only: Temperature20 Precipation and radon Waters only: Raemanation.

21 Residue, gross Waters only: Gross alpha and gross beta

emission count. emanations.

22 Beta-gamma sealer Soils only: Equivalent U.

Huffman and Dinnin, 

1976.

Huffman and Dinnin,

1976.

Harms and Papp, 

1975; Thatcher 

and others,

1977.

Ward and others,

1963; Skougstad 

and Feder, 1976.

Skougstad and Feder, 

1976.

Ball and others, 

1978

Skougstad and Feder, 

1976.

Wahlberg, 1976 

Organic C = total C 

minus carbonate C.

Aliquots of dry 

plants weighed, 

burned to ash, and 

the ashed weighed 

and calculated as 

percentage of dry 

weight.

Cited method modified 

by addition of a 

variable-speed 

oscillating 

refractor plate for 

background 

corrections.

Unpublished modification of cited 

method.

Skougstad and Feder,

1976

Thatcher, and others

1977

Janzer, 1976; Thatcher 

and others, 1977

No published 

reference.

23 X-ray diffraction Rocks, stream sediments, and soils: 

Mineral composition.

McNeal and Ebens, 

1978.

Beta and gamma radiation is counted 

4 minutes, compared with counts 

of a 0.1 percent U 

standard. Radioactivity of sample 

given as equivalent 

ppm U.

Data entered on magnetic tape, then 

computer analyzed 

giving semiquantitative results.

24 2-3 diaminonaphthalene Plants only: Se- Harms, 1976.
GEOCHEMICAL SUMMARIES 27

TABLE 2. Elements commonly looked for in samples of this study, but rarely or never detected by the methods listed in table 1, and their

approximate lower limits of determination in parts per million

[Values apply to the methods actually used for particular samples, as given in tables 46-67. Leaders (-) in a figure column indicate that the element is commonly not detected in the sample

material listed in the column heading]

Element

Material Analyzed

Rocks, stream sediments, 

mine spoil, and soils

Plant ash

Beryllium - 

Bismuth 

CereumDysprosium 

Erbium -

Gallium 

Gold - 

Hafnium - 

HolmiumIndium 

Lutetium 

Neodymium - 

PalladiumPlatinum 

PraseodymiumRhenium - 

Samarium 

Tantalum 

Tellurium - 

Terbium 

Thallium 

Thorium 

Thulium 

Tin 

Tungsten 

10

1 50

50

20

100

10

1

30

2 100

30

200 

> 000

50

1 20

100

0.5

20

300

1 100

100

5

50

200

: 50

20

70

^70 

2

7 7 ° 

2 200

70

^00

500

5.000

hoo

500 

500 

^0 

15 

300

Looked for in spectrographic analysis if yttrium concentration is greater than 50 

Looked for in spectrographic analysis if lanthanum or cerium is found.

ppm.

mittals provided an estimation of total laboratory 

variance by:

71

£ i=l (1)

where S% represents the error variance, Xlf and X2lrepresent the concentrations (or their logarithms) of an 

element in the two splits of the ith sample and n is the 

number of samples split. Where an error was not formally defined, it resides in the estimate of total 

variability and remains unknowable.

GEOCHEMICAL SUMMARIES

ORGANIZATION AND USE OF DATA

The geochemical summaries for elements tabulated 

herein (tables 4-62) are alphabetically arranged by the 

English spelling of each element. Summaries for each 

element are presented, as appropriate, for each of five 

broad environmental categories: rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and 

plants. Listed within each category are the summary 

results for one or more individual studies. Data on 

rocks are grouped by outcrop samples or core samples, 

followed by locality and gross lithologic character.
28 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

Stream sediments are arranged by locality, followed by 

size fraction where appropriate. Mine spoil and associated materials are subdivided into mine spoil itself, 

topsoil used in spoil reclamation, and plants associated 

with mine spoil. Soils are grouped by locality, then 

subdivided by soil horizon. Plants are grouped as cultivated or native species. All entries in the summary 

tables are given a general location, commonly the 

State or States.

Following the alphabetical tabulation of elements 

are special studies in which parameters other than element concentration in the samples were also measured. 

Tables 63-66 give results of soil-extraction studies, 

and data are grouped by the extraction method used 

(except in table 66, which gives elements extracted by 

only one method). Table 67 gives pH determinations 

for some of the same samples of rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil, and soil that are listed in the general 

tables of elements. Tables 68-70 give geochemical 

summaries of ground waters from three regions of the 

northern Great Plains Province. Tables 71-73 present 

shale and sandstone mineralogy of outcrop samples, 

and of fine-grained rocks of core samples, from the 

northern Great Plains Province, and table 74 gives 

mineralogy of three rock types from Montana. Using 

samples from the northern Great Plains Province, 

table 75 gives the mineralogy of stream sediments, 

table 76 gives the mineralogy of soils used in extraction studies, and table 77 gives the mineralogy of soils 

from Hanging Woman Creek.

Each entry in each table is identified by a study 

number, with which the user may find a brief description of the work in the section entitled "Descriptions of 

Field Studies," and a number identifying the analytical method used (from table 1). Also given are the following: a ratio, which indicates the number of samples 

in which the element was determined in relation to the 

total number analyzed; the mean, which estimates the 

most probable concentration to be expected in the 

analyzed material; the deviation, a factor which indicates the degree of variability observed; the error, a 

factor which indicates the reproducibility of the analytical method; and finally, the range of concentrations 

observed in the study.

Geometric and arithmetic means, standard deviations, standard errors, and observed ranges are given 

in units of percent or parts per million (ppm). 

Geometric deviations and geometric errors are factors.

The mean for each entry in the summary tables is 

commonly given to two significant figures. It is conventional in geochemical summaries to give an arithmetic average for the mean, and a few entries here do 

so; an example is aluminum in soils from Montana 

(table 4, Study No. 14). However, the tendency for elements in natural materials, particularly trace elements, to exhibit positively skewed frequency distributions suggests that the geometric mean is the more 

proper measure of central tendency. The geometric 

mean is the antilog of the arithmetic mean of the 

logarithmic values and, for lognormal distributions, 

the geometric mean is the mode.

A common problem in trace-element summaries is 

the necessity to summarize data that contain nonnumeric concentration values such as "trace" or "less 

than" some specified limit. Such data are said to be 

censored, and, under such circumstances, the mean has 

been computed using special procedures described by 

Cohen (1959) and applied to geochemical problems by 

Miesch (1967). These procedures involve an adjustment of the summary statistics computed for the noncensored part of the data. For some entries, censoring 

is so severe that such adjustment is unreliable or even 

impossible. Under these circumstances, the median of 

the distribution is given as the mean, or the mean is 

simply listed as "less than" some limiting lower value.

The use of special procedures to quantify estimates 

of the central tendency when part of the data is censored sometimes leads to estimates of the mean at 

levels below the limit of detection. For example, 

arsenic in fourwing saltbush from the San Juan Basin, 

N. Mex. (table 6, Study No. 19) is estimated to have a 

mean of 0.011 ppm, although the lowest measured concentration in 10 samples was 0.05 ppm. This feature of 

the data analysis obviously permits a greater utilization of data that may be initially viewed as rather 

limited because of analytical constraints.

For those rare entries for which the arithmetic 

average is give for the mean, it is also thought to 

reflect an unbiased estimate of element abundance. 

Where the geometric mean is given, the abundance 

may be estimated from the following relation:

= rM, (2)

where t estimates the abundance, M is the geometric 

mean, and T is an adjustment factor. (See Miesch, 

1967.)

Finally, most of the element concentrations in plant 

tissue were summarized on an ash-weight basis. The 

user who wishes to convert the mean element concentration in ash to a dry-weight basis may apply the 

following formula:

£) = (M4 XMP)/100, (3)

where MD approximates the mean in dry weight, MA is 

the mean in ash weight, and Mp is the mean of the percent ash measured in the same plant species and study
GEOCHEMICAL SUMMARIES 29

area (table 3). For example, big sagebrush from the 

Wyoming Basin Province exhibits a mean aluminum 

concentration in ash of 2.0 percent (table 4, Study 

No. 23) and a mean ash content (from table 3) of 

4.9 percent. Based on equation 3, the approximate expected concentration of aluminum in dry weight is 

0.1 percent.

Equally as important as the mean in background 

geochemical studies, however, is the magnitude of the 

scatter to be expected about the mean. A useful 

measure of the scatter in lognormal distributions is the 

geometric deviation, a factor which may be used to 

estimate the range of variation expected for any element in any unit. The geometric deviation is the antilog of the standard deviation of the logarithmic 

values. About 68 percent of the samples in a randomly 

selected suite should fall within the limits MID and 

M-D, where M stands for the geometric mean and D 

stands for the geometric deviation. For example, 

barium in stream sediments from the northern Great 

Plains (table 7, Study No. 6) has a geometric mean of 

540 ppm and a geometric deviation of 1.34. Thus, the 

most likely concentration of barium in a suite of randomly selected stream-sediment samples from the 

northern Great Plains is 540 ppm; in addition, about 

68 percent of the collected samples, if analyzed by the 

plate-reader emission spectrographic technique used 

by the U.S. Geological Survey laboratories, should 

range from about 403 (M/D) to about 724 (M-D) ppm 

barium. About 95 percent will fall between 301 (M/D2) 

and 970 (M-D2) ppm barium, and more than 99 percent 

between 224 (M/D3) and 1,300 (M-D3).

As already stated, the deviation listed for each study 

includes variation arising from laboratory procedures 

as well as variation arising from nature. When the 

sampling design so permits, an estimate of that part of 

the total observed variation due solely to laboratory effects is given as the error, and an estimate of the variation attributed solely to natural effects may be computed from

Dn = antilog [(log D)2 - (logE)2], (4)

where Dn estimates the geometric deviation corrected 

for laboratory effects, and D and E are the geometric 

deviation and the standard error, respectively, taken 

from the summary tables. For entries consisting of the 

arithemtic mean, the standard deviation, and the 

standard error, variation due to natural effects is estimated as

(5)

where Dn estimates the standard deviation corrected 

for laboratory effects and D and E are the standard 

deviation and the standard error, respectively.

For example, Dn for aluminum in outcrop samples of 

sandstone from the Fort Union Formation, northern 

Great Plains Province (table 4, Study No. 1), is 

estimated from equation 4 to be 1.48; and the expected 

approximate 68-, 95-, and 99.7-percent ranges corrected for analytical variation are 2.8-6.1, 1.9-9.0, and 

1.3-13 percent aluminum, respectively. Dn for 

aluminum in C-horizon soils from Hanging Woman 

Creek, Mont, (table 4, Study No. 14), is estimated from 

equation 5 as 0.64; and the expected approximate 68-, 

95-, and 99.7-percent ranges corrected for analytical 

variation are 4.3-5.5, 3.6-6.2, and 3.0-6.8 percent 

aluminum, respectively.

For some entries, the listed error is larger than the 

listed deviation and Dn cannot be calculated. This occurs because the deviation and the error are themselves only estimates and are each subject to errors inherent in estimation. When variation due to laboratory 

procedures forms a large part of the total observed 

variation, the estimate of the error may exceed the 

estimate of the total variability. In these circumstances, the only conclusion to be drawn is that the 

material under study is relatively uniform in composition, and further attempts to examine its natural variability must be based on laboratory procedures more 

precise than those used here.

All entries lacking an estimate of the error must be 

used judiciously. Little can be said about the natural 

variation of these materials without some assumptions 

as to the magnitude of the laboratory effects that 

might be present.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

In relation to geochemical characteristics of the 

landscape, the studies in this report have potential application to three stages of energy resource development in major areas containing coal and oil shale in the 

Western States. Examples of the relevance of geochemical studies to each stage of development are discussed below.

PRE-DEVELOPMENT STAGE

The geochemical input to this stage of planning is 

largely that of background (baseline) data on the 

chemical characteristics of the natural materials that 

will most likely be affected by the development and 

operation of mines and electric generating plants. Included in these materials are the rocks, soils, and
30 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 3. Percentage of ash obtained by burning dry material of plants

(Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text. Plant parts designated as A, above-ground parts; B, stems, leaves, rhizomes, and roots; C, entire thallus; 

and D, grains. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders H in figure column indicate no data 

available. Ash determined by method No. 14, table 1]

Common and scientific name; Study Plant Mean Devia- Error Observed range 

collection localities No. part (percent) tion (percent)

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.); Northern 

Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 A 7.7 1.43 7.2 - 11.3 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 A 10.0 1.12 9.5 - 11.7 

Savage mine, Montana 10 A 9.5 1.10 8.9 - 10.6 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 A 8.1 1.23 7.1 - 10.3 

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 A 8.1 1.10 7.5-9.0

Alkali sacaton (Sporobolus airoides 

(Torr.) Torr.); San Juan mine, New 

Mexico 11 A 5.1 1.14 4.1 - 5.1

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.); northern 

Great Plains 21 D 2.2 1.13 1.05 1.8-2.9

Big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata 

Nutt.); regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province 23 A 4.7 1.11 1.03 3.8 - 5.3 

Columbia Plateaus Province 23 A 5.7 1.18 1.03 4.2 - 7.9 

Basin and Range Basin Province 23 A 4.8 1.13 1.03 4.1 - 5.8 

Northern Great Plains 23 A 4.6 1.19 1.03 4.0 - 5.8 

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 23 A 4.5 1.16 1.03 3.8 - 5.5 

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 23 A 4.2 1.22 1.03 3.1 - 6.0 

Southern Rocky Mountains Province 23 A 4.4 1.18 1.02 3.7 - 5.5 

Wyoming Basin Province 23 A 4.9 1.53 1.03 3.9 - 5.7

Biomass above ground, mixed species; 

Northern Great Plains 18 A 6.7 1.20 1.13 4.8 - 9.1

Crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum 

(L.) Gaertn.); Dave Johnston mine, 

Wyoming

On mine spoil 26 A 6.0 1.14 1.01 4.7 - 7.4 

Near mine spoil 26 A 6.3 1.15 1.01 5.3 - 8.0

Fourwing saltbush (Atriplex canescens 

(Torr.) Torr.)

San Juan Basin, N. Mex. 19 A 12 1.22 1.04 8.4 - 16 

San Juan mine, New Mexico 19 A 13 1.08 12 - 15

Galleta (Hilaria jamesii (Torr.) Benth.); 

San Juan Basin, N. Mex. 19 B 6.8 1.24 1.04 4.0 - 10

Lichen (Parmelia chlorochroa Tuck.); , 

Powder River Basin, Wyo. 22 C 14 1.41 1.04 7.5 - 25

Oats (Avena sativa L.); northern Great 

Plains 21 D 3.0 1.0 1.05 1.3 - 1.8

Silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana Pursh); 

northern Great Plains 18 A 5.2 1.14 3.7 - 7.0

Snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae 

(Pursh) Britt. and Rusby); San Juan

Basin, N. Mex. 19 A 5.9 1.22 1.04 4.3 - 9.1

Western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii 

Rydb.); northern Great Plains 18 A 6.6 1.24 4.6 - 8.8

Wheat, durum (Triticum durum Desf.); 

northern Great Plains 21 D 1.7 1.16 1.12 1.4-2.3

Wheat, hard red spring (Triticum 

aestivum L.); northern Great Plains 21 D 1.7 1.21 1.10 1.2 - 2.8

Wheat, hard red winter (Triticum 

aestivum L.); northern Great Plains 21 D 1.5 1.11 1.05 1.3 - 1.8
GEOCHEMICAL SUMMARIES 

TABLE 3. Percentage of ash obtained by burning dry material of plants Continued

31

Common and scientific name; 

collection localities

Study 

No.

Plant 

part

Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(percent)

White sweetclover (Melitotus alba Desr.) 

j)esr.); northern Great Plains

Big Sky mine, Montana 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 

10

10

6.7 

5.0

1.11

1.07

1.03

1.03

5.9 - 8.2

4.4 - 5.6

Yellow sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis (L.) Lam.); northern Great

Plains

- 10

 10

- 10

 10

- 10

 10

6.1

7.2

7.4

7.5

5.4

7.1

1.09

1.09

1.13

1.11

1.13

1.20

1.03

1.03

1.03

1.03

1.03

1.03

5.2 -

6

*}

6

f)

6.6 -

4.5 -

5.4 -

7.0

8 n

9.3

9.0

6.5

10

plants of the overburden material that will be removed 

in surface mining, the rocks from underground mining 

that will be brought to the surface, and the water of 

streams that drain the areas. These background data 

can be used before development is begun in judging the 

necessity for more detailed and intensive geochemical 

studies in order to predict the environmental impact of 

the proposed operation. If most of the variance in element concentration in soils, for example, is at the 

largest (regional) scale, the geochemistry of a selected 

development site most likely will be rather uniform. In 

Study No. 17, only zinc concentrations in soils of the 

Bighorn Basin were found to exhibit regional differences between geologic units, whereas eight elements 

exhibited such differences in the Wind River Basin. 

However, in study No. 20, little geochemical variation 

in the geochemistry of surface soil, subsurface soil, and 

big sagebrush from the Powder River Basin was found 

at scales greater than about 35 km (regional scale). 

This suggests that simple summary statistics for these 

materials could provide basinwide geochemical 

baselines. When rocks from particular geologic formations are brought to the surface by mining, their 

chemical features may subsequently have a pronounced effect on soil chemistry. For example, in 

Study No. 12 the oil shale was found to be richer in arsenic, mercury, selenium, fluorine, and molybdenum 

than were the soils from the same area in the Piceance 

Creek Basin of Colorado.

An important application of established baselines is 

in monitoring the effects of operating mines and power 

plants. If baseline element values are established, 

before industrial operations are begun, for a species of 

plant that has wide geographical distribution, as was 

done for sagebrush in Study No. 23, a useful biological 

agent is available for measuring chemical changes in

vegetation that occur during the operational phase. 

Analysis of a lichen that grows on the soil surface 

showed that its element content was remarkably 

uniform throughout the Powder River Basin (Study 

No. 22), thereby suggesting its basinwide applicability 

for monitoring geochemical changes of airborne origin.

DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATING STAGE

In the development of mines and power plants, construction of the necessary facilities, including access 

and internal roads, buildings, processing plants, shipping and storage requirements, and transmission lines, 

causes alterations in the geochemical balances that 

had become established through time. In semiarid or 

arid regions, such as prevail in most of the Western 

energy regions, the development of a balanced geochemical system requires a very long period of time. 

Because the amount of water from precipitation generally is small, rocks and minerals in the soil weather 

slowly, and organic deposition from the sparse vegetation occurs at a slow rate. These factors contribute to 

the development of a fragile ecosystem that is susceptible to rapid degradation by the disturbances of industrial development.

The deposition of windblown soil dust from the site 

of a power plant in Wyoming before the plant became 

fully operational was found in Study No. 20 to cause 

trends outward from the plant in the element content 

of big sagebrush; these trends were imposed on trends 

caused by natural geologic controls on soil chemistry. 

This effect should be recognized and taken into account in differentiating natural geochemical trends in 

sagebrush and those caused by environmental disturbances. In developing surface mines, the topsoil is 

usually removed and stockpiled for later use in recla-
32 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

mation. A study of the geochemistry of a soil association likely to be used in spoil reclamation (Study 

No. 24) established baselines for total concentration of 

38 elements in the A- and C-horizons of soil. This study 

found that chemical differences between taxonomically similar soils are very small at the family level; 

therefore, the baselines can be used as a regional characterization of soils' suitability as topsoil for minedland reclamation.

The operation of energy-related installations produces a continuing addition of chemical elements to 

the surrounding area, often including those elements 

generally considered undesirable, or toxic if concentrated, such as mercury, arsenic, selenium, molybdenum, and sulfur. These elements are distributed in 

gaseous and particulate stack emissions, in fly ash 

recovered from the stacks and later disposed of, as 

spillage from transportation of fuels, and as leachates 

from mined coal and mine spoil. A study was made of 

sweetclover plants growing both spontaneously and 

planted on mine spoil and reclaimed spoil at eight 

mines in the Northern Great Plains (Study No. 10). 

The spoil and spoil-soil mixtures were also analyzed. 

Concentrations of 13 elements in sweetclover and 

18 elements in spoil material from the eight mines 

were compared; the results indicated strong geochemical differences among mines for both plant and soil 

samples, which indicated the chemical distinctiveness 

of spoil material from each mine. Not only are the concentrations of toxic elements in spoil material of concern, but also the abundance of elements that are essential for plant growth and animal nutrition is important. Crested wheatgrass (a valuable forage plant) 

growing on topsoil over spoil at a mine in Wyoming 

(Study No. 26) contained higher concentrations of 8 of 

26 elements than in control samples. Of these elements, concentrations of cobalt, manganese, and 

zinc elements essential in animal nutrition were at 

deficiency levels in control samples, but at marginal to 

adequate levels in samples from spoil material. On the 

other hand, the phosphorus content of the grass on 

spoil material was only two-thirds as much as in the 

control grass. In a study of power-plant stack emissions (Study No. 20) in Wyoming, big sagebrush was 

examined along the path of a trace-element plume. The 

concentrations of strontium, vanadium, and uranium 

in sagebrush showed statistically significant reductions eastward from the power plant.

RESTORATION AND REVEGETATION STAGE

The topography of areas severely altered by surface 

mining, which is affected by the spoil material from 

both surface and underground mining, must be restored to an acceptable degree after the site has been 

mined. This restoration consists of leveling and 

contouring the spoil material, applying the topsoil that 

was removed and stockpiled, and, generally, revegetating with either native plant species or agricultural crop 

plants. The new substrate for the plants comprises 

various mixtures of topsoil and subsurface rock, and 

the chemical nature of the rooting zone of plants is 

usually different from that of the original soil cover. 

The fresh unweathered rocks that are brought to the 

surface may release elements to the soil in greater concentrations than existed in the original soil and, 

therefore, may affect the growth of plants and the 

health of animals.

A measurement of the availability of certain 

elements, including both those that are nutritive and 

those that are toxic, is essential to an evaluation of the 

potential effects of the newly restored substrate. 

Geochemical studies of the rocks of the spoil material, 

or core samples collected before mining, can indicate 

the total concentrations of elements of special concern, 

including phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, molybdenum, and selenium (Studies 

No. 1, 2,3,4,5,10, and 11). These elements of rocks are 

held in minerals that are distinctive in their ratios of 

elements, rates of weathering, and solubility. If the 

mineral composition of the spoil-material rocks is 

known, estimates can be made of the kinds and concentrations of elements that will be released in the process 

of weathering. The availability of these elements to 

plants depends largely on their solubility in the 

chemical environment in which they occur and on the 

species of plant. The validity of using laboratory 

measurements of availability, such as are routinely 

performed on agricultural soils to determine their fertility, is not well known as applied to native plant 

species of potential use in revegetation. In Studies 

No. 11 and 19, the extractable and total soil-element 

concentrations favorable for native plant growth in the 

Northern Great Plains were studied. The plants, as 

well as laboratory extracts of their supporting soils obtained by three extraction procedures, were analyzed 

for calcium, cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, potassium, 

magnesium, manganese, sodium, nickel, lead, and zinc. 

The ranges of the concentrations that were found, and 

the methods of extraction that were developed, can be 

used to judge the feasibility of revegetating reclaimed 

mine spoil with species of plants native to this region.

The suitability of the reclaimed areas for producing 

forage for domestic animals and cereal grains for 

human food depends on the effects of the chemical 

composition of the soil on the health and productivity 

of the plants and on the effects of the element composition of the plants and animals on the health of animals
REFERENCES CITED 33

and man. A study of the elements in sweetclover and 

alfalfa plants that grew on spoil or reclaimed spoil 

material at eight surface mines in the Northern Great 

Plains (Study No. 10) revealed that the copper-tomolybdenum ratios in these plants ranged from 0.44:1 

to 5:1. Ratios of 5:1 or less in forage are reported to 

cause molybdenosis, a serious debilitating disease, in 

cattle and sheep. Therefore, the possibility that the element composition of forage grown on reclaimed spoil 

(as determined in Studies No. 10 and 26) may be injurious to domestic as well as native animals should 

receive careful consideration in planning the revegetation of mined areas.

The use of reclaimed mine spoil for the production of 

cereal grains was examined in Study No. 21. At least 

one of three samples of hard red winter wheat from topsoiled spoil at a mine in Montana was found to have abnormally high levels of calcium, copper, iron, molybdenum, sulfur, and zinc, and abnormally low levels of 

barium, cadmium, magnesium, and phosphorus. 

Nickel concentrations in the samples ranged from unusually high to unusually low.

In conclusion, the geochemical data in this report 

can be effectively applied to the evaluation of present 

and future development of energy resources in the 

Western energy regions. These data can contribute to 

an understanding and appreciation of the true costs of 

exploiting fossil fuels to meet the energy requirements 

of the nation.

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McNeal, J. M., Feder, G. L., Ringrose, C. D., and Klusman, R. W., 

1976, Stream sediment chemistry in the oil-shale region, in 

U.S. Geological Survey, Geochemical survey of the western 

energy regions (formerly Geochemical survey of the western 

coal regions), 3d annual progress report, July 1976: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 76-729, p. 121-130.

McNeal, J. M., Gough, L. P., and Severson, R. C., 1977, The mode of 

occurrence of DTP A- and EDTA-extractable elements in soils 

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Madison, Wise., American Society of Agronomy, p. 128.

McNeal, J. M., Severson, R. C., and Gough, L. P., 1978, R-mode factor analysis of extractable elements in A-and C-horizon soils 

from the Northern Great Plains, in U.S. Geological Survey, 

Geochemical survey of the western energy regions, 5th annual 

progress report, July 1978: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File 

Report 78-1105, p. 169-187.

Miesch, A. T., 1967, Methods of computation for estimating 

geochemical abundances: U.S. Geological Survey Professional 

Paper 574-B, 15 p.

Miesch, A. T., 1976, Geochemical survey of Missouri Methods of 

sampling, laboratory analysis, and statistical reduction of 

data with sections on laboratory methods by 11 others: U.S. 

Geological Survey Professional Paper 954-A, 39 p.

Millard, H. T., Jr., 1975, Determination of uranium and thorium in 

rocks and soils by the delayed neutron technique, in U.S. 

Geological Survey, Geochemical survey of the western coal 

regions, 2d annual progress report, July 1975: U.S. Geological 

Survey Open-File Report 75-436, p. 79-81.

Myers, A. T., Havens, R. G., and Dunton, P. J., 1961, A spectrochemical method for the semiquantitative analysis of rocks, 

minerals, and ores: U.S. Geological Survey Bulletin 1084-1, 

1207-1229.

Neiman, H. G., 1976, Analysis of rocks, soils, and plant ashes by 

emission spectroscopy, in Miesch, A. T., Geochemical survey 

of Missouri Methods of sampling, laboratory analysis, and 

statistical reduction of data: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 954-A, p. A14-A15.

Oetking, P., Feray, D. E., and Renfro, H. B., 1967, Geologic 

highway map of the southern Rocky Mountain region: Tulsa, 

Okla., American Association of Petroleum Geologists, 1 inch 

equals approximately 30 miles, 1 sheet.

Severson, R. C., 1977, Regional soil chemistry in the Bighorn and 

Wind River Basins, Wyoming and Montana, in U.S. 

Geological Survey, Geochemical survey of the western energy 

regions, 4th annual progress report, July 1977: U.S. 

Geological Survey Open-File Report 77-872, p. 156-168.

___1978a, Spatial variation in total element content in soils in 

northwest New Mexico and differences in soil composition at 

the Great Group taxonomic level, in U.S. Geological Survey, 

Geochemical survey of the western energy regions, 5th annual 

progress report, July 1978: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File 

Report 78-1105, p. 2-34.

___1978b, Variation in element content of the Doak, Shiprock, 

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Geological Survey, Geochemical survey of the western energy 

regions, 5th annual progress report, July 1978: U.S. 

Geological Survey Open-File Report 78-1105, p. 35-46.

___1979, Regional soil chemistry in the Bighorn and Wind River

Basins, Wyoming and Montana: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1134-B, 9 p. 

_1981, Evaluating chemical character of soil material for

suitability in rehabilitating mined land in the San Juan Basin, 

New Mexico: Soil Science Society of America Journal, v. 45 (in 

press).

Severson, R. C., amd Gough, L. P., 1981, Geochemistry and variability of natural and mine-reclaimed soils in the San Juan 

Basin, New Mexico: U.S. Geological Survey Professional 

Paper 1134-C (in press).

Severson, R. C., Gough, L. P., and McNeal, J. M., 1977, Availability 

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U.S. Geological Survey, Geochemical survey of the western 

energy regions, 4th annual progress report, July 1977: U.S. 

Geological Survey Open-File Report 77-872, p. 98-143.

Severson, R. C., McNeal, J. M., and Dickson, J. J., 1979, Effects of 

soil preparation on DTPA-extractable elements in soils of the 

Northern Great Plains: Soil Science, v. 128, no. 2, p. 70-79.

Severson, R. C., McNeal, J. M., and Gough, L. P., 1978, Total and 

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Plains soils, in U.S. Geological Survey, Geochemical survey of 

the western energy regions, 5th annual progress report, July 

1978: U.S. Geological Open-File Report 78-1105, p. 87-116.

Severson, R. C., and Tidball, R. R., 1977, Spatial variation in total 

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Agronomy Abstracts: Madison, Wise., American Society of 

Agronomy, p. 137.

___1979, Spatial variation in total element concentration in soil 

within the Northern Great Plains coal region: U.S. Geological 

Survey Professional Paper 1134-A, 18 p.

Shacklette, H. T., 1980, Elements in fruits and vegetables from 

areas of commercial production in the conterminous United 

States: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 1178, 

149 p.

Shacklette, H. T., Hamilton, J. C., Boerngen, J. G., and Bowles, 

J. M., 1971, Elemental composition of surficial materials in the 

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Shacklette, H. T. Sauer, H. I., and Miesch, A. T., 1970, Geochemical 

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U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 574-C, 39 p.

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Missouri Methods of sampling, laboratory analysis, and 

statistical reduction of data: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 954-A, p. A18-A22.

Strahler, A. N., 1969, Physical geography, 3d ed.: New York, John 

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Water-Resources Investigation, Book 5, Chapter A-5, 95 p.

Tidball, R. R., 1976, Chemical variation of soils in Missouri 

associated with selected levels of the soil classification system: 

U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 954-B, 16 p.

___1978, Chemical and mineralogical evaluation of soils, Hanging Woman Creek EMRIA site, Big Horn County, Montana: 

U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 78-346, 84 p.

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36 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Publication OEA 

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Geological Survey Open-File Report 74-97, 5 p.

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annual progress report, July 1978: U.S. Geological Survey 

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8 p.

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TABLES 4-77

Tables giving concentrations of elements in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants; parameters 

measured in extraction studies of soils; pH determinations for rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil, and soils; geochemical summaries of 

ground waters; and mineralogy of selected rocks and soils.

TABLES 4-77 39

TABLE 4. Aluminum in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants.

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean, except that values preceded by asterisk are arithmetic mean. Deviation, 

geometric deviation, except that values preceded by asterick are standard deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures, except that values preceded by asterisk 

are standard error. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error

Observed

range 

(percent)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (5) 80:80 4.1 

Shale 1 (5) 80:80 7.0

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 2 (5) 24:24 4.6 

Siltstone and shale 2 (5) 24:24 7.0 

Dark shale 2 (5) 23:23 7.8

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (5) 50:50 15 

Sandstone 4 (5) 42:42 5.9

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (5) 74:74 3.6 

Middle 300 m 5 (5) 51:51 3.8 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 5 (5) 32:32 5.5

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study 6 (5) 60:60 5.0

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 ym 7 (5) 19:19 3.1 

100-200 ym 7 (5) 24:24 2.6 

63-100 ym 7 (5) 24:24 2.9 

<63 ym 7 (5) 24:24 3.7

Uinta Creek and Piceance Creek Basins,

Colo. and Utah 8 (5) 32:32 4.3

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo.

Roan Creek 9 (1) 16:16 6.0 

Black Sulphur Creek 9(1) 16:16 7.6

1.49

1.31

1.36

1.19

1.13

1.20

1.20

1.34

1.39

1.41

1.08

1.05

1.14

1.04

1.06

1.04

1.05

1.08

1.05

1.19

1.34

1.34

1.21

1.18

1.30

1.32

1.20

1.12

1.13

1.14

1.02

1.07

1.30

1.22

1.22

1.8

1.4

2.0 

5.1 

6.1

7.4 

4.0

1.6 

.74

1.7

7.7

13

8.2 

8.8 

9.7

22

8.5

6.6 

6.8 

7.7

3.4 - 7.9

2.2 - 

1.8 - 

2.2 - 

2.8 -

6.4 

5.8 

5.8

6.4

2.5 - 5.9

7

10

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North DakotaDave Johnston mine, Wyoming 

10 (5) 

10 (5)

10:10 

10:10

7.6 

6.5

1.08

1.15

7.0 - 8.7 

5.3 - 8.4

ALUMINUM
40 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 4. Aluminum in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error

Observed 

range 

(percent)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS Continued

Mine spoil Continued

Northern Great Plains Continued

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (5) 10:10

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (5) 10:10

Savage mine, Montana 10 (5) 10:10

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (5) 10:10

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (5) 10:10

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (5) 10:10

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (5) 12:12

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (5) 12:12

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 10:10 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 9:10 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 10:10 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10

White sweetclover

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2) 10:10 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (2) 10:10

Alfalfa

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 3:3 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 3:3 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 3:3 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 3:3 

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2) 3:3

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston 

mine, Wyoming

Growing on mine spoil 26 (2) 20:20 

Growing near mine spoil 26 (2) 20:20

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwing saltbush 11 (2) 6:6 

Alkali sacaton 11 (2) 6:6

7.4 

6.7 

6.0 

6.2 

5.9 

5.7

6.1

2.9

.054

.10

.42

.16

.047

.079

.11 

.069

.077

.23

.044

.062

.095

.11 

.069

.12 

.050

1.24

1.21

1.13

1.09

1.12

1.19

1.11

1.53

1.61

1.51

1.53

2.06

1.74

2.09

1.36

1.53

2.85

1.90

4.13

1.43

1.89

1.74

1.36

1.93

1.03

1.37

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.39

1.39

4.7 

4.7 

4.7 

5.5 

4.6 

4 7 -

9.9 

8.7 

7.1 

7.4 

6.7 

8.9

5.1 - 6.9

1.0 - 4.7

.021

.053

.27

.041

.021

.035

.060

.039

.028

.14

.0053

.021

.063

.041

.030

.088

.025

.11

.18

>.76

.40

.14

.40

.17 

.14

.23 

.48 

.18 

.31

.12

.37 

.27

.17 

.10

SOILS

Piceance and Uinta Basins, Colo.

and Utah; alluvial, 0- to 40-cm depthPowder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 

B horizon 

C horizon 

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 

C horizon 

12 (5)

13 (5)

13 (5)

13 (5)

14 (5) 

14 (5)

30:30

64:64 

64:64 

64:64

16:16 

16:16

*4.6

5.5

*5.4

*4.9

*0.61

1.26

1.24

1.28

*.65

*.73

*0.11

1.07

1.05

1.09

*.12

*.36

2.1 -

3.3 

3.5 

3.7

8.2 

8.7 

9.4

4.5 - 6.6 

3.1 - 5.9

ALUMINUM
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 4. Aluminum in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

41

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error

Observed 

range 

(percent)

SOILS Continued

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo.,

0- to 5-cm depth 15 (5) 108:108

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Unglaciated area

A horizon 16 (5) 88:88 

C horizon 16 (5) 88:88 

Glaciated area

A horizon 16 (5) 48:48 

C horizon 16 (5) 48:48 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (5) 136:136 

C horizon 16 (5) 136:136

Big Horn Basin, Wyo.,

0- to 40-cm depth 17 (5) 36:36

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (5) 36:36

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (5) 47:47 

C horizon 11 (5) 47:47

Sheppard-Shlprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (5) 30:30 

B horizon 24 (5) 30:30

Cultivated plants, northern Great Plains 

(dry-weight basis)

Barley 21 (1) 18:18 

Oats 21 (1) 21:21 

Wheat, durum 21 (1) 19:20 

Wheat, hard red spring 21 (1) 54:54 

Wheat, hard red winter 21 (1) 17:17

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 25:25 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 10:10 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 18:18

Native species (ash-weight basis)

Lichen (Parmelia), Powder River Basin,

Wyo. 22 (1) 29:29

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province 23 (1) 30:30 

Columbia Plateaus Province 23 (1) 30:30 

Basin and Range Province 23 (1) 30:30 

Northern Great Plains 23 (1) 20:20 

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 20:20 

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 20:20 

Southern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 20:20 

Wyoming Basin Province 23 (1) 20:20

5.5

5.8

5.9

5.3 

5.3

5.6

5.7

4.0

5.0

4.7 

5.0

4.4 

4.4

1.17

1.18

1.22

1.17

1.22

1.19

1.23

1.32

1.19

1.27

1.30

1.12

1.21

1.09

1.06

1.09

1.06

1.09

1.06

1.09

1.08

1.04

1.04

1.08

1.12

3.4 - 7.*

3.7 - 12 

3.4 - 10

3.4 - 7.1 

2.9 - 7.7

3.4 - 12 

2.9 - 10

2.1 - 6.3

3.3 - 6.9

2.4 - 7.7 

2.3 - 8.0

3.4 - 5.7 

2.9 - 6.1

PLANTS

0.0044

.0057

.0025

.0020

.0012

.097

.053

.083

1.1 

2.8 

1.7 

1.2

1.4

1.5 

1.1 

2.0

1.50

1.28

1.48

1.73

1.46

1.75

1.49

1.76

1.35

1.94

1.58

1.59

2.19

1.85

1.61

2.18

1.58

1.27

1.22

1.48

1.35

1.23

1.23

1.16

1.24

1.15

1.13

1.13

1.13

1.24

1.24

1.24

1.24

1.24

0.0026 - 0.0130 

.0040 - .0092

<.0017 - .0041 

.0008 - .0110 

.0006 - .0020

.025 - .26

.03 - .098

.023 - .19

2-5

.5-3 

1.5 - 7

1 - 3 

.5-5 

.5-5 

.7-3 

.3-3

1 - 3

ALUMINUM
42 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 5. Antimony in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

(Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parantheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Core samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 

Middle 300 m - 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m)

4 (5)

5 (5)

5 (5)

5 (5)

34:42

37:42 

47:48 

16:16

0.41

.97 

.96

.20

2.2

2.34

1.65

1.49

2.04

1.26

<0.20 - 3.2

.16 - 3.9 

<.2 - 2.9 

.60 - 2.8

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 ym - 

100-200 ym - 

63-100 ym - 

<63 ym -

(5) 

(5) 

(5) 

(5)

12:14 

19:20 

15:16 

16:16

0.54 

.45 

.45

3.12

2.86

3.06

2.50

2.18

1.97

2.89

1.34

-<0.1 - 1.2

<.l - 1.5

<.l - 1.4

.34 - 3.0

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

2.0 

3.8 

5.3 

3.5 

2.2

2.5

2.6 

4.6

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (5) 10:10 0.89 2.40 0.15

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (5) 10:10 .88 2.95 .19

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (5) 10:10 1.2 2.94 .18

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (5) 10:10 1.5 2.04 .39

Savage mine, Montana 10 (5) 9:10 .86 2.62 <.l

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (5) 9:10 .94 2.69 <.l

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (5) 9:10 .88 2.70 <.l

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (5) 9:10 .94 3.01 <.l

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (5) 2:16 <1.0 <1.0 - 1.3 

B horizon 14 (5) 1:16 <1.0 <1.0 - 1.4

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (5) 103:108 .90 2.70 2.52 <.14 - 4.6

Northern Great Plains: North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (5) 96:136 .86 2.42 3.88 <.10 - 24 

B horizon 16 (5) 107:136 .91 2.25 3.15 <.10 - 4.9

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (5) 15:36 .16 3.14 3.03 <.10 - 2.3

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (5) 15:36 <.10 - 2.8

SOILS

ANTIMONY
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 5. Antimony in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

43

Study No. 

Sample, and collection locality and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Observed range 

Error (ppm)

SOILS Continued

San

C

Juan Basin, N. Mex.

11 

11

(5) 

(5)

29: 

33::47

0.30

.40

2.

2.

84

57

<0.20 -

<.20 -

1.6

1.8

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association,

N . Mex.

24

(5) 

(5)

13: 

9:;30

1 Q

.13

2.

2.

55

39

<.20 - 

<.20 -

.90 

.70

PLANTS

Native species (ash weight basis)

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 

Southern Rocky Mountains Province - 

23

23

23 

23

23

23

23

23

(3) 

(3)

(3)

(3) 

(3)

(3)

(3)

(3)

11:

2:

25:

20:

18;

14:

13;

:30 

:30

;20

:20

:20

:20

0.012

<.02 

.035

.022

.080

.040

.021

.025

3.

2.

3.

1.

2.

2.

2.

C. 0

O £

0 Q

94

48

39

29

<.02 -

<.02 - 

<.02 -

<.02 -

1.29 .04 -

1.29 <.02 -

<.02 -

<.02 -

.25

.04 

.20

.20

.25

.15

.10

.10

TABLE Q. Arsenic in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Observed range 

Error (ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

r\ 1 1 -I

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union

Formation

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo.

Green River Formation.

Middle 300 m 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 

1

1

2 

2

2

3

4

5

5

5

(18)

f 1 Q\ (.lo;

/ 1 Q \

(18)

f 1 Q\

< i ai (.10; 

(18)

(18)

(18)

(18)

80:

80;

24

42

42;

48

16:

:80

:80

:24

:42

:42

:48

:16

4.4

5.1

3

0

6.1

7.6

3

£

5.4

13

11

12

1.95

2.21

3.19

1.99

1.80

1.60

1.87

1.78

1.12

1.25

2

£ C

1.36

1 Q 7

1.30 

1.26

1.32

0.

1

< 

2

1

<.

1

4

1

4

80

.3

.1

.7

.7

.7

.3

.7

.5

- 25

- 39

- 49

- 62

- 27

- 16 

- 40

- 29

- 29

- 40

ANTIMONY, ARSENIC
44 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 6. Arsenic in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Observed range 

Err° r (ppm)

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional studyPowder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 ym - 

100-2 00 ym 

63-100 ym - 

<63 ym 

Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins, 

Colo. and Utah -

6 (5)

7 (5) 

7 (5) 

7 (5) 

7 (5)

8 (5)

60:60

16:19 

24:24 

24:24 

24:24

32:32

5.5

4.9 

5.7 

4.9 

7.7

6.5

1.53

1.45

1.34

1.23

2.00

1.34

1.17

1.08

1.08

1.15

1.7 - 22

<.l - 24

2.9 - 14

3.5 - 13

5.4 - 13

1.0 - 20

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (5) 10:10

Dave Johns ton mine, Wyoming 10(5) 9:10

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (5) 10:10

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (5) 9:10

Savage mine, Montana 10 (5) 10:10

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (5) 10:10

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (5) 10:10

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (5) 10:10

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (5) 12:12

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (5) 12:12

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Alfalfa

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 3:3 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (3) 3:3 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (3) 3:3 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 3:3 

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (3) 3:3

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston 

mine, Wyoming

Growing on mine spoil 26 (3) 10:20 

Growing near mine spoil 26 (3) 1:20

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwing saltbush 11 (3) 6:6 

Alkali sacaton 11 (3) 6:6

2.5 

2.8 

6.5 

3.5 

4.9 

5.7 

3.9 

4.7

4.3

.11 

.17 

.21 

.09 

.17

.047 

<.05

.24 

.12

1.85

1.22

1.53

2.24

1.18

1.34

2.53

1.18

1.61

1.23

1.28

1.10

1.37

0.12 - 8.3

<.l - 7.3

3.5 - 12

<.l - 8.3

.40 - 10

1.4 - 8.6

.57 - 9.0

1.2 - 8.5

3.0 - 6.1

1.0 - 4.7

.05 - .25

.15 - .20

.15 - .25

.05 - .25

.15 - .20

<.05 - .09 

<.05 - .05

.20 - .30 

.10 - .15

SOILS

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, Colo.

and Utah; alluvial, 0- to 40-cm depth 12 (5) 30:30

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (5) 16:16 

C horizon 14 (5) 16:16

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to

5-cm depth 15 (5) 107:108

9.3

7.6 

7.3

1.63

1.34

1.47

2.01

1.11

1.10

1.15

4.2 - 23

3.9 - 12 

3.5 - 13

<2.0 -21

ARSENIC
TABLES 4-77 45 

TABLE B. Arsenic in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

SOILS Continued

Northern Great Plains: North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (5) 135:136 

C horizon 16 (5) 135:136

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (5) 36:36

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (5) 36:36

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (5) 47:47 

C horizon 11 (5) 47:47

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (5) 30:30 

C horizon 24 (5) 30:30

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (3) 25:25 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (3) 6:10 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (3) 18:18 

Lichen (Parmelia), Powder River

Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 22 (3) 29:29

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province 23 (3) 30:30

Columbia Plateaus Province 23 (3) 30:30

Basin and Range Province 23 (3) 28:30

Northern Great Plains 23 (3) 20:20

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 20:20

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 20:20

Southern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 19:20

Wyoming Basin Province 23 (3) 20:20

7.1 

6.8

4.7

3.6

5.4 

5.4

3.3 

3.7

1.69

1.90

1.94

1.90

1.52

1.46

1.22

1.39

1.19

1.18

1.82

1.39

1.20

1.14

1.22

1.26

.10 - 26 

.10 - 76

.35 - 11

2.5 - 19 

2.1 - 15

2.1 - 4.8 

1.7 - 7.6

PLANTS

0.16

.011

.13

.92

.085

.19

.12

.16

.97

.14

.077

.16

1.43

1.19

1.53

1.32

1.92

1.74

1.87

1.68

4.72

2.04

1.69

1.78

1.10

1.05

1.13

1.27

1.24

1.24

1.24

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

0.10 - 0.30

<.05 - .10

.05 - .20

.5 - 1.8

.05 - .20

.05 - .60

<.05 - .30

.10 - .35

.20 - 20

.05 - .45

<.05 - .15

.05 - .30

ARSENIC
46 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 7. Barium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method Ksted in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed Range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (2) 80:80 700 1.71 1.44 210 - 1,900 

Shale 1 (2) 80:80 940 1.42 1.11 210 - 2,100

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 2 (2) 24:24 410 1.39 1.16 260 - 830 

Siltstone and shale 2 (2) 24:24 500 1.29 1.15 340 - 880 

Dark shale 2 (2) 23:23 450 1.28 1.18 240 - 660

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (2) 50:50 420 1.30 1.11 220 - 650 

Sandstone 4 (2) 42:42 630 1.30 1.06 380- 1,200

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (2) 74:74 390 1.34 1.22 150 - 690 

Middle 300 m 5 (2) 53:53 280 1.63 1.30 36 - 810 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 5 (2) 263:263 400 1.49 200 - 1,500

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study 6 (2) 60:60 540 1.34 1.19 260 - 1,000

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 ym 7 (1) 24:24 870 1.39 1.21 500 

100-200 y m 7 (1) 24:24 870 1.47 1.31 500 

63-100 ym 7 (1) 24:24 930 1.36 1.02 500 

<63 ym 7 (1) 24:24 1,030 1.44 1.35 500

Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins, Colo. 

and Utah

Asphalt Wash, Utah 8 (2) 8:8 810 1.16 680 

Cottonwood Creek, Utah 8 (2) 8:8 1,100 1.28 680 

Duck Creek, Colo. 8 (2) 8:8 940 1.14 750 

Ryan Gulch, Colo. 8 (2) 8:8 720 1.20 600

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo.

Roan and Black Sulphur Creeks 9 (1) 32:32 940 1.35 700 - 2,000

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 1,200 1.73 570 - 2,600 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 10:10 890 1.36 450 - 1,200 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 10:10 640 1.63 310 - 1,200 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 920 1.52 590 - 1,800

1,500

1,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

1,500

1,200

1,100

BARIUM
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 7. Barium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

47

Study No. 

Sample, and collection locality and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

fppm)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS Continued

Mine spoil Continued 

Northern Great Plains Continued

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover 

Beulah North mine, North Dakota -

White sweetclover

Alfalfa 

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston 

mine, Wyoming

San Juan mine, New Mexico

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2)

11 (2) 

11 (2)

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2)

10 (2) 

10 (2)

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2)

26 (1) 

26 (1)

11 (2) 

11 (2)

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10

12:12 

12:12

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10

10:10 

10:10

3:3 

3:3 

3:3 

3:3 

3:3

20:20 

20:20

6:6 

5:5

880 

990 

830 

920

590 

450

26 

39 

49 

65 

32 

40

63 

52

10 

17 

17 

12 

15

10 

12

26 

19

1.45 

1.42 

1.42 

1.56

1.46 

1.37

2.30 

1.26 

1.44 

1.74 

1.19 

2.79

1.36 

1.47

1.75 

1.15 

1.61 

2.33 

1.09

1.44 

1.44

1.56 

1.24

1.61 

1.36

1.11 

1.11 

1.11 

1.11 

1.11 

1.11

1.11 

1.11

1.15 

1.15

520 

560 

470 

490

310 

330

5 

32 

35 

32 

24 

3

41 

21

6

14 

11 

7 

14

6 

6

17 

11

- 1,400 

- 1,600

- 1,300

- 1,500 

- 1,100

- 1,100

- 85 

- 59 

- 99

- 155 

- 41 

- 156

- 103 

- 94

- 17 

- 19 

- 27 

- 31 

- 16

- 22 

- 22

- 42 

- 17

SOILS

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, Colo. 

and Utah; alluvial, 0- to 40-cm depth

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Soil, 0- to 2.5-cm depth 

Soil, 15- to 20-cm depth 

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

12 (2)

13 (1 

13 (1) 

13 (1)

20 (1) 

20 (1)

14 (2) 

14 (2)

15 (2)

30:30

64:64 

64:64 

64:64

48:48 

48:48

16:16 

16:16

108:108

1,200

670 

660 

630

740 

720

450 

480

1,400

1.37

1.28 

1.28 

1.40

1.36 

1.36

1.13 

1.16

1.50

1.28

1.15 

1.20 

1.20

1.28 

1.20

1.12 

1.10

710

300 

300 

300

500 

300

340 

360

600

- 1,900

- 1,000 

- 1,500

- 1,500

- 3,000 

- 1,500

- 560 

- 660

- 13,000 

BARIUM
48 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 7. Barium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

SOILS Continued

Northern Great Plains: North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (2) 136:136 1,100 

C horizon 16 (2) 136:136 1,000

Big Horn Basin, Wyo. , 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (2) 36:36 1,300

Wind River Basin, Wyo. , 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (2) 36:36 1,600

San Juan Basin, N. Hex.

A horizon 11 (2) 47:47 570 

C horizon 11 (2) 47:47 570

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (2) 30:30 620 

C horizon 24 (2) 30:30 690

Cultivated plants, northern Great 

Plains (dry-weight basis)

Barley 21 (1) 15:18 2.3 

Oats 21 (1) 10:21 3.1 

Wheat, durum 21(1) 19:20 2.7 

Wheat, hard red spring 21 (1) 54:54 2.6 

Wheat, hard red winter 21(1) 17:17 3.3

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 25:25 20 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 10:10 18 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 18:18 44

Native species (ash-weight basis) 

Lichen (Parmelia) , Powder River

Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 22 (1) 29:29 370

Sagebrush, big; Powder River Basin,

Wyo. and Mont. 20 (1) 41:41 500

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province 23 (1) 30:30 320

Columbia Plateaus Province 23 (1) 30:30 380

Basin and Range Province 23 (1) 30:30 340

Northern Great Plains 23 (1) 20:20 440

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 20:20 370

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 20:20 460

Southern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 20:20 560

Wyoming Basin Province 23 (1) 20:20 440

1.33

1.47

1.16

1.19

1.41

1.52

1.24

1.34

1.33

1.62

1.46

1.20

1.13

1.16

1.28

1.17

420 - 2,320

140 - 3,400

920 - 1,800

1,100 - 2,200

230 - 1,800 

210 - 3,000

330 - 970 

330 - 1,200

PLANTS

1.31

1.24

1.40

1.38

1.23

1.57

1.44

1.93

1.56

1.71

1.68

1.74

1.74

2.10

2.04

2.15

2.43

1.94

1.30

1.24

1.29

1.14

1.09

1.22

1.17

1.33

1.21

1.26

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.24

1.24

1.24

1.24

1.24

<2.0 -

1.4 - 

2.1 -

8.6

10

3.4 

4.2 

4.4 

5.9 

4.3

48

30

98

150 - 500

150 - 1,500

150

150

150

150

200

150

200

200

700

700

1,500

1,000

1,500

1,500

2,000

1,000

BARIUM
TABLES 4-77 49

TABLE 8. Beryllium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Observed range 

Error ( PPm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Shale - 

Core samples 

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

1 (2)

1 (2)

2 (2)

2 (2)

2 (2)

3 (2)

80:80 

80:80

24:24 

24:24 

23:23

50:50 

19:42

1.4 

3.3

1.4 

2.6 

3.2

2.0 

.96

1.74 

1.84

1.40 

1.27 

1.20

1.38 

1.50

1.18 0.50 - 

1.16 .48 -

1.12 .80 - 

1.10 1.7 -

1.14 2.1 - 

1.27 1.1 -

1.82 <1.0 -

4.2 

6.7

2.6 

3.6 

5.1

3.6 

2.5

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins, Colo.

Mine spoil 

Northern Great Plains

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

6

f o \

7 (1)

8

/O \

MINE SPOIL AND

10 (2)

10 (2)

10 (2) 

10 (2)

10 (2)

10 (2)

10 (2)

10 (2) 

11 (2)

11 (2)

60:60 

17:24 

32:32

ASSOCIATED

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10

12:12 

12:12

2.0 

1 

3.3

MATERIALS

2.4 

2.2 

2.6 

2.4 

2.1 

1.8 

2.5 

1.8

2.7 

2.4

1.56 

1.49 

1.53

1.30 

1.55 

1.45 

1.35 

1.34 

1.22 

1.27 

1.34

1.11 

1.10

1.43 0.53 - 

1.39 <1 - 

1.26 1 -

1.4 -

 11

1.3 - 

1.3 - 

1.2 -

1.2 -

1 Q

1.1 -

1.10 2.2 - 

1.08 2.1 -

4.6 

2 

5

3.6 

4.0 

3.9 

3.4 

3.5 

2.3 

3.5 

2.6

3.2 

2.7

SOILS

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, 

Colo. and Utah; alluvial, 

0- to 40-cm depth 12 (2) 30:30 2.0 1.48 1.21 0.84 - 4.5

BERYLLIUM
50 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 8. Beryllium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

SOILS Continued

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 13 (1) 30:64 0.85 1.35 1.30 <1 - 1.5 

B horizon 13 (1) 43:64 1.1 1.37 1.37 <1 - 2 

C horizon 13 (1) 38:64 1.0 1.40 1.32 <1 - 2

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Soil, 0- to 2.5-cm depth 20 (1) 32:48 .87 1.55 1.16 <1 - 1.5 

Soil, 15- to 20-cm depth 20 (1) 37:48 .99 1.47 1.16 <1 - 1.5

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (2) 16:16 1.9 1.41 1.20 .93 - 2.9 

C horizon 14 (2) 16:16 1.8 1.33 1.30 1.2 - 3.2

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (2) 108:108 2.4 1.45 .88 - 4.4

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Unglaciated area

A horizon 16 (2) 88:88 1.7 1.38 1.27 .70 - 3.5 

Glaciated area

A horizon 16 (2) 47:48 1.5 1.46 1.27 <.22 - 2.5 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (2) 135:136 1.6 1.42 1.27 <.22 - 3.5 

C horizon 16 (2) 136:136 1.6 1.44 1.23 .41 - 3.0

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (2) 36:36 2.0 1.40 1.23 .85 - 3.3

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (2) 36:36 2.4 1.29 1.23 1.3 - 3.6

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (2) 47:47 1.5 1.20 1.17 1.0-2.3 

B horizon 11 (2) 47:47 1.5 1.24 1.18 1.1 - 2.8

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (2) 30:30 1.3 1.13 1.14 1.1 - 1.7 

C horizon 24 (2) 30:30 1.3 1.16 1.13 1.0 - 1.8

TABLE 9. Boron in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

(Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 

Shale 

1 (2) 

1 (2)

80:80 

77:80

51

98

1.6? 

1.39

1.15

1.19

15 - 140 

52 - >150

BERYLLIUM, BORON
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 9. Boron in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

51

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS Continued

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 2 (2) 24:24 26 

Siltstone and shale 2 (2) 24:24 58 

Dark shale 2 (2) 23:23 64

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (2) 50:50 59 

Sandstone 4 (2) 42:42 42

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (2) 71:74 99 

Middle 300 m 5 (2) 32:53 24 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 5 (2) 262:264 150

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional

study 6 (2) 60:60 56

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 ym 7 (1) 13:24 14 

100-200 pm 7 (1) 13:24 14 

63-100 um 7 (1) 24:24 32 

<63 Pm 7 (1) 24:24 55

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo.

Roan and Black Sulphur Creeks 9 (1) 32:32 44

1.59

1.14

1.11

1.32

1.50

1.92

3.24

1.33

1.12

1.06

1.09

1.26

1.07

1.68

1.31

1.29

1.55

1.38

1.69

1.40

1.39

1.24

1.32

1.36

1.65

1.18

1.25

11 - 49

44 - 70

50 - 77

30 - 110 

15 - 78

<13 - 400

<10 - 230

<70 - 300

25 - 82

<15 - 50

<15 - 50

20 - 50

30 - 70

30 - 70

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North DakotaDave Johnston mine, Wyoming 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 

Savage mine, Montana 

Velva mine, North Dakota 

Big Sky mine, Montana 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 

San Juan mine, New Mexico 

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation 

San Juan mine, New Mexico 

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Alfalfa

Beulah North mine, North DakotaDave Johnston mine, Wyoming 

Savage mine, Montana 

Velva mine, North Dakota 

Big Sky mine, Montana 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2)

10 (2)

11 (2)

11 (2)

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2)

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10

12:12

3:3 

3:3 

3:3 

3:3 

3:3

49

50

57

44

64

46

70

55

13

6.9

61

92

59

57

57

1.74

1.26

1.43

1.44

1.34

1.44

1.56

1.44

1.52

1.84

1.27

1.49

1.28

1.23

1.10

1.41

1.59

13 - 92 

36 - 72 

26 - 91 

22 - 70 

36 - 91 

21 - 74 

35 - 130 

34 - 83

7.3 - 25

<5.0 - 23

50 - 79 

67 - 144 

46 - 74 

50 - 72 

53 - 63

BORON
52 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 9. Boron in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS Continued

Plants (dry-weight basis) Continued 

Northern Great Plains Continued 

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston 

mine, Wyoming

Growing on mine spoil 

Growing near mine spoil-------

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwing sal tbush 

Alkali sacaton 

26 (2) 

26 (2)

11 (2) 

11 (2)

20:20 

20:20

4:6 

6:6

17

15

57

9.1

1.61

1.34

1.40

1.30

1.29

1.29

11 - 48 

11 - 28

40 - >65 

7.8 - 12

SOILS

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, Colo. 

and Utah; alluvial, 0- to 40-cm depth- 12 (2)

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 13 (1) 

B horizon 13 (1) 

C horizon 13 (1)

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Soil, 0- to 2.5-cm depth 20 (1) 

Soil, 15- to 20-cm depth 20 (1)

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (2) 

C horizon 14 (2)

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (2)

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 2) 

C horizon 16 (2)

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (2)

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (2)

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (2) 

C horizon 11 (2)

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (2) 

C horizon 24 (2)

Cultivated plants, northern Great 

Plains (dry-weight basis)

Barley 21 (1) 

Oats 21 (1) 

Wheat, durum 21 (1) 

Wheat, hard red spring 21 (1) 

Wheat, hard red winter 21 (1)

25:30

57:64 

57:64 

54:64

44:48 

44:48

16:16 

16:16

108:108

135:136 

136:136

36:36

36:36

39:47 

36:47

30:30 

26:30

74

30

30

29

29

26

41

61

41

43

50

28

16

15

16

11

1.47

1.50 

 1.56 

1.58

1.54

1.51

1.17

1.28

1.35

1.59

1.61

1.33

1.38

2.20

2.59

1.42

1.83

1.10

1.21

1.28

1.24

1.23

1.23

1.11

1.21

1.27

1.14

1.14

1.15

1.81

2.29

1.45

1.40

24 - MOO

<20 - 70

<20 - 70

<20 - 70

<20 - 70 

<20 - 70

33 - 55 

25 - 54

25 - 102

<2.2 - 99

11 - 120

31 - 83

14 - 60

<5.0 - 41 

<5.0 - 43

6.4 - 27 

<5.0 - 25

PLANTS

18:18 

21:21 

20:20 

54:54 

17:17

1.6 

2.2 

1.0 

1.9 

1.8

1.22

1.28

1.29

1.60

1.73

1.22

1.23

1.29

1.60

1.73

.9 - 2.3

1.6 - 3.8

.7 - 1.8

.8 - 4.3

.8 - 3.5

BORON
TABLES 4-77 53 

TABLE 9. Boron in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Observed range 

Error (ppm)

PLANTS Continued

Native species (dry-weight basis)

19 (2)

19 (2)

._ 1 Q ft \

25:25 

9:10

1 "J . 1 Q

5.1 

27 

o/.

1.61 

1.46

1 /. Q

1.29 1.4 - 24 

1.23 17 - >70

1 O /. 1O X-Jt

Native species (ash-weight basis)

Sagebrush, big; Powder River Basin, 

Wyo. and Mont. 

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province----- 

Columbia Plateaus Province----- 

Basin and Range Province 

Northern Great Plains 

Northern Rocky Mountains ProvinceMiddle Rocky Mountains Province - 

Southern Rocky Mountains ProvinceWyoming Basin Province - -

20

23 (1)

23 (1)

23 (1)

23 (1)

23 (1)

23 (1)

23 (1)

23 (1)

41:41

30:30 

30:30 

28:30 

20:20 

20:20 

20:20 

20:20 

20:20

270

510

480

550

530

480

450

320

380

1.33

1.67

1.67

1.64

1.59

1.61

1.59

1.56

1.49

1.18

1.19

1.19

1.19

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.20

200 - 500

300

200

300

300

300

300

200

300

1,000

1,000

1,500

1,000

700

700

700

500

TABLE 10. Bromine in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil, and sotis

(Explanation of column headings: Study Na refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Study No. 

Sample, and collection locality and method Ratio 

of analysis

Mean 

(ppm)

Devia- Observed range 

tlon Error (ppm)

ROCKS

Core samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont 

Size fractions

>200 urn 7 (5) 6:6

100-200 pm 7 (5) 9:9

63-100 ym 7 (5) 10:10

<63 urn 7 (5) 6:6

0.62 1.58 0.4 - 1.3 

.42 1.69 .2 - .9 

.48 1.25 .3 - .6

.83 1.56 .5 - 1.5

MINE SPOIL

0.51 1.28 <0.50 - 0.74

SOILS

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, Colo. 

and Utah; alluvial, 0- to 40-cm depth 12 (5) 21:30 0.62 1.49 1.19 <0.53 - 1.4 

BORON, BROMINE
54 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 10. Bromine in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil, and soils Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method Ratio 

of analysis

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Observed range 

Error ( PPm)

SOILS Continued

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont. 

A horizon - 

C horizon 

Northern Great Plains: North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 

C horizon -

San Juan Basin, N. Hex. 

A horizon 

C horizon -

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

C horizon 

14 (5) 

14 (5)

16 (5) 

16 (5)

11 (5) 

11 (5)

24 (5)

8:16 

7:16

134:136 

136:136

2:47 

16:47

12:30

0.51 

.47

.63 

1.2

.31

.38

1.43

1.57

1.77

1.58

3.33

2.99

1.10

1.18

1.47

1.35

<0.55 - .84 

<.53 - 1.2

<.050- 2.3 

.20 - 3.5

<.50 - 1.3- 

<.50 - 4.4

<.50 -

TABLE 11. Cadmium in rocks, plants associated with mine spoil, and other plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method Ratio 

of analysis

Mean 

(ppm)

Devia- Observed range 

tion Error (ppm)

ROCKS

Core sample

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 4 (2) 1:42 <10 - 18

PLANTS ASSOCIATED WITH MINE SPOIL

Plants (dry weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover

Beulah North mine, North DakotaDave Johnston mine, Wyoming----- 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 

Savage mine, Montana 

Velva mine, North Dakota 

White sweetclover

Big Sky mine, Montana 

Utility mine, SaskatchewanAlfalfa

Beulah North mine, North DakotaDave Johnston mine, Wyoming 

Savage mine, Montana 

Velva mine, North Dakota 

Big Sky mine, Montana 

10 (3) 

10 (3) 

10 (3) 

10 (3) 

10 (3) 

10 (3)

10 (3) 

10 (3)

10 (3) 

10 (3) 

10 (3) 

10 (3) 

10 (3)

9:10 

10:10 

10:10

10

10

10

9:10 

6:10

3:3 

3:3 

3:3 

3:3 

3:3

0.15 

.37 

.19 

.04 

.08 

.04

.10

.05

.16 

.32 

.23 

.07 

.06

2.19

1.99

2.41

2.32

1.84

3.38

1.78

2.91

2.79

2.02

2.56

1.20

1.71

1.22

1.22

1.22

1.22

1.22

1.22

1.22

1.22

<0.04 -

.15 -

.06 -

<.04 -

<.04 -

<.04 -

<.04 -

<.04 -

.48

.87

.84

.10

.23

.22

.26

.33

.07 - .51

.14 - .53

.13 - .69

.06 - .08

.03 - .08

BROMINE, CADMIUM
TABLES 4-77 55 

TABLE 11. Cadmium in rocks, plants associated with mine spoil, and other plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

PLANTS ASSOCIATED WITH MINE SPOIL Continued

Plants (dry-weight basis) Continued 

Northern Great Plains Continued 

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston 

mine, Wyoming

Growing on mine spoil 

Growing near mine spoil -

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwing saltbush 

Alkali sacaton 

26 (3) 

26 (3)

(3) 

(3)

20:20 

20:20

6:6 

6:6

0.082

.054

.17 

.048

1.48

1.92

2.42

2.00

0.034- .15 

.016- .15

.052- .26 

.022- .15

OTHER PLANTS

Cultivated plants, Northern Great 

Plains (dry weight basis)

Barley 21 (3) 17:18 

Oats 21 (3) 20:21 

Wheat, durum 21 (3) 19:20 

Wheat, hard red spring 21 (3) 54:54 

Wheat, hard red winter 21 (3) 17:17

Native species (dry weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (3) 24:25 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (3) 10:10 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (3) 18:18

Native species (ash weight basis)

Lichen (Parmelia), Powder River

Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 22 (3) 29:29

Sagebrush, big; Powder River Basin,

Wyo. and Mont. 20 (3) 41:41

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province 23 (3) 27:30

Columbia Plateaus Province 23 (3) 30:30

Basin and Range Province 23 (3) 29:30

Northern Great Plains 23 (3) 20:20

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 20:20

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 20:20

Southern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 20:20

Wyoming Basin Province 23 (3) 20:20

Availability studies, samples from

Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota,

and Wyoming (dry weight basis)

Wheatgrass, western 18 (3) 17:21 

Sagebrush, silver 18 (3) 19:19 

Plant biomass, above-ground parts 18 (3) 19:21

.025

.018

.14

.035

.035

.064

.11

.23

4.0

5.5

1.2 

1.7 

1.5 

3.3 

6.1 

3.4 

3.4 

2.1

.03 

.30 

.07

2.13

1.40

1.82

1.49

1.47

1.78

1.91

1.65

1.66

1.92

2.41

2.00

2.16

2.11

3.62

2.76

2.68

2.19

1.94

1.90

2.36

1.33

1.40

1.63

1.21

1.20

1.29

1.27

1.21

1.07

1.17

1.21

1.21

1.21

1.11

1.11

1.11

1.11

1.11

<.009- .084

<.012- .030

<.008- .22

.012- .078

.015- .052

<.025- .26 

.048- .32 

.10 - .73

1.5 - 8.0

1.3 - 30

.6 -

1.0 

1.3 

1.0 

.6 

1.0

3.6

6.0

3.8

8.8

80

17

17

10

1.76

<.02 - .08

.09 - .67

<.02 - .43

CADMIUM
56 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 12. Calcium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method Hsted in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean, except that values preceded by asterisk are arithmetic mean. Deviation, geometric deviation, except that values preceded by asterisk are standard deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures, except that values preceded by asterisk 

are standard error. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(percent)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (5) 76:80 

Shale 1 (5) 80:80

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone - 2 (5) 24:24 

Siltstone and shale 2 (5) 24:24 

Dark shale 2 (5) 23:23

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (5) 50:50 

Sandstone 4 (5) 41:42

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (5) 74:74 

Middle 300 m 5 (5) 51:51 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 5 (5) 32:32

STREAM

Northern Great Plains regional study 6 (5) 60:60

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 ym 7 (5) 19:19 

100-200 ym 7 (5) 24:24 

63-100 urn 7 (5) 24:24 

<63 ym 7 (5) 24:24

Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins, 

Colo. and Utah

Asphalt Wash, Utah 8 (5) 8:8 

Cottonwood Creek, Utah 8 (5) 8:8 

Duck Creek, Colorado 8 (5) 8:8 

Ryan Gulch, Colorado 8 (5) 8:8

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo.

Roan and Black Sulphur Creeks 9 (1) 32:32

2.4 

1.4

3.9 

1.7

1.2

1.2 

1.6

11

4.1

5.6

4.37

4.19

2.89

2.75

1.47

3.24

1.20

1.36

1.55

1.73

2.18 

1.5

1.32

1.45

1.05

1.08

<0.73 

.090

.46 

.44 

.70

24

15

14

5.3

4.4

.093 -

6.3 

.8

1.4

9.4 

4.9

32

7.5

15

STREAM SEDIMENTS

2.5

1.7 

1.3 

1.8 

2.7

4.7 

3.1 

8.5 

3.0

5.4

1.69

1.75

1.35

1.18

1.12

,40 

.06

1.27

1.11

1.44

<1.05

1.52

1.04

1.03

1.01

0.55 - 6.1

1.1 

.86 

1.5 

2.4

3.4 - 

2.9 - 

5.0 - 

2.6 -

4.1 

3.6

3.6

3.7

9.2 

3.4 

10.1 

3.5

1.19 2-10

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North DakotaDave Johnston mine, Wyoming 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5)

10:10 

10:10 

10:10

1.6 

.45 

.25

1.51

1.52

1.68

0.73 - 2.8 

.25 - .84 

.12 - .47

CALCIUM
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 12. Calcium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

57

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error

Observed 

range 

(percent)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS Continued

Mine spoil Continued

Northern Great Plains Continued

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (5) 10:10 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (5) 10:10 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (5) 10:10 

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (5) 10:10 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (5) 10:10

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (5) 12:12 

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (5) 12:12 

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 10:10 

Dave Johns ton mine, Wyoming 10 (3) 10:10 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (3) 10:10 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 10:10 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (3) 10:10 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 10:10

White sweetclover

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (3) 10:10 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (3) 10:10

Alfalfa

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 3:3 

Dave Johns ton mine, Wyoming 10 (3) 3:3 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (3) 3:3 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 3:3 

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (3) 3:3

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston 

mine, Wyoming

Growing on mine spoil 26 (3) 20:20 

Growing near mine spoil 26 (3) 20:20

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwing saltbush 11 (3) 6:6 

Alkali sacaton 11 (3) 6:6

3.2 

6.4 

3.1 

2.8 

3.3

1.4

1.3

0.9

1.2 

.8

1.3 

.9

1.4

.9

1.3 

1.8 

2.0 

1.3 

1.1

.23 

.26

1.0 

.41

1.35

1.26

1.12

1.32

2.06

1.16

1.26

1.31

1.21

1.14

1.12

1.25

1.30

1.24

1.22

1.42

1.22

1.20

1.22

1.23

1.22

1.11

1.29

1.13

1.03

1.03

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

'1.05 

1.05

1.05

1.05

2.0 

5.1 

2.6 

1.8 

.57

5.5 

9.7 

3.7

4.4 

8.0

1.1 - 1.8

.96 - 1.9

0.6 

.9 

.6

1.1 

.7

1.0

1.6

1.6

.9

1.5

1.4

2.3

.7 - 1.4 

.5 - 1.0

1.0 - 1.9

1.4 - 2.1

1.7 - 2.4

1.1 - 1.6

.9 - 1.3

.16 - .35 

.22 - .30

.91 - 1.4 

.36 - .46

SOILS

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, Colo.

and Utah; alluvial, 0- to 40-cm depthPowder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 

B horizon 

C horizon 

12 (5)

13 (5)

13 (5)

13 (5)

30:30

64:64 

64:64 

64:64

*5.5

.56 

.87 

1.6

*2.97

,78 

,17

3.48

*0.19

1.97

1.83

1.77

0.72 - 13

.072 - 4.0

.13 - 7.1

.09 - 11

CALCIUM
58 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 12. Calcium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, sotts, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error

Observed 

range 

(percent)

SOILS Continued

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (5) 16:16 *2.6 

C horizon 14(5) 16:16 *3.8

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (5) 108:108 1.9

Northern Great Plains: North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Unglaciated area

C horizon 16 (5) 88:88 2.5 

Glaciated area

C horizon 16 (5) 48:48 4.4

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (5) 135:136 .97 

C horizon 16 (5) 136:136 3.0

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (5) 36:36 3.0

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (5) 36:36 2.2

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (5) 47:47 .55 

C horizon 11 (5) 47:47 1.1

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (5) 30:30 .64 

C horizon 24 (5) 30:30 1.0

Cultivated plants, northern Great Plains 

(dry-weight basis)

Barley 21 (3) 18:18 0.035 

Oats 21 (3) 21:21 .053 

Wheat, durum 21 (3) 20:20 .031 

Wheat, hard red spring 21 (3) 54:54 .030 

Wheat, hard red winter 21 (3) 17:17 .029

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (3) 25:25 .35 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (3) 10:10 1.4 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (3) 18:18 1.0

Native species (ash-weight basis) 

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province 23 (3) 30:30 11 

Columbia Plateaus Province 23 (3) 30:30 9.1 

Basin and Range Province 23 (3) 30:30 11 

Northern Great Plains 23 (3) 20:20 11 

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 20:20 11 

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 20:20 11 

Southern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 20:20 11 

Wyoming Basin Province 23 (3) 20:20 10

*1.74

*1.44

2.51

2.09

1.63

2.30

2.04

1.78

1.93

2.12

2.13

1.26

1.77

*0.065 

*.13

1.05

1.05

1.06

1.05

1.03

1.04

1.05

1.03

1.30

1.16

0.38 - 5.5 

1.4 - 6.2

.46 - 9.8

.34 - 10 

.60 - 8.2

<.014 - 7.0 

.34 - 10

.86 - 9.7

.68 -

.15 - 4.5 

.097 - 4.5

.45 - 1.1 

.40 - 3.4

PLANTS

1.15

1.14

1.20

1.25

1.15

1.34

1.30

1.40

1.36

1.32

1.18

1.27

1.36

1.27

1.24

1.32

1.04

1.06

1.20

1.11

1.07

1.03

1.03

1.03

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

0.026 - 0.046 

.036 - .066 

.024 - .048 

.020 - .053 

.021 - .036

.23 - .65

1.0 - 2.7

.56 - 1.7

6.8 

8.0 

8.8

7.4

15

13

15

14

16

15

16

14

CALCIUM
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 12. Calcium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

59

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error

Observed 

range 

(percent)

PLANTS Continued

Availability studies; samples from 

Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, 

and Wyoming (dry-weight basis)

Wheatgrass, western 

Sagebrush, silver 

Plant biomass, above-ground parts 

18 (3) 

18 (3) 

18 (3)

21:21 

19:19 

21:21

0.23 

.57 

.40

1.30

1.33

1.50 1.11

0.11 - 0.38 

.57 - 1.33 

.23 - .91

TABLE 13. Carbon (carbonate) in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(percent)

Deviation Error

Observed Range 

(percent)

ROCKS

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 2 (10) 24:24 1.3 3.13 1.12 0.13 - 6.1 

Siltstone and shale 2 (10) 17:24 .11 1.12 <C.01 - 1.6 

Dark shale 2 (10) 17:23 .07 <.01 - .77

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (10) 71:71 4.7 1.65 1.47 <1.9 - 14 

Middle 300 m 5 (10) 51:51 3.5 1.57 1.21 .78 - 7.9

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins, 

Colo. and Utah

Asphalt Wash, Utah 8 (10) 8:8 0.96 1.65 0.55 - 2.7 

Cottonwood Creek, Colo. 8 (10) 8:8 .23 1.66 .09 - .53 

Duck Creek, Colo. 8 (10) 8:8 2.0 1.45 1.06 - 2.9 

Ryan Gulch, Colo. 8 (10) 8:8 .41 1.48 .18 - .60

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (10) 12:12 0.23 1.63 1.43 0.07-0.42 

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (10) 12:12 .28 1.39 1.20 .19 - .47

CALCIUM, CARBON (CARBONATE)
60 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 13 Carbon (carbonate) in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Observed 

Mean Devia- Error range

(percent) tion (percent)

SOILS

Powder River Basin, Wyoming and Montana

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association,

N. Mex.

13 

13

13

14 

14

11 

11

24

(10) 

(10)

(10)

(10) 

(10)

(10) 

(10)

(10) 

(10)

44:64 

53:64

15:16 

16:16

30:47 

43:47

3:30 

26:30

1.90 <0.01 - 

1.05 <.01 -

2.03 <.01 -

0.43 4.12 1.34 <.13 - 

.89 1.83 1.20 .26 -

<.010 -

.18 3.7 1.37 <.010 -

<.010 - 

.10 3.91 1.50 <.010 -

1.2 

2.2

3.2

2.6

1.6

1.1

.14 

.82

TABLE 14. Carbon (organic) in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and sotts

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis <in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Mean 

Ratio (percent)

Deviation

Observed range 

Error (percent)

ROCKS

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

 p. 1 V -I a e

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo.

Green River Formation

Middle 300 m -

Uinta and Piceance Creek

Basins, Colo. and Utah

2

2

2

5

5

R

(11-) 

(11)

(ID

(11)

(11)

STREAM

(11)

(11)

(ID

(\ 1 1

24:

24;

71:

51

:24

:24

:74

:51

0.41

.85

4.6

4.8

8.5

2

1

2

2

1

.72

.30

.94

.42

.61

2.54 0.03

1.17 .55

2.35 .18

1.46 <.024

1.112 13

- ?.

- 1.

- 25

- 16

- 23

4

4

SEDIMENTS

8:

8:

8:

fi.

:8

:8

:8

 ft

0.87

.27

1.41

1 -T1

1

1

1

i

.44

.82

.56

.LL

0.48

.08

.64

.9S

- 1. 5

- .31

- 2.

- ?.

9

3

CARBON (CARBONATE), CARBON (ORGANIC)
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 14. Carbon (organic) in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils Continued

61

Study No. 

Sample, and collection locality and method 

of analysis

MINE SPOIL AND

Ratio Mean Devia" Error 

(percent) tion

ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Observed 

range 

(percent)

Mine spoil

San Juan mine, New Mexico 

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

11 (11) 12:12 2.3 2.59 1.05 0.89 - 13.6

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

13

13 

13

14

14

11

11

\i ij

(ID

(11)

(ID

(11)

(11)

(11)

(11)

(ID

(11)

SOILS

64:64

64:64 

64:64

16:16

16:16

47:47

47:47

30:30 

29:30

1.1

.56 

.33

1.2

.59

.37

.27

.35

.10

2.01

1.76 

2.10

1.34

1 Q £

2.24

1.39

2

£ r

1.23

1.23

1.60

1.09

1.35

1.35 

1.46

1.17

2.02

0.1 -

.1 -

.1 -

.73 -

.05 -

.060 -

.010 -

.19 -

<.010 -

3.7

1.6

2.1

1.9

2.5

1.6

1.1

.64

.40

TABLE 15. Carbon (total) in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method Ratio 

of analysis

Mean Devia- Observed range 

(percent) tion Error (percent)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Core samples 

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

1

/io\ on. on

2 (12) 24:24

2 (12) 24:24

 9 f 1 9N 9T. 9 1}

1.1 0.020 - 8.6

.93 3.31 1.78 .08 - 5.2

2.1 2.19 .38 - 6.4 

1.4 1.60 .68 - 2.5 

<; f. i as 9.1-9S

CARBON (ORGANIC), CARBON (TOTAL)
62 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 15. Carbon (total) in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation Error

Observed 

range 

(percent)

ROCKS Continued

Core Samples Continued

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks- - 

Sands tone 

(12) 

(12)

50:50 

42:42

2.1 

1.0

1.90

2.30

1.14

1.08

0.57 - 11 

.15 - 3.1

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional 

study

First-order streams 

Second-order streams - 

Third-order streams 

Powder River Basin, Wyo. 

Size fractions

>200 M m - 

100-200 M m - 

63-100 pm 

<63 pm 

and Mont.

6 (12) 

6 (12) 

6 (12)

(12) 

(12) 

(12) 

(12)

20:20 

20:20 

20:20

23:23 

24:24 

24:24 

24:24

2.3 

2.6 

1.8

.77

.54

.72

1.22

1.87

1.47

1.39

2.20

1.85

1.33

1.27

<1.06 

<1.04 

<1.03

1.31

1.31

1.23

<1.02

0.84 - 9.8 

1.4 - 5.5 

.93 - 3.5

.26 - 19

.24 - 2.8

.50 - 1.6

.57 - 1.8

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (12) 10:10

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (12) 10:10

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (12) 10:10

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (12) 10:10

Savage mine, Montana 10 (12) 10:10

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (12) 10:10

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (12) 10:10

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (12) 10:10

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (12) 12:12 

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (12) 12:12

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, 

Colo. and Utah; alluvial,

0- to 40-cm depth 12 (12) 30:30

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 13 (12) 64:64 

B horizon 13 (12) 64:64 

C horizon 13 (12) 64:64

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (12) 16:16 

C horizon 14 (12) 16:16

1.7 

1.3 

2.4 

4.3 

2.9 

2.1 

4.2 

3.5

2.6

.78

2.45

3.64

2.96

2.09

1.37

1.70

1.98

1.80

2.45

2.29

1.03

1.02

0.29 

.38 

.27 

1.8 

1.3 

1.2 

1.6 

1.5

8.7

19

11

18

3.8

8.1

16

9.6

1.1 - 13.8

.40 - 4.5

SOILS

2.8

1.3 

.88 

.87

1.9 

1.6

1.69

1.84

1.78

2.19

1.37

1.49

1.06

1.26

1.12

1.27

1.01

1.06

0.95 - 7.4

.1 - 3.7

.18 - 3.0

.19 - 3.6

1.1 - 2.8 

.71 - 2.6

CARBON (TOTAL)
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 15. Carbon (total) in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils Continued

63

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error

Observed 

range 

(percent)

SOILS Continued

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo.,

0- to 5-cm depth 15 (12) 108:108

Northern Great Plains: North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Unglaciated area

A horizon 16 (12) 88:88 

C horizon 16 (12) 88:88 

Glaciated area

A horizon 16 (12) 48:48 

C horizon 16 (12) 48:48 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (12) 136:136 

C horizon 16 (12) 136:136

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (12) 36:36

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (12) 36:36

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (12) 47:47 

C horizon 11 (12) 47:47

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (12) 30:30 

C horizon 24 (12) 30:30

3.0

1.7 

1.2

2.3 

2.0

1.96 

1.4

1.5

.85

.51 

.54

.36 

.27

1.71

1.55

2.08

1.44

1.48

1.56

1.98

1.72

1.62

1.80

2.01

1.36

1.95

1.18

1.04

1.06

1.04

1.06

1.04

1.06

1.17

1.17

1.02

1.01

1.06

1.05

0.87 - 12

.48 - 4.9 

.20 - 4.4

.69 - 5.6 

.33 - 3.5

.48 - 5.6

.20 - 4.4

.36 - 4.5

.42 - 3.2

.11 - 2.1 

.090 - 1.5

.20 - .64 

.080 - 1.1

TABLE IB. Cerium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 

Shale 

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont. 

Sandstone 

Siltstone and shale 

Dark shale 

1 (2) 

1 (2)

2 (2)

2 (2)

2 (2)

78:80 

77:80

24:24 

22:23 

22:22

55

67

52

54

79

1.77

2.18

1.64

1.89

1.58

1.39

1.51

1.62

1.73

1.31

<22 - 170 

<22 - 250

22 - 100

14 - 120

44 - 170

CARBON (TOTAL), CERIUM
64 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 16. Cerium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS Continued

Core Samples Continued

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (2) 50:50 65 1.55 1.63 22 - 160 

Sandstone 4 (2) 42:42 113 1.20 1.11 75 - 160

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional

study 6 (2) 58:60 57 1.92 1.80 <22 - 180

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (2) 10:12 55 1.20 <46 - 76 

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (2) 5:12 45 1.18 <46 - 60

SOILS

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, 

Colo. and Utah; alluvial,

0- to 40-cm depth 12 (2) 30:30 52 1.45 1.45 25 - 110

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 13 (1) 4:64 <150 <150 - 200 

B horizon 13 (1) 3:64 <150 <150 - 150 

C horizon 13 (1) 2:64 <150 <150 - 150

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (2) 15:16 56 1.59 1.49 <36 - 110 

C horizon 14 (2) 16:16 58 1.45 1.45 28 - 93

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (2) 99:136 38 2.08 <22 - 130 

C horizon 16 (2) 91:136 32 2.31 <22 - 660

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (2) 36:36 57 1.38 1.35 25 - 110

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (2) 36:36 55 1.53 2.26 26 - 160

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (2) 10:47 35 1.48 <46-76 

C horizon 11 (2) 16:47 J8 1.59 <46 - 97

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (2) 18:30 47 1.37 <4b - 89 

C horizon 24 (2) 18:30 52 1.30 <46 - 92

CERIUM
TABLES 4-77 65

TABLE 17. Chlorine in soils

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 

C horizon 

16 (5) 

16 (5)

15:136 

124:136

1,600

810

1.51 <1,000 - 4,000 

<1,000 - 15,000

TABLE 18. Chromium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (2) 80:80 45 

Shale 1 (2) 80:80 84

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 2 (2) 24:24 59 

Siltstone and shale 2 (2) 24:24 96 

Dark shale 2(2) 23:23 110

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (2) 50:50 72 

Sandstone 4 (2) 42:42 46

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (2) 74:74 34 

Middle 300 m 5 (2) 53:53 38 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 5 (2) 264:264 49

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study 6 (2) 60:60 72

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 wm 7 (1) 24:24 26 

100-200 ym 7 (1) 24:24 18 

63-100 ym 7 (1) 24:24 31 

<63 ym 7 (1) 24:24 79

1.98

1.40

1.55

1.15

1.25

1.39

1.50

1.42

2.26

1.40

1.27

1.15

1.18

1.09

1.07

1.10

1.19

1.16

1.17

1.63

2.59

2.12

1.75

1.74

1.32

1.90

1.18

1.15

1.20

11 - 160 

38 - 170

27 - 110 

68 - 130 

66 - 250

29 - 120 

24 - 240

16 - 72

7.0 - 410

15 - 100

22 - 300

7 - 100

10 - 150

15 - 100

30 - 200

CHLORINE, CHROMIUM
66 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 18. Chromium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Observed range 

Err° r (ppm)

STREAM SEDIMENTS Continued

Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins, 

Colo. and Utah -

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo.

Roan and Black Sulphur Creeks8 (2)

9 (1)

32:32

32:32

61

56

2.05

2.11

1.74

1.25

30 - 290

30 - 200

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 10:10

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 10:10

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 10:10

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2) 10:10

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (2) 10:10

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (2) 12:12

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (2) 12:12

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 6:10 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 4:8 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 10:10 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 7:9 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 2:10 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 4:8

White sweetclover

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2) 5:10 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (2) 5:10

Alfalfa

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 3:3 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 3:3 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 3:3 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 3:3 

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2) 3:3

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston 

mine, Wyoming

Growing on mine spoil 26 (2) 20:20 

Growing near mine spoil 26 (2) 20:20

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwing saltbush 11 (2) 6:6 

Alkali sacaton 11 (2) 6:6

58

38

40

50

36

46

37

38

14

22

.35

.29 

1.54

.60 

<.29

.31

.30 

.29

.55 

.91 

.69 

.53 

.46

.40 

.27

2.1 

.71

1.48

1.39

1.60

1.63

1.50

1.43

1.44

1.29

1.26

1.41

2.05

1.31

1.53

2.07

2.72

1.53

2.05

2.65

1.32

1.83

3.81

1.22

1.71

1.78

1.17

1.46

1.14

1.41

1.32

1.32

1.32

1.32

1.32

1.32

1.32

1.32

1.37

1.37

27 - 90

19 - 65

17 - 75

27 - 110

17 - 71

22 - 78

18 - 55

26 - 54

10 - 22

10 - 29

<.29 

<.29 

.65 

<.29 

<.29 

<.29

1.12

.44

2.65

1.41

.35

1.29

<.29 - 

<.30 -

.28 

.67 

.45 

.14 

.38

.16 

.11

1.8 

.47

.50 

.91

1.69

1.17

1.36

2.06

.56

1.1 

.60

2.5 

.91

CHROMIUM
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE IS. Chromium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

67

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

SOILS

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, 

Colo. and Utah: alluvial,

0- to 40-cm depth 12 (2) 30:30 50

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 13 (1) 64:64 43 

B horizon 13 (1) 64:64 46 

C horizon 13 (1) 64:64 46

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Soil, 0- to 2.5-cm depth 20 (1) 48:48 45 

Soil, 15- to 20-cm depth 20 (1) 48:48 49

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (2) 16:16 63 

C horizon 14 (2) 16:16 57

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to

5-cm depth 15 (2) 108:108 59

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (2) 136:136 45 

C horizon 16 (2) 136:136 42

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (2) 36:36 59

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (2) 36:36 44

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (2) 47:47 18 

C horizon 11 (2) 47:47 18

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (2) 30:30 20 

C horizon 24 (2) 30:30 13

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 25:25 1.0

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 10:10 1.1

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 18:18 .85

Native species (ash-weight basis) 

Lichen (Parmelia), Powder River

Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 22 (1) 29:29 33

Sagebrush, big; Powder River Basin,

Wyo. and Mont. 20 (1) 41:41 18

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province 23 (1) 28:30 4.6

Columbia Plateaus Province 23 (1) 30:30 12

Basin and Range Province 23 (1) 30:30 6.0

Northern Great Plains 23 (1) 20:20 6.3

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 20:20 6.6

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 20:20 11

Southern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 20:20 5.7

/ oming Basin Province 23 (1) 20:20 9.5

1.37

1.73

1.56

1.78

1.49

1.43

1.31

1.49

1.63

1.56

1.66

1.55

1.59

1.45

1.51

1.54

1.50

1.13

1.29

1.22

1.22

1.28

1.35

1.10

1.25

1.39

1.48

1.35

1.15

1.11

1.51

1.32

1.46

1.46

20 - 98

15 - 70 

15 - 70 

10 - 70

20 - 100 

20 - 100

33 - 86 

22 - 87

12 - 110

11 - 160

12 - 180

23 - 350

16 - 94

7.6 - 42 

6.3 - 47

9.8 - 40 

5.5 - 40

PLANTS

1.38

1.32

1.32

1.57

1.74

2.00

1.59

1.86

2.60

2.44

1.89

2.27

1.83

1.17

1.14

1.19

1.15

1.33

1.34

1.34

1.34

1.38

1.38

1.38

1.38

1.38

0.56 - 1.8 

.81 - 1.9 

.47 - 1.5

20 - 50

5-150

<2 - 10 

5-20 

2-15 

1 - 30 

2-30 

5-30

2-15

3-20

CHROMIUM
68 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 19. Cobalt in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (2) 79:80 5.4 

Shale 1 (2) 80:80 9.1

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 2 (2) 24:24 6.9 

Siltstone and shale 2 (2) 24:24 13 

Dark shale 2 (2) 23:23 16

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (2) 50:50 8.7 

Sandstone 4 (2) 42:42 11

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (2) 74:74 10 

Middle 300 m 5 (2) 53:53 9.4 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m)-- 5 (2) 117:264 9.0

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study 6 (2) 60:60 7.3

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 vim 7 (1) 24:24 6 

100-200 pro 7 (1) 23:24 4 

63-100 vim 7 (1) 24:24 3 

<63 vim 7 (1) 24:24 6

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo.

Roan and Black Sulphur Creeks 9 (1) 32:32 8.0

1.99

1.90

2.13

1.29

1.20

1.61

1.50

1.24

1.76

1.36

1.20

1.24

1.11

1.10

1.05

1.17

1.06

1.18

1.17

1.34

1.67

1.50

1.35

1.28

1.48

1.15

1.45

1.34

1.22

1.13

1.17

<1 - 16 

3.3 - 42

1.5 - 16

7.4 - 19

12 - 21

2.3 - 36 

4.7 - 36

6.3 - 16

1.1 - 41

<10 - 20

3.3 - 14

3-15 

<2 - 7 

2 - 7 

3-10

5-15

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North DakotaDave Johnston mine, Wyoming 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 

Savage mine, Montana 

Velva mine, North Dakota 

Big Sky mine, Montana 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2)

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10

9.4 

5.0 

6.8 

6.8 

6.8 

6.6 

5.4 

6.1

1.17

1.36

1.43

1.47

1.35

1.28

1.36

1.30

7.3

3.0

2.8

3.6

4.3

4

3.5

4.0

1 -

11

6.6

10

11

13

10

8.3

9.3

COBALT
TABLES 4-77 69 

TABLE 19. Cobalt in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method Ratio 

of analysis

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Observed range 

Error (ppm)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS Continued

Mine spoil Continued

San Juan mine, New MexicoTopsoil used in spoil reclamation 

San Juan mine, New Mexico 

Plants (dry-weight basis)

11 (2) 

11 (2)

12:12

12:12

5.5

6.0

1.22

1.14

1.10

1.11

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, 

Colo. and Utah; alluvial,

0- to 40-cm depth 

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

A horizon 

B horizon 

C horizon 

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Soil, 0- to 2.5-cm depth - 

Soil, 12- to 20-cm depth -

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont. 

A horizon -

C horizon 

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm 

depth 

12 (2)

13 (1) 

13 (1) 

13 (1)

20 (1) 

20 (1)

14 (2) 

14 (2)

15 (2)

30:30

60:64 

61:64 

59:64

46:48 

45:48

16:16 

16:16

108:108

7.3

6.9 

7.6 

7.3

6.3 

6.3

9.7 

9.3

7.9

1.29

1.70

1.64

1.66

1.37

1.56

1.41

1.41

1.78

1.14

1.23

1.25

1.17

1.09

1.09

1.18

1.25

1.33

5.8 - 12

4.9 - 7.4

Northern Great Plains

Yellow sweetclover

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 

Savage mine, Montana 

Velva mine, North Dakota 

White sweetclover

Big Sky mine, Montana 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 

Alfalfa

Beulah North mine, North Dakota -

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 

Savage mine, Montana 

Velva mine, North Dakota 

Big Sky mine, Montana 

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston

mine, Wyoming

Growing on mine spoil 

Growing near mine spoil 

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwing salt bush 

Alkali sacaton 

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

26

26

11

11

(3)

(3)

(3)

(3)

(3)

(3)

(3)

(3)

(3)

(3)

(3)

(3)

(3)

(3)

(3)

(3)

(3)

9

10

10

9

10

8

10

10

2

3

3

1

3

15

10

6

6

:10

.10

:10

:10

:10

:10

:10

:10

:3

:3

:3

:3

:3

:20

:20

:6

:6

.23

.40

.53

.15

.15

.09

.27

.13

.15

.21

.35

.10

.099

.069

.47

.23

2.40

1.80

1.90

2.21

2.59

2.69

1.78

1.57

3.16

2.02

2.24

1.49

2.26

1.34

1.47

1.40

1.58 <.03 -

1.58 .20 -

1.58 .23 -

1.58 <.03 -

1.58 .04 -

1.58 <.03 -

1.58 .12 -

1.58 .05 -

<.07 -

.09 -

.18 -

<.07 -

.08 -

<.058 -

<.054 -

.28 -

.16 -

.54

1.4

1.22

.43

.85

.25

1.02

.31

.45

.35

.85

.31

.16

.44

.13

.65

.34

SOILS

4-12

<3 - 30

<3 - 20

<3 - 20

<3 - 10 

<5 - 20

3.9 - 16

5.0 - 16

1.2 - 16

COBALT
70 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 19. Cobalt in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

SOILS Continued

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (2) 135:136 

C horizon 16 (2) 136:136

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (2) 36:36

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (2) 36:36

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (2) 47:47 

C horizon 11 (2) 47:47

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (2) 30:30 

C horizon 24 (2) 30:30

Cultivated plants, northern Great 

Plains (dry-weight basis)

Barley 21 (3) 15:18 

Oats 21 (3) 17:21 

Wheat, durum 21 (3) 14:20 

Wheat, hard red spring 21 (3) 35:54 

Wheat, hard red winter 21 (3) 17:17

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (3) 25:25 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (3) 10:10 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (3) 18:18

Native species (ash-weight basis) 

Lichen (Parmelia), Powder River

Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 22 (3) 29:29

Sagebrush, big; Powder River Basin,

Wyo. and Mont. 20 (3) 37:39

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province 23 (3) 24:30

Columbia Plateaus Province 23 (3) 30:30

Basin and Range Province 23 (3) 30:30

Northern Great Plains 23 (3) 20:20

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 19:20

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 15:20

Southern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 16:20

Wyoming Basin Province 23 (3) 20:20

Availability studies, samples from 

Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, 

and Wyoming (dry-weight basis)

Wheatgrass, western 24 (3) 17:21 

Sagebrush, silver 24 (3) 16:19 

Plant biomass, above-ground parts- 24 (3) 15:21

6.4 

6.6

6.3

5.5

5.7 

5.7

4.9

4.4

1.48

1.49

1.33

1.49

1.44

1.62

1.28

1.37

1.24

1.21

1.14

1.16

1.14

1.09

1.21

1.09

<1.0 - 23 

1.9 - 16

3.0 - 10

2.1 - 16

2.1 - 11 

1.3 - 15

3.1 - 11 

2.6 - 8.9

PLANTS

0.028

.041

.024

.020

.019

.26 

.11

.18

3.5

2.0

1.2 

2.9 

1.8 

2.3 

1.5 

1.2 

1.2 

2.1

.11 

.12 

.11

1.24

1.39

1.40

1.37

1.48

1.57

1.91

1.86

1.53

1.97

1.91

1.66

1.62

2.76

2.15

2.14

1.89

2.31

1.94

1.99

3.17

1.24

1.32

1.40

1.32

1.41

1.19

1.27

1.20

1.24

1.46

1.30

1.30

1.30

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

1.55

2.39

<0.028 - 0.044

<.024 - .078

<.014 - .040

<.012 - .048

.014 - .051

.072 - .52

.048 - .32

.051 - .35

2 - 7

- 6

a - 3

1 - 7

1 - 3

1 - 18

a - 40

a - 3

a - 3

1 - 6

<.04 - .39 

<.05 - .29 

<.04 - .43

COBALT
TABLES 4-77 71

TABLE 20. Copper in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (2) 80:80 13 

Shale 1 (2) 80:80 34

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 2 (2) 24:24 13 

Siltstone and shale 2 (2) 24:24 51 

Dark shale 2 (2) 22:22 54

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (2) 50:50 38 

Sandstone 4 (2) 42:42 14

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (2) 74:74 45 

Middle 300 m 5 (2) 264:264 40 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 5 (2) 264:264 58

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study 6 (2) 60:60 22

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 urn 7 (1) 24:24 18 

100-200 urn 7 (1) 24:24 9 

63-100 U m 7 (1) 24:24 10 

<63 u m 7 (1) 24:24 34

Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins,

Colo. and Utah 8 (2) 32:32 31

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo.

Roan and Black Sulphur Creeks 9 (1) 32:32 17

2.31

2.14

1.96

1.52

1.48

1.64

2.20

1.58

2.85

1.56

1.23

1.52

1.09

1.23

1.41

1.40

1.33

1.51

1.28

1.43

2.70

1.96

1.44

2.56

1.34

1.37

1.13

2.20

1.21

1.22

1.15

1.11

1.15

2.3

4.5

5.8

19

18

15

3.1

15

1.5

20

61

110

62

80

94

92

58

120

520

150

7.4 - 50

5

3

7

10

100

50

20

200

20 - 93

10 - 30

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North DakotaDave Johnston mine, Wyoming 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 

Savage mine, Montana 

Velva mine, North Dakota 

Big Sky mine, Montana 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 

San Juan mine, New Mexico10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2)

10 (2)

11 (2)

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10

12:12

24

16

18

24

20

19

19

17

18

1.87

1.30

1.37

1.64

1.50

1.30

1.45

1.24

1.58

5

12

9.6

8.8

7.6

12

12

41

29

26

47

29

28

34

1.50
72 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 20. Copper in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS Continued

6.6 - 24

4.4 

5.2 

5.6 

6.7 

4.1 

5.9

6.7

9.5

11.4

12.6

9.3

9.5

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (2) 12:12 10 1.48 1.15

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 5.5 1.14 1.04 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 10:10 7.0 1.19 1.04 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyming 10 (2) 10:10 8.0 1.27 1.04 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 9.0 1.20 1.04 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 10:10 5.9 1.27 1.04 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 7.2 1.18 1.04

White sweetclover

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2) 10:10 8.2 1.16 1.04 6.5 - 9.8 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (2) 10:10 6.9 1.14 1.04 5.3 - 9.0

Alfalfa

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 3:3 6.3 1.11 5.6 - 6.8 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 3:3 12.0 1.16 10.4 - 14.0 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 3:3 6.8 1.06 6.4 - 7.1 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 3:3 7.4 1.23 6.1 - 9.3 

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2) 3:3 8.1 1.16 6.8-9.0

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston 

mine, Wyoming

Growing on mine spoil 26 (2) 20:20 3.2 1.44 1.33 1.6 - 5.9 

Growing near mine spoil 26 (2) 20:20 2.8 1.45 1.33 1.6 - 6.0

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwing saltbush 11 (3) 6:6 9.7 1.16 8.4 - 12 

Alkali sacaton 11 (3) 6:6 2.4 1.21 2.0 - 2.8

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, 

Colo. and Utah; alluvial,

0- to 40-cm depth 12 (2) 30:30 30 1.78 1.52 12 - 85

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 13 (1) 64:64 15 2.20 

B horizon 13 (1) 64:64 17 2.00 

C horizon 13 (1) 64:64 17 2.84

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Soil, 0- to 2.5-cm depth 20 (1) 48:48 14 1.63 1.15 3 - 30 

Soil, 15- to 20-cm depth 20 (1) 48:48 16 1.67 1.15 5-50

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (2) 16:16 36 1.44 1.31 17 - 64 

C horizon 14 (2) 16:16 33 1.82 1.63 11-80

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (2) 107:108 30 1.93 1.61 <8.7 - 122

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (2) 136:136 19 1.64 1.31 4.3 - 110 

C horizon 16 (2) 136:136 17 1.82 1.49 2.7 - 110

SOILS

1.25 3-70

1.37 3-70

1.13 2 - 100

COPPER
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 20. Copper in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

73

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

SOILS--Continued

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (2) 36:36 20 1.65 1.29 6.7 - 60

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (2) 36:36 15

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (2) 47:47 8.9 

B horizon 11 (2) 47:47 8.7

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (2) 30:30 8.8 

C horizon 24 (2) 30:30 6.3

Cultivated plants, northern Great 

Plains (dry-weight basis)

Barley 21 (3) 18:18 4.8 

Oats 21(3) 21:21 4.4 

Wheat, durum 21 (3) 20:20 5.0 

Wheat,hard red spring 21 (3) 54:54 4.5 

Wheat, hard red winter 21 (3) 17:17 3.9

Native species (dry-weight basis)

 Galleta, San Juan Basin - 19 (3) 25:25 2.4 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (3) 10:10 4.7 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (3) 18:18 8.1

Native species (ash-weight basis) 

Lichen (Parmelia), Powder River

Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 22 (1) 29:29 70

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province 23 (3) 30:30 150

Columbia Plateaus Province 23 (3) 30:30 150

Basin and Range Province 23 (3) 30:30 120

Northern Great Plains 23 (3) 20:20 190

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 20:20 210

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 20:20 150

Southern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 20:20 140

Wyoming Basin Province 23 (3) 20:20 160

Availability studies, samples from 

Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, 

and Wyoming (dry weight basis)

Wheatgrass, western 18 (3) 21:21 .56 

Sagebrush, silver 18 (3) 19:19 5.8 

Plant biomass, above-ground parts 18 (3) 21:21 1.3

1.70

1.90

1.94

1.41

1.73

1.38

1.14

1.42

4.7 - 67

2.1 - 30 

1.7 - 28

1.16 4.9 - 19 

1.42 1.6 - 17

PLANTS

1.12

1.24

1.17

1.24

1.17

1.24

1.28

1.42

1.44

1.54

1.44

1.37

1.39

2.19

1.68

1.60

1.40

1.57

1.29

'1.32

1.08

1.05

1.16

1.14

1.10

1.03

1.04

1.05

1.26

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.08

1.08

1.08

1.08

1.08

4.0 

2.8 

3.8

5.8 

6.7 

6.9 

7.1 

5.0

1.6 

3.3 

4.6

- 4.0

- 7.0

- 17

30 - 150

1.36

70

90

60

110

100

70

80

110

.34 

4.0 

.72

270

300

180

240

1,000

280

300

240

1.5 

9.8 

1.9

COPPER
74 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 21. Dysprosium in rocks and soils

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Study No. 

Sample, and collection locality and method Ratio 

of analysis

Mean Devia- Observed range 

(ppm) tion Error (ppm)

ROCKS

Core samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association,

N. Mex.

SOILS

11 (2) 6:47

11 (2) 8:47

24 (2) 8:30

24 (2) 1:30

7.7 1.27 <10 - 13 

6.6 1.56 <10 - 17

7.8 1.52 <10 - 16

TABLE 22. Erbium in rocks, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Core samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

sandstone 4 (2) 1:42 <4.2 - 5.2

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

San Juan mine, New MexicoTopsoil used in spoil reclamation11 (2) 12:12 7.1 1.15 1.10 5.2 - 9.1

SOILS

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association,

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (2) 17:30

C horizon 24 (2) 13:30

4.9 1.31 <4.6 - 8.1

4.5 1.37 <4.6 - 7.3

DYSPROSIUM, ERBIUM
TABLES 4-77 75

TABLE 23. Europium in rocks, plants associated with mine spoil, and other plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Core samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

sandstone 4 (2) 33:42 2.5 2.08 <1.0 - 4.8

PLANTS ASSOCIATED WITH MINE SPOIL

Plants (dry-weight basis)

San Juan mine, New Mexico 

Fourwing saltbush 

Alkali sacaton 

11 (2) 

11 (2)

3:6 

3:6

0.29 

.11

2.28

2.54

<0.24 - 0.74 

<.082 - .33

OTHER PLANTS

Native species (dry-weight basis) 

Galleta, San Juan Basin 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan BasinSnakeweed, San Juan Basin 

19 (2) 

19 (2) 

19 (2)

14:25 

4:10 

9:18

0.17

.086

.13

1.86

4.10

2.35

1.85

3.09

1.98

<0.080 - 0.46

<.17 - .61

<.086 - .40

TABLE 24. Fluorine in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 

Shale 

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont. 

Sandstone - 

Siltstone and shale----- 

Dark shale -

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks -- 

Sandstone 

1 (9) 

1 (9)

2 (9)

2 (9)

2 (9)

3 (9)

4 (9)

54:80 

77:80

21:24 

23:24 

23:23

45:50 

39:42

370

690

480

800

800

600

300

1.50

1.49

1.39

1.34

1.26

1.51 

1.4

1.16

1.25

1.10

1.17

1.22

1.15

<400 - 700 

<400 - 1,300

<400 - 900

<400 - 1,000

500 - 1,000

300 - 1,200 

<200 - 600

EUROPIUM, FLUORINE
76 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 24. Fluorine in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS Continued

Core samples Continued

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper-100 m) 

Middle 300 m - 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m)-

5 (9) 

5 (9) 

5 (9)

60:74 760

53:53 740

32:32 1,000

1.78

2.45

1.50

1.20

1.16

<400 - 2,300

200 - 11,000

280 - 1,700

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fraction, <63 ym -

Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins, 

Colo. and Utah 

7 (9)

8 (9)

17:24

32:32

0.046

9.0

1.42

2.99

1.36

2.08

<0.04 - 0.08

.50 - 31

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

1,100

1,100

1,300

1,600

1,200

2,900

1,700

1,800

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (9) 10:10 760 1.29 500

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (9) 10:10 670 1.39 400

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (9) 10:10 740 1.35 500

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (9) 10:10 820 1.45 400

Savage mine, Montana 10 (9) 10:10 810 1.29 500

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (9) 10:10 710 1.75 400

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (9) 10:10 830 1.40 ~ 600

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (9) 10:10 680 1.60 400

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (9) 11:12 450 1.13 <400 - 500

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (9) 6:12 390 1.19 <400 - 500

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (9) 10:10 7.3 1.39 1.19 5-14 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (9) 10:10 7.6 1.35 1.19 5-12 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (9) 10:10 15.0 1.35 1.19 9-25 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (9) 10:10 9.3 1.39 1.19 5-16 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (9) 10:10 7.0 1.32 1.19 5 - 12 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (9) 10:10 7.5 1.41 1.19 4-12

White sweetclover

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (9) 10:10 8.1 1.25 1.19 6-12 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (9) 10:10 7.0 1.32 1.19 6 - 12

Alfalfa

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (9) 3:3 3.8 2.18 2-9 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (9) 3:3 3.3 1.18 3-4 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (9) 3:3 4.0 1.63 3-7 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (9) 3:3 2.0 2.00 1-4 

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (9) 3:3 2.9 1.42 2-4

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston 

mine, Wyoming

Growing on mine spoil 26 (9) 20:20 6.2 1.46 1.11 3-10 

Growing near mine spoil 26 (9) 20:20 4.5 1.17 1.11 3-6

FLUORINE
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 24. Fluorine in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

77

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS Continued

Plants (dry-weight basis) Continued

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwing saltbush 11 (9) 

Alkali sacaton 11 (9)

Plceance Creek and Uinta Basins, 

Colo. and Utah; alluvial,

0- to 40-cm depth 12 (9)

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 13 (9) 

B horizon 13 (9) 

C horizon 13 (9)

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (9) 

C horizon 14 (9)

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (9)

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Unglaciated area

A horizon 16 (9) 

Glaciated area

A horizon 16 (9) 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (9) 

C horizon 16 (9)

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (9)

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (9)

San Juan Basin, N. Hex.

A horizon 11 (9) 

C horizon 11 (9)

Cultivated plants, northern Great 

Plains (dry-weight basis)

Barley 2 (9) 

Oats 2 (9) 

Wheat, durum 2 (9) 

Wheat, hard red spring 21 (9) 

Wheat, hard red winter 21 (9)

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (9) 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (9) 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (9)

6:6 

6:6

20 

7.

1.36

1.18

15 - 34 

6.0 - 9.0

SOILS

27:30

3A:6A 

A2:64 

A7:6A

16:16 

16:16

85:108

66:88 

A8:48

96:136 

126:136

18:36

12:36

13:47 

18:47

610

410

450

490

550

580

500

560

450

510

670

400

340

280

330

1.46

1.48

1.56

1.48

1.19

1.26

1.52

1.80

1.60

1.82

1.57

1.24

1.42

1.73

1.85

1.07

1.26

1.22

1.14

1.06

1.05

1.31

1.81

1.81

1.81

1.68

<400 - 1,400

<400 - 900 

<400 - 900 

<400 - 1,000

400 - 700 

400 - 800

<400 - 1,600

<400 - 2,700 

280 - 1,400

<400 - 2,700 

<400 - 2,000

<400 - 600

<400 - 700

<400 - 900 

<400 - 1,200

PLANTS

9:20 

15:21 

13:18 

32:54 

11:17

25:25 

10:10 

18:18

1.0

<1

8.5 

6.2 

9.4

1.19

1.33

1.71

1.36

1.12

1.24

1.13

- 2

- 2

- 2

- 2

- 1

4-14 

3-15 

6-14

FLUORINE
78 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 24. Fluorine in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

PLANTS Continued

Native species (dry-weight basis) 

Lichen (Parmelia), Powder River

Basin, Wyo. and Mont. -- - 

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province ----- 

Columbia Plateaus Province - 

Basin and Range Province-- - 

Northern Great Plains 

Northern Rocky Mountains ProvinceMiddle Rocky Mountains Province 

Southern Rocky Mountains ProvinceWyoming Basin Province - - -

22 (9)

23 (9) 

23 (9) 

23 (9) 

23 (9) 

23 (9) 

23 (9) 

23 (9) 

23 (9)

29:29

30:30 

30:30 

30:30 

20:20 

20:20 

20:20 

20:20 

20:20

25

8.1

10

8.7

8.0

9.6

9.0

8.1

8.9

1.46

1.29

1.48

1.19

1.28

.64 

.18 

.40

1.20

1.09

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.13

1.13

1.13

1.13

1.13

14 - 50

6-12 

6-22 

6-12

5-11

6-22 

8-13 

5 - 13 

7 - 12

TABLE 25. Gadolinium in rocks, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Observed range 

Error (ppm)

ROCKS

Core samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

sandstone 4 (2) 24:42 3.8 3.80

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (2) 7:12 2.9 2.74

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (2) 4:12 1.5 3.10

SOILS

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (2) 25:47 2.8 3.35 

C horizon 11 (2) 22:47 2.3 2.98

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (2) 8:30 .99 3.96 

C horizon 24 (2) 11:30 1.7 2.21

PLANTS

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 6:25 .12 3.93

2.! <2.2 - 22

<2.2 - 11

<2.2 - 6.9

<2.2 - 16 

<2.2 - 10

<2.2 - 10 

<2.2 - 9.2

<0.17- 1.1

FLUORINE, GADOLINIUM
TABLES 4-77 79

TABLE 26. Gallium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (2) 80:80 11 

Shale 1 (2) 80:80 26

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 2 (2) 24:24 12 

Siltstone and shale 2 (2) 24:24 23 

Dark shale 2 (2) 23:23 26

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (2) 50:50 18 

Sandstone 4 (2) 42:42 5.3

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (2) 74:74 5.1

Middle 300 m 5 (2) 10:53

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 5 (2) 264:264 22

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study 6 (2) 60:60 11

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 pm 7 (1) 24:24 13 

100-200 pm 7 (1) 24:24 10 

63-100 urn 7 (1) 24:24 10 

<63 ym 7 (1) 24:24 15

Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins, 

Colo. and Utah

Asphalt Wash, Utah 8 (1) 88 17 

Cottonwood Creek, Utah 8 (1) 88 20 

Duck Creek, Colo. 8 (1) 88 15 

Ryan Gulch, Colo. 8 (1) 88 22

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo.

Roan Creek 9 (1) 16 16 15 

Black Sulphur Creek 9 (1) 16 16 20

1.69

1.50

1.50

1.21

1.17

1.42

1.50

1.54

1.34

1.18

1.19

1.19

1.10

1.09

1.20

1.12

1.29

1.45

1.67

1.44

1.37

1.22

1.17

1.24

1.24

1.34

1.09

1.19

1.26

1.34

1.16

1.20

<1.02

3.2 - 23 

9.7 - 46

6.1 - 22

17 - 34

17 - 36

8.1 - 40 

2.6 - 11

3.2 - 17 

<4 - 5.8 

10 - 70

1.16

1.16

3.5 - 20

7-30

7-20

7-20

10 - 30

15 - 20 

15 - 30 

10 - 20 

15 - 30

15 - 20 

15 - 30

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North DakotaDave Johnston mine, Wyoming 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2)

10:10

10:10

9:10

9:10

12

13

10

9.2

1.63

1.31

1.90

1.78

5.8 - 22

7.8 - 18

<3.0 - 21

<3.1 - 18

GALLIUM
80 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 26. GaUium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spott and associated materials, and soils Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS Continued

Mine spoil Continued

Northern Great Plains Continued

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 10:10 11 1.41 6.9 - 16 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 9:10 8.5 1.65 <3.0 - 18 

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2) 10:10 9.2 1.65 4.2 - 17 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (2) 9:10 8.0 1.54 <3.1 - 12

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (2) 10:12 3.3 1.45 <2.2 - 5.5

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11(2) 4:12 2.0 1.17 <2.2-2.8

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, 

Colo. and Utah;

alluvial, 0- to 40-cm depth 12 (2) 30:30 15 1.32 1.10 7.2 - 29

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 13 (1) 64:64 13 1.37 1.20 7-30 

B horizon 13 (1) 64:64 15 1.30 1.29 7-30 

C horizon 13 (1) 64:64 15 1.50 1.21 7-30

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Soil, 0- to 2.5-cm depth 20 (1) 48:48 12 1.31 1.13 7-20 

Soil, 15- to 20-cm depth 20 (1) 48:48 13 1.28 1.13 7-20

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (2) 16:16 13 1.45 1.23 5.3 - 21 

C horizon 14 (2) 16:16 12 1.51 1.39 5.8 - 22

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (2) 107:108 18 1.82 1.40 <2.2 - 39

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Unglaciated area

C horizon 16 (2) 88:88 11 1.51 1.33 2.7 - 25 

Glaciated area

C horizon 16 (2) 48:48 10 1.58 1.33 2.8 - 22 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (2) 136:136 11 1.44 1.30 4.2 - 29 

C horizon 16 (2) 136:136 11 1.54 1.33 2.7 - 25

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (2) 36:36 11 1.47 1.19 4.3 - 20

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (2) 36:36 15 1.32 1.17 7.3 - 23

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (2) 21:47 2.0 1.82 <2.2 - 6.6 

C horizon 11 (2) 21:47 2.0 2.06 <2.2 - 10

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (2) 19:30 3.7 3.07 <2.2 - 13 

C horizon 24 (2) 20:30 4.0 2.80 <2.2 - 14

SOILS

GALLIUM
TABLES 4-77 81

TABLE 27. Germanium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

(Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leadere (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (18) 80:80 1.1 1.57 1.13 0.38 - 3.0 

Shale 1 (18) 80:80 1.4 1.54 1.16 .75 - 5.5

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 2 (18) 24:24 .76 1.55 1.20 .35 - 2.0 

Siltstone 2 (18) 24:24 1.1 1.36 1.23 .58 - 1.7 

Dark shale 2 (18) 23:23 1.3 1.51 1.39 .53 - 2.5

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (18) 49:50 1.0 1.38 1.11 <.32 - 1.6 

Sandstone 4 (18) 42:42 1.1 1.30 1.54 .60 - 1.7

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (18) 38:42 .44 1.92 .15 - 1.9 

Middle 300 m 5 (18) 9:53 <.9 - 2.8

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study 6 (18) 60:60 1.2 1.34 1.25 0.36 - 1.7

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 pm 7 (5) 16:19 .71 3.36 1.13 <.l - 1.7 

100-200 urn 7 (5) 24:24 1.2 1.20 1.07 .78 - 1.8 

63-100 urn 7 (5) 24:24 1.3 1.13 1.03 1.0 - 1.6 

<63 u m 7 (5) 24:24 1.4 1.10 1.08 1.1 - 1.7

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North DakotaDave Johnston mine, Wyoming 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming----- 

Kinciad mine, Montana 

Savage mine, Montana- -- 

Velva mine, North Dakota 

Big Sky mine, Montana 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan-----

San Juan mine, New Mexico 

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation 

San Juan mine, New Mexico 

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5)

10 (5)

11 (5)

11 (5)

9:10 

9:10

10:10 

9:10 

8:10 

9:10

10:10 

8:10

12:12

12:12

.73 

.73 

1.4 

.51 

.58 

.68 

.77 

.60

1.4

1.3

2.98

2.40

1.38

2.31

3.24

1.59

1.31

1.17

1.31

.92 -

.18 -

1.8 

1.7 

2.2 

1.3 

1.9 

1.6 

1.9

- 1.7

50 - 2.3

.70 - 1.9

GERMANIUM
82 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 27. Germanium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

SOILS

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, 

Colo. and Utah;

alluvial, 0- to 40-cm depth 12 (5) 30:30

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (5) 16:16 

C horizon 14 (5) 16:16

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo», 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (5) 105:108

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (5) 130:136 

C horizon 16 (5) 132:136

Big Horn Basin, Wyo. , 0- to 40 cm depth 17 (5) 32:36

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40 cm

depth 17 (5) 32:36

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (5) 47:47 

C horizon 11 (5) 47:47

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (5) 30:30 

C horizon 24 (5) 30:30

Cultivated plants, northern Great Plains 

(dry-weight basis)

Barley 21 (1) 13:18 

Oats 21 (1) 17:21 

Wheat, durum 21 (1) 15:20 

Wheat, hard red spring 21 (1) 30:54 

Wheat, hard red winter 21 (1) 5:17

1.1

1.3 

1.3

.87

1.6 

1.6

.87

.77

1.4 

1.3

1.3 

1.2

1.24

1.27

1.27

2.35

1.27

1.33

2.49

2.48

1.22

1.20

1.17

1.20

1.11

1.17

1.17

1.96

1.13

1.16

2.64

2.09

1.24

1.20

1.09

1.31

0.7 - 1.9

.83 - 1.8 

.78 - 1.8

- 2.5

- 2.7

- 9.3

- 1.8

- 1.7

.80 - 1.9 

.90 - 1.9

.90 - 1.7 

.90 - 1.6

PLANTS

.030

.056

.026

.017

.0095

1.52

1.80

1.96

1.85

2.16

1.34

1.80

1.96

1.84

2.15

<0.019 - 0.061

<.025 - .12

<.013 - .11

<.014 - .068

<.012 - .036

TABLE 28. Indium in soils

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

C horizon 16 (2) 1:136 <50 - 51

GERMANIUM, INDIUM
TABLES 4-77 83

TABLE 29. Iodine in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Core samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 4 (5) 38:42 0.71 1.4 1.70 <0.3 - 2.0

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Powder River Basin, Wyoming and Montana 

Size fractions

>200 pm 7 (5) 4:6 0.057 1.93 <0.05 - 0.15 

63-100 Mm 7 (5) 5:10 .052 1.86 <.05 - .1 

<63 pm 7 (5) 5:6 .077 2.60 <.05 - .3

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (5) 1:12 <0.50 -0.55

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (5) 4:12 0.46 1.24 -- <.50 - .64

SOILS

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, 

Colo. and Utah; 

alluvial, 0- to 40-cm-depth 12 (5) 24:30 0.82 1.63 1.51 <0.5 - 1.8

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (5) 11:16 .63 1.64 1.22 <.56 - 1.6 

C horizon 14 (5) 6:16 .44 1.54 <.61 - 1.1

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (5) 115:136 .33 2.48 2.04 <.050 - 2.3 

C horizon 16 (5) 92:136 .25 2.57 2.39 <.050 - 2.5

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (5) 7:47 .28 1.81 <.50 - .97 

C horizon 11 (5) 26:47 .57 2.46 <.50 - 3.8

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

C horizon 24 (5) 10:30 .37 2.01 <.50 - 1.9

IODINE
84 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 30. Iron in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method h'sted in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean, except that values preceded by asterisk are arithmetic mean. Deviation, geometric deviation, except that values preceded by asterisk are standard deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures, except that values preceded by asterisk 

are standard error. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(percent)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone - 

Shale -

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone - 

Siltstone and shale 

Dark shale -

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

F ine-grained rocks - 

Sandstone 

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 

Middle 300 m - 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m)-

Northern Great Plains regional study -

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 pm - 

100-200 pm - 

63-100 pm - 

<63 pm 

Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins, 

Colo. and Utah

Asphalt Wash, Utah - 

Cottonwood Creek, Utah 

Duck Creek, Colo. - 

Ryan Gulch, Colo. 

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo.

Roan and Black Sulphur Creeks -

1 (5) 

1 (5)

2 (5) 

2 (5) 

2 (5)

3 (5)

4 (5)

5 (5)

5 (5)

5 (5)

80:80 

80:80

24:24 

24:24 

23:23

50:50 

42:42

74:74 

51:51 

32:-32

1.5 

2.4

2.4 

2.6 

2.8

3.0 

1.2

2.2 

1.5 

3.1

1.98

2.09

1.51

1.34

1.38

1.54

1.60

1.29

1.34

2.41

<1.07 

<1.08

1.06

1.02

1.05

1.03

1.04

1.06

1.05

0.25 

.32

1.2 

2.0 

1.5

1.1

.41

1.1 

.54 

.03

5.2 

7.5

7,.l

5.4 

5.0

7.8 

4.3

3.9

2.4 

4.6

STREAM SEDIMENTS

6 (5)

7 (5)

7 (5)

7 (5)

7 (5)

(5) 

(5) 

(5) 

(5)

9 (1)

60:60

19:19 

24:24 

24:24 

24:24

32:32

2.3

1.9

1.1

1.2 

1.8

1.9 

2.4 

1.9 

2.1

2.2

1.29

1.75

1.41

1.33

1.25

1.10

1.41

1.09

1.14

1.33

<1.03

1.47

<1.02

1.03

1.03

1.5 - 9.1

1.2 

.77 

.91 

1.4

1.6 

1.8 

1.6 

1.8

4.7 

3.4 

3.1 

3.4

2.1 

5.3 

2.1 

2.6

1.07 1.5 - 5

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North DakotaDave Johnston mine, Wyoming 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 

Savage mine, Montana 

Velva mine, North Dakota 

Big Sky mine, Montana 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5)

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10

3.2 

1.9 

2.1 

2.8 

2.4 

2.3 

2.3 

2.1

1.31

1.33

1.35

1.20

1.22

1.07

1.18

1.16

1.7 

1.1 

1.3 

2.2 

1.8 

2.1 

1.8 

1.7

4.7 

3.1 

3.8 

3.7 

3.2 

2.6 

3.2 

2.9

IRON
TABLES 4-77 85 

TABLE 30. Iron in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(percent)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS Continued

Mine spoil Continued

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (5)

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (5)

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 

Dave Johns ton mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2)

White sweetclover

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2) 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (2)

Alfalfa

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 

Savage Mine, montana 10 (2) 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2)

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston 

mine, Wyoming

Growing on mine spoil 26 (2) 

Growing near mine spoil 26 (2)

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwing saltbush 11 (2) 

Alkali sacaton 11 (2)

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, 

Colo. and Utah; alluvial,

0- to 40-cm depth 12 (5)

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 13 (5) 

B horizon 13 (5) 

C horizon 13 (5)

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (5) 

C horizon 14 (5)

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (5)

12:12

12:12

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10

10:10 

10:10

3:3 

3:3 

3:3 

3:3 

3:3

20:20 

20:20

6:6 

6:6

1.7

1.4

.027

.019

.047

.043

.018

.023

.029

.019

.024

.027

.027

.022

.019

.027

.019

.078

.031

1.17

1.09

1.52

1.34

1.33

1.58

1.42

1.80

1.27

1.37

2.26

1.37

1.46

2.80

1.27

1.67

1.55

1.27

1.50

1.08

1.07

1.12

1.42

1.12

1.12

1.12

1.12

1.12

1.12

1.24

1.24

1.3 - 2.1

1.3 - 1.6

.013 - .050

.010 - .026

.029 - .069

.016 - .069

.014 - .028

.012 - .065

.023 - .045 

.013 - .033

.011 - .057

.019 - .035

.018 - .036

.011 - .072

.015 - .024

.012 - .074 

.0081 - .035

.062 - .11 

.021 - .051

SOILS

30:30

64:64 

64:64 

64:64

16:16 

16:16

108:108

*2.0

2.0 

2.2 

2.1

*2.6

*2.5

1.8

*0.50

1.49

1.43

1.67

*.47

*.67

1.22

*0.040 1.1 - 2.i

1.12 .87 - 5.2

1.09 .75 - 6.1

1.12 .66 - 8.4

*.080 1.7 - 3.4

*.15 1.3 - 3.7

1.13 1.1 - 2.9

IRON
86 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 30. Iron in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(percent)

SOILS Continued

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (5) 136:136 

C horizon 16 (5) 136:136

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (5) 36:36

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (5) 36:36

San Juan Basin, N. Hex.

A horizon 11 (5) 47:47 

C horizon 11 (5) 47:47

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Hex.

A horizon 24 (5) 30:30 

C horizon 24 (5) 30:30

Cultivated plants, northern Great Plains 

(dry-weight basis)

Barley 21 (1) 18:18 

Oats 21 (1) 21:21 

Wheat, durum 21 (1) 20:20 

Wheat, hard red spring 21 (1) 54:54 

Wheat, hard red winter 21 (1) 17:17

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 25:25 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 10:10 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 18:18

Native species (ash-weight basis) 

Lichen (Parmelia), Powder River

Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 22 (1) 29:29 

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province 23 (1) 30:30 

Columbia Plateaus Province 23 (1) 30:30 

Basin and Range Province 23 (1) 30:30 

Northern Great Plains 23 (1) 20:20 

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 20:20 

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 20:20 

Southern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 20:20 

Wyoming Basin Province 23 (1) 20:20

Availability studies, samples from

Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota,

and Wyoming (dry-weight basis)

Wheatgrass, western 18 (3) 21:21 

Sagebrush, silver 18 (3) 19:19 

Plant biomass, above-ground parts 18 (3) 21:21

2.1

2.2

1.2

1.5

1.1

1.2

.91 

.83

1.41

1.40

1.38

1.36

1.62

1.58

1.23

1.41

1.02

1.02

1.07

1.07

1.03

1.04

1.05

1.17

0.26 - 6.5 

.64 - 7.8

.66 - 2.9

- 2.7

.42 - 6.0 

.41 - 2.5

.58 - 1.2 

.44 - 1.5

PLANTS

0.0088

.0081

.0098

.0048

.0034

.0530

.0220

.0420

1.4

.28 

1.1 

.44 

.33 

.35 

.37 

.30 

.53

.0073

.0120

.0120

1.32

1.27

1.23

1.32

1.20

1.49

1.73

1.60

1.30

1.86

1.60

1.98

2.19

1.94

1.99

1.89

1.84

1.99

1.85

1.94

1.21

1.12

1.23

1.17

1.11

1.09

1.13

1.11

1.21

1.22

1.22

1.22

1.27

1.27

1.27

1.27

1.27

0.0053

.0054

.0057

.0028

.0025

.22

.0087

.019

0.016

.014

.015

.010

.0043

.12

.043

.082

.7-2

1.10

.15 

.5 

.2

.15 

.15 

.2

.15 

.2

.0018

.0052

.0052

.7

3

1

1

1

1

.70

1.5

.0320

.0440

.0510

IRON
TABLES 4-77 87

TABLE 31. Lanthanum in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Devia- Observed Range 

tion Error (ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (2) 80:80 35 1.48 1.30 15-80 

Shale 1 (2) 80:80 42 1.58 1.23 13 - 150

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 2 (2) 24:24 29 1.30 1.16 17 - 44 

Siltstone and shale 2 (2) 24:24 39 1.17 1.13 29-56 

Dark shale 2 (2) 23:23 44 1.19 1.12 29 - 60

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (2) 50:50 33 1.26 1.22 20-62 

Sandstone 4 (2) 42:42 49 1.20 1.10 35 - 70

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (2) 74:74 35 1.48 1.38 13 - 85 

Middle 300 m 5 (2) 53:53 32 1.40 1.32 15-66

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study 6 (2) 60:60 35 1.30 1.25 22 - 70

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Size fraction, <63 ym 7 (1) 23:24 49 1.83 1.49 <30 - 150

Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins,

Colo. and Utah 8 (1) 32:32 45 1.70 1.18 25 - 150

MINE.SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (2) 12:12 32 1.21 1.21 21 - 40

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (2) 12:12 25 1.36 1.26 18 - 51

Plants (dry-weight basis)

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwing saltbush 11 (2) 2:6 <1.1 <1.2 - 1.8 

Alkali sacaton 11 (2) 4:6 0.72 2.94 <0.38 - 2.3

SOILS

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, 

Colo. and Utah; alluvial,

0- to 40-cm depth 12 (2) 30:30 39 1.16 1.15 26 - 65

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 13 (1) 50:64 45 1.54 1.42 <30 - 100 

B horizon 13 (i) 54:64 46 1.47 1.54 <30 - 70 

C horizon 13 (1) 50:64 43 1.59 1.51 <30 - 150

LANTHANUM
88 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 31. Lanthanum in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Err ° r

Observed range 

(ppm)

SOILS Continued

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Soil, 15- to 20-cm depth 20 (1) 39:48 28

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (2) 16:16 36 

C horizon 14 (2) 16:16 36

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (2) 128:136 23 

C horizon 16 (2) 127:136 23

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (2) 36:36 36

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (2) 36:36 35

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (2) 47:47 27 

C horizon 11 (2) 47:47 30

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (2) 30:30 28 

C horizon 24 (2) 30:30 27

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 20:25 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 5:10 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 15:18

1.79

1.27

1.20

1.47

1.55

1.20

1.32

1.38

1.35

1.24

1.33

1.34

1.21

1.19

1.39

1.38

1.15

2.10

1.28

1.21

1.17

1.16

<30 - 70

21 - 49 

26 - 50

<10 - 49 

<10 - 62

25 - 56 

22 - 68

6.9 - 43 

12 - 61

18 - 43 

16 - 46

PLANTS

1.3 

1.2 

1.1

1.98

2.79

1.91

1.95

2.73

1.88

<0.59 - 3.8 

<1.0 - 4.8 

<.47 - 2.4

TABLE 32. Lead in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Observed range 

Error (ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 

Shale 

1 (2) 

1 (2)

72:80 

80:80

5.2

15

2.57

1.86

1.46

1.43

<1.2 - 16

1.6 - 44

LANTHANUM, LEAD
TABLES 4-77 89 

TABLE 32. Lead in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS Continued

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 2 (2) 17:24 3.3 

Siltstone and shale 2 (2) 24:24 14 

Dark shale 2 (2) 23:23 22

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (2) 49:50 11 

Sandstone 4 (2) 42:42 12

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (2) 74:74 21 

Middle 300 m 5 (2) 52:53 14 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 5 (2) 261:264 41

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study 6 (2) 57:60 5.9

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 pm 7 (1) 24:24 17 

100-200 pm 7 (1) 24:24 11 

63-100 ym 7 (1) 24:24 11 

<63 ym 7 (1) 24:24 16

Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins, 

Colo. and Utah

Asphalt Wash, Utah 8 (1) 8:8 18 

Cottonwood Wash, Utah 8 (1) 8:8 19 

Duck Creek, Colo. 8 (1) 8:8 13 

Ryan Gulch, Colo. 8 (1) 8:8 19

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo.

Roan and Black Sulphur Creeks 9 (1) 32:32 18

2.82

1.46

1.19

1.66

1.70

1.71

1.91

1.52

1.34

1.17

1.08

1.31

1.13

1.40

1.48

2.10

1.28

1.26

1.23

1.23

1.16

1.26

1.23

1.14

1.31

1.79

1.15

1.23

1.23

1.23

0.79

6.0

17

<2.8 

5.5

3.5

<4

<20

15

25

37

29

130

170

53

150

<1.2 - 20

10

7

10

15

15

15

10

15

30

15

15

20

20

30

15

20

1.18 15 - 30

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North DakotaDave Johnston mine, Wyoming 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 

Savage mine, Montana 

Velva mine, North Dakota 

Big Sky mine, Montana 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 

San Juan mine, New Mexico 

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation 

San Juan mine, New Mexico 

Plants (dry-weight basis)

San Juan mine, New Mexico 

Fourwing saltbush 

Alkali sacaton 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2)

10 (2)

11 (2)

11 (2)

11 (2) 

11 (2)

10:10 

10:10 

9:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10

12:12

12:12

6:6 

6:6

16

28

17

17

17

14

17

16

11

11

1.2 

1.4

1.82

1.48

2.28

2.14

1.78

1.90

1.75

1.71

1.33

1.15

1.34

1.27

1.11

1.18

5.0 

13

<2.1

3.2

4.2

3

6.9 

5.6

33

44

35

36

35

24

39

31

6.6 - 17

!.2 - 13

0.096 - 1.7 

1.0 - 1.8

LEAD
90 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 32. Lead in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

SOILS

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, Colo.

and Utah; alluvial, 0- to 40-cm depth 12 (2) 30:30 12 1.63 1.22 4.8 - 26

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 13 (1) 64:64 19 1.38 1.15 15-100 

B horizon 13 (1) 64:64 18 1.31 1.20 10 - 30 

C horizon 13 (1) 64:64 17 1.29 1.11 10-30

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Soil, 0- to 2.5-cm depth 20 (1) 48:48 17 1.24 1.19 10 - 30 

Soil, 15- to 20-cm depth 20 (1) 48:48 17 1.45 1.19 10 - 100

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (2) 16:16 7.7 1.55 1.39 2.8 -,12 

C horizon * 14 (2) 16:16 7.1 1.65 1.62 2.9 - 13

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (2) 107:108 26 2.09 1.73 <3.3 - 56

Northern Great Plains: North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (2) 136:136 16 1.54 1.43 5.1 - 41 

C horizon 16 (2) 135:136 15 1.71 1.39 <1.2 - 47

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (2) 36:36 8.6 1.44 1.35 3.1 - 16

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (2) 36:36 12 1.35 1.55 6.0 - 25

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (2) 47:47 13 1.28 1.14 7.8-21 

C horizon 11 (2) 47:47 12 1.36 1.18 5.1 - 24

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (2) 30:30 11 1.20 1.17 8.4 - 19 

C horizon 24 (2) 30:30 9.7 1.29 1.22 6.0 - 18

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 25:25 0.88 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 6:10 ' .52 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 18:18 1.1

Native species (ash-weight basis) 

Lichen (Parmella), Powder River

Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 22 (1) 29:29 110

Sagebrush, big; Powder River Basin,

Wyo. and Mont. 20 (1) 41:41 59

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province 23 (1) 25:30 23

Columbia Plateaus Province 23 (1) 25:30 23

Basin and Range Province 23 (1) 14:30 17

Northern Great Plains 23 (1) 18:20 21

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 19:20 50

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 16:20 21

Southern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 19:20 26

Wyoming Basin Province 23 (1) 18:20 22

PLANTS

1.80

1.37

1.57

1.64

1.55

1.52

1.55

1.51

1.47

3.72

1.73

2.00

1.36

1.27

1.14

1.21

1.17

1.30

1.19

1.19

1.19

1.18

1.18

1.18

1.18

1.18

0.40

<.41

.58

8.0 

.78 

3.0

30 - 200

<30 - 150

<20 

<20 

<20 

<20 

<20 

<20 

<20 

<20

50

70

30

50

700

50

70

30

LEAD
TABLES 4-77 91 

TABLE 32. Lead in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

PLANTS--Continued

Availability studies, samples from 

Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, 

and Wyoming (dry-weight basis)

Wheatgrass, western 

Sagebrush, silver 

Plant biomass, above-ground parts 

18 (3) 

18 (3) 

18 (3)

21:21 

19:19 

21:21

0.63

1.1

1.0

1.96

1.23

1.80 1.22

0.20 - 2.4 

.80 - 1.8 

.43 - 4.0

TABLE 33. Lithium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (3) 80:80 15 

Shale 1 (3) 80:80 31

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 2 (3) 24:24 12 

Siltstone and shale 2 (3) 24:24 35 

Dark shale 2 (3) 23:23 41

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (3) 50:50 32 

Sandstone 4 (3) 42:42 20

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (3) 71:74 35 

Middle 300 m 5 (3) 53:53 65 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 5 (3) 32:32 63

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study 6 (3) 60:60 19

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 y m 7 (3) 18:18 12 

100-200 ym 7 (3) 24:24 11 

63-100 ym 7 (3) 24:24 12 

<63 ym 7 (3) 24:24 18

Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins, 

Colo. and Utah

Asphalt Wash, Utah 8 (3) 8:8 38 

Cottonwood Creek, Utah 8 (3) 8:8 23 

Duck Creek, Colo. 8 (3) 8:8 40 

Ryan Gulch, Colo. 8 (3) 8:8 31

1.37

1.78

1.73

1.37

1.18

1.24

1.20

2.24

1.75

1.29

1.03

1.09

1.31

1.09

1.05

1.03

1.40

1.13

1.05

1.19

2.05

1.48

1.35

1.25

1.34

1.18

1.30

1.30

1.03

1.23

1.23

1.23

1.23

3.0 - 26 

14 - 210

3.4 - 2.3

20 - 56

32 - 51

18 - 54 

13 - 30

<4.8 - 140

13 - 190

30 - 90

10 - 29

6-34

6-34

8-35

13 - 39

29 - 64

17 - 30

26 - 60

21 - 44

LEAD, LITHIUM
92 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 33. Lithium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 10.10

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (3) 10:10

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (3) 10:10

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 10:10

Savage mine, Montana 10 (3) 10:10

Velva mine North Dakota 10 (3) 10:10

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (3) 10:10

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (3) 10:10

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (3) 12:12

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (3) 12:12

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 10:10 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (3) 10:10 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (3) 10:10 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 10:10 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (3) 10:10 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 10:10

White sweetclover

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (3) 10:10 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (3) 10:10

Alfalfa

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 3:3 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (3) 3:3 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (3) 3:3 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 3:3 

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (3) 2:3

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston 

mine, Wyoming

Growing on mine spoil 26 (3) 20:20 

Growing near mine spoil 26 (3) 20:20

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwlng saltbush 11 (3) 6:6 

Alkali sacaton 11 (3) 6:6

24

20

28

23

24

24

29

23

22

17

.9

2.0

1.6

.5

1.4

.4 

1.2

2.0

.7

1.2

4.0

.5

1.3 

.82

1.7 

.29

1.20

1.22

1.28

1.31

1.13

1.14

1.30

1.17

1.10

1.11

1.41

1.45

1.90

1.38

1.25

1.64

1.37

1.69

3.05

1.30

1.45

1.28

1.42

1.87

1.92

1.47

1.72

1.03

1.03

1.18

1.18

1.18

1.18

1.18

1.18

1.18

1.18

1.11

1.11

16 - 29

14 - 25

18 - 39

14 - 32

20 - 29

21 - 33

21 - 55

18 - 29

19 - 26

16 - 22

.5 

.5

.9

.4

1.5

1.6

7.0

2.7

.7

3.7

.2 - .6 

.6 - 2.3

.6 - 4.3

.6 - 1.0

.9 - 1.8

3.1 - 5.0

<.5 - .7

.58 - 4.0 

.29 - 1.8

1.1 - 2.5 

.46

SOILS

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, Colo. 

and Utah; alluvial, 0- to 40-cm depthPowder River Basin, Wyo. 

A horizon 

B horizon 

C horizon 

and Mont.

12 (3)

13 (3) 

13 (3) 

13 (3)

30:30

63:64 

62:64 

61:64

37

22

25

25

1.64

1.55

1.53

1.66

1.04

1.09

1.08

1.07

15 - 85

<10 - 43 

<10 - 46 

<10 - 44

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Soil, 0- to 2.5-cm depth - 

Soil, 15- to 20-cm depth -

20 (3) 

20 (3)

48:48 

48:48

21

24

1.36

1.33

1.07

1.07

11 - 35 

14 - 47

LITHIUM
TABLES 4-77 93 

TABLE 33. Lithium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

SOILS Continued

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (3) 16:16 25 1.16 1.03 20 - 30 

C horizon 14 (3) 16:16 24 1.24 1.04 13 - 31

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (3) 108:108 34 1.55 1.10 16-140

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (3) 136:136 19 1.40 1.06 7.0 - 40 

C horizon 16 (3) 134:136 21 1.48 1.13 <5.0 - 110

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth-- 17 (3) 36:36 18 1.31 1.11 10-32

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (3) 36:36 15 1.49 1.08 8.0 - 40 '

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (3) 47:47 12 1.58 1.21 5.0-31 

C horizon 11 (3) 47:47 13 1.70 1.29 5.0 - 32

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (3) 30:30 13 1.13 1.07 11 - 18 

C horizon 24 (3) 30:30 12 1.37 1.12 5.0 - 25

Cultivated plants, northern Great 

Plains (dry-weight basis)

Oats 21 (3) 6:21 0.10 1.48

Wheat, durum 21 (3) 8:20 .035 2.13

Wheat, hard red spring 21 (3) 16:54 .037 3.16 1.56

Wheat, hard red winter 21 (3) 1:17 <.068

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (3) 21:25 .36 1.42 1.11 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (3) 5:10 .45 1.58 1.15 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (3) 18:18 .63 1.73 1.18

Native species (ash-weight basis) 

Lichen (Parmelia), Powder River

Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 22 (3) 29:29 6.3 1.44 1.14

Sagebrush, big; Powder River Basin,

Wyo. and Mont. 20 (3) 41:41 10 1.78 1.18

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province 23 (3) 29:30 10 2.60 1.17

Columbia Plateaus Province 23 (3) 29:30 8.4 1.97 1.17

Basin and Range Province 23 (3) 26:30 13 2.64 1.17

Northern Great Plains 23 (3) 20:20 16 2.56 1.25

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 16:20 5.9 1.86 1.25

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 17:20 6.8 2.37 1.25

Southern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 13:20 4.8 3.38 1.25

Wyoming Basin Province 23 (3) 20:20 12 1.99 1.25

PLANTS

<0.11 - 0.21 

<.060 - .16 

<.068 - .32 

<.068 - .068

<.22 - .77

<.42 - .92

.26 - 1.4

4-12

2-48

<4 - 114 

<4 - 24 

<4 - 160

4-59 

<4 - 14 

<4 - 17 

<4 - 33

4-26

LITHIUM
94 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 34. Magnesium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method Hsted in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean, except that values preceded by asterisk are arithmetic mean. Deviation, geometric deviation, except that values preceded by asterisk are standard deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures, except that values preceded by asterisk 

are standard error. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(percent)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone - 

Shale -

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 

Siltstone and shale 

Dark shale -

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 

Sandstone 

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 

Middle 300 m 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m)-

Northern Great Plains regional study 

First-order streams - 

Second-order streams 

Third-order streams 

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 ym -

100-200 ym 

63-100 ym - 

<63 pm 

Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins, 

Colo. and Utah

Asphalt Wash, Utah - 

Cottonwood Creek, Utah 

Duck Creek, Colo. - 

Ryan Gulch, Colo. 

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo.

Roan and Black Sulphur Creeks 

1 (3) 

1 (3)

2 (3) 

2 (3) 

2 (3)

3 (3)

4 (3)

5 (3)

5 (3)

5 (3)

80:80 

80:80

24:24 

24:24 

23:23

50:50 

42:42

74:74 

53:53 

32:32

1.1 

1.4

1.6 

1.2 

.94

1.4 

1.1

2.9 

4.2 

2.2

3.5 

2.63

2.19

1.46

1.33

1.55

2.00

1.45

1.44

1.77

1.10

1.02

1.02

1.06

1.05

0.60 - 3.9 

.060 - 3.3

.29 - 5.1

.67 - 1.8

.48 - 1.3

.47 - 2.9 

.19 - 3.0

.32 - 5.4

1.1 - 7.8

.45 - 7.2

STREAM SEDIMENTS

6 (3) 

6 (3) 

6 (3)

7 (3) 

7 (3) 

7 (3) 

7 (3)

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3)

9 (1)

20:20 

20:20 

20:20

18:18 

24:24 

24:24 

24:24

32:32

0.98 

1.2 

.98

0.61 

.60 

1.1 

1.8

1.2

.62 

1.0

.67

1.4

1.27

1.44

1.45

2.52

1.51

1.22

1.08

1.33

1.28

1.19

1.28

1.23

<1.02 

<1.04 

<1.04

1.18

1.08

1.06

1.03

0.61 - 1.6 

.59 - 2.2 

.48 - 1.5

.22 - 2.8

.35 - 1.9

.72 - 2.0

1.6 - 2.4

.98 

.40 

.83 

.53

2.1 

.93 

1.3 

1.1

1.12 .7 - 1.5

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North Dakota- 10 (5) 10.10 1.3 1.27 0.78 - 1.6

MAGNESIUM
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 34. Magnesium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

95

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(percent)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS Continued

Mine spoil Continued

Northern Great Plains Continued

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (5) 10:10

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (5) 10:10

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (5) 10:10

Savage mine Montana 10 (5) 10:10

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (5) 10:10

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (5) 10:10

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (5) 10:10

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (5) 12:12

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (5) 12:12

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 10:10 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 10:10 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 10.10 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (5) 10:10

White sweetclover

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2) 10:10 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (2) 10:10

Alfalfa

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 3:3 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 3:3 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 3:3 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 3:3 

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2) 3:3

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston 

mine, Wyoming

Growing on mine spoil 26 (2) 20:20 

Growing near mine spoil 26 (2) 20:20

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwing saltbush 11 (3) 6:6 

Alkali sacaton 11 (3) 6:6

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, 

Colo. and Utah; alluvial,

0- to 40-cm depth 12 (3) 30:30

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 13 (3) 64:64 

B horizon 13 (3) 64:64 

C horizon 13 (3) 64:64

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (3) 16:16 

C horizon 14 (3) 16:16

0.36 

.43 

1.4 

2.1 

1.3

1.3

1.4

.56

.42

.89 

.47 

.68 

.55 

.46 

.65

.57 

.38

.52 

.30 

.53 

.34 

.42

.11 

.12

.72 

.10

1.44

1.51

1.17

1.16

1.10

1.23

1.34

1.13

1.05

1.21

1.52

1.37

1.57

1.47

1.27

1.62

1.48

2.03

1.24

1.31

1.27

1.35

1.19

1.25

1.13

1.23

1.01

1.01

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.17

0.14 

.25 

1.1 

1.7 

1.1 

.81 

.94

- 1

.70 

.26 

.45 

.22 

.22 

.46

.22 

.18

.25 

.25 

.39 

.27 

.32

.08 

.08

.061

.082

0.49

.99

1.7

2.8

6

1.7

2.7

.45 - .67

.40 - .46

1.13

1.01

1.18

.94

.85

1.06

1.00 

.57

1.04

.37

.66

.43

.58

.17 

.17

.84 

.12

SOILS

1.4

.54 

.67 

.83

*1.3

1.63

1.87

1.72

1.90

*.30

*.49

1.01

1.03

1.02

1.07

*.014

*.020

0.45 - 3.9

.14 

.20 

.13

.58 

.47

1.5 

1.7 

1.7

1.6 

2.2

MAGNESIUM
96 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 34. Magnesium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Devia- Error Observed range 

tion (percent)

SOILS Continued

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (5) 108:108

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Unglaciated area

C horizon 16 (5) 88:88 

Glaciated area

C horizon 16 (5) 48:48 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (5) 136:136 

C horizon 16 (5) 136.136

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (5) 36:36

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (5) 36:36

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (5) 47:47 

C horizon 11 (5) 47:47

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (5) 30:30 

C horizon 24 (5) 30:30

Cultivated plants northern Great Plains 

(dry-weight basis)

Barley 21 (3) 18:18 

Oats 21 (3) 21:21 

Wheat, durum 21 (3) 20:20 

Wheat, hard red spring 21 (3) 54:54 

Wheat, hard red winter 21 (3) 17.17

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (3) 25:25 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (3) 10:10 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (3) 18:18

Native species (ash-weight basis)

Lichen (Parmelia), Powder River Basin,

Wyo. and Mont. 22 (1) 29:29

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province 23 (3) 30:30 

Columbia Plateaus Province 23 (3) 30:30 

Basin and Range Province 23 (3) 30:30 

Northern Great Plains 23 (3) 20:20 

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 20:20 

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 20:20 

Southern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 20:20 

Wyoming Basin Province 23 (3) 20:20

Availability studies, samples from

Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota,

and Wyoming (dry weight basis)

Wheatgrass, western 18 (3) 21:21 

Sagebrush, silver 18 (3) 19:19 

Plant biomass, above-ground parts 18 (3) 21:21

1.9

1.2 

1.6

.66 

1.3

.86

.63

.33 

.37

.25 

.23

1.48

1.81

1.50

1.67

1.73

1.41

1.54

1.64

1.77

1.29

1.58

1.14

1.01

1.01

1.02

1.01

1.04

1.05

1.03

1.04

1.05

1.02

0.51 - 2.7

.21 - 3.5 

.39 - 2.6

.18 - 2.7

.21 - 3.5

.38 - 2.6

.32 - 1.6

.11 - .82 

.096 - .97

.17 - .44 

.11 - .72

PLANTS

0.12 

.13 

.14 

.15 

.14

.063

.58

.14

.64

3.2 

2.6 

3.0 

3.6 

3.2 

2.7 

2.6 

3.2

.07 

.22 

.11

1.13

1.10

1.14

1.19

1.09

1.57

1.31

1.40

1.30

1.29

1.28

1.21

1.43

1.27

1.40

1.34

1.27

1.36

1.30

1.75

1.05

1.08

1.13

1.10

1.05

1.05

1.03

1.03

1.10

1.08

1.08

1.08

1.11

1.11

1.11

1.11

1.11

0.10 

.10 

.12 

.11 

.12

.027

.36

.067

0.16

.16

.19

.27

.16

.14 

.78 

.36

.3 - 1

1.06

2.2 

1.7 - 

2.2 - 

2.2 - 

1.8 - 

1.8 - 

1.8 - 

2.4 -

.04 

.14 

.05

- 5 8 

4.6 

4.0 

6.0 

4.0 

4.8 

3.3 

4.6

.14 

.33 

.49

MAGNESIUM
TABLES 4-77 97

TABLE 35. Manganese in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Devia 

tion Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (2) 79:80 280 

Shale 1 (2) 80:80 320

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 2 (2) 17:24 450 

Siltstone and shale 2 (2) 15:24 450 

Dark shale 2 (2) 11:23 400

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (2) 50:50 300 

Sandstone 4 (2) 42:42 233

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (2) 74:74 310 

Middle 300 m 5 (2) 53:53 220 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 5 (2) 264:264 280

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study 6 (2) 60:60 440

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

200 ym 7 (1) 24:24 310 

100-200 ym 7 (1) 24:24 220 

63-100 ym 7 (1) 24:24 220 

<63 ym 7 (1) 24:24 300

Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins, 

Colo. and Utah

Asphalt Wash, Utah 8 (2) 8:8 520 

Cottonwood Creek, Utah 8 (2) 8:8 580 

Duck Creek, Colo. 8 (2) 8:8 610 

Ryan Gulch, Colo. 8 (2) 8:8 480

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo.

Roan and Black Sulphur Creeks 9 (1) 32:32 260

3.55

3.90

1.54

1.76

2.10

2.55

1.60

1.35

1.44

1.31

1.20

1.27

1.41

1.17

1.29

1.23

1.08

1.20

1.33

1.60

1.63

1.38

1.32

1.49

1.07

1.23

1.15

1.19

1.38

1.18

1.50

1.12

1.15

18

46

260

250

200

2,500

89

190

64

100

>4,600 

2,700

1,000

1,300

1,700

4,700

970

780

420

700

170 - 2,900

200

150

150

200

480

460

460

390

700

300

500

700

580

800

690

590

1.15 150 - 500

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North DakotaDave Johnston mine, Wyoming 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 

Savage mine, Montana 

Velva mine, North Dakota 

Big Sky mine, Montana 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 

10 (2)

10 (2)

10 (2)

10 (2)

10 (2)

10 (2)

10 (2)

10 (2)

9:10 

1:10 

6:10

10:10 

6:10

10:10 

7:10 

9:10

340

210

390

220

260

190

240

1.83

2.30

1.27

2.19

1.20

1.49

1.57

<110 - 790

<110 - 200

<100 - 1,000

310 - 560

<110 - 1,300

200 - 340

<100 - 290

<110 - 410

MANGANESE
98 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 35. Manganese in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppra)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(pptn)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS Continued

Mine spoil Continued

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (2)

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (2)

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2)

White sweetclover

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2) 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (2)

Alfalfa

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2)

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston 

mine, Wyoming

Growing on mine spoil 26 (2) 

Growing near mine spoil 26 (2)

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwing saltbush 11 (2) 

Alkali sacaton 11 (2)

12:12

12:12

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10

10:10 

10:10

3:3 

3:3 

3:3 

3:3 

3:3

20:20 

20:20

6:6 

6:6

340

260

18

27

29

25

17

26

23

17

32

27

45

25

30

39

16

160

50

1.32

1.36

1.28

1.29

1.64

1.45

1.30

1.35

1.23

1.35

1.64

1.37

1.67

1.93

1.83

1.53

1.51

1.59

1.51

1.12

1.26

1.16

1.16

1.16

1.16

1.16

1.16

1.16

1.16

190 - 430

190 - 430

1.23

1.23

11

18

15

13

12

18

16

11

22

19

27

14

15

23

5.6

90

31

-26 

40 

66 

50 

24 

50

29

24

57

35

74

52

45

140

36

240

74

SOILS

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, Colo. 

and Utah; alluvial, 0- to 40-cm depthPowder River Basin, Wyo. 

A horizon 

B horizon 

C horizon 

and Mont.

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Soil, 0- to 2.5-cm depth - 

Soil, 15- to 20-cm depth -

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont. 

A horizon 

C horizon -

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm 

depth 

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Unglaciated area

A horizon 

C horizon 

12 (2)

13 (1)

13 (1)

13 (1)

20 (1) 

20 (1)

14 (2) 

14 (2)

15 (2)

16 (5) 

16 (5)

30:30

64:64 

64:64 

64:64

48:48 

48:48

16:16 

16:16

108:1 08

450

250

220

195

250

230

510

510

480

330

180

1.28

1.86

1.75

2.06

1.63

1.56

1.36

1.59

1.65

2.76

4.20

1.25

1.18

1.42

1.13

<1.02 

<1.02

1.31

1.17

1.60

1.81

1.79

190 - 740

100

70

30

70

100

330

250

1,500

1,000

1,000

1,000

700

1,100

1,300

82 - 1,200

<200 

<200

3,800

3,100

MANGANESE
TABLES 4-77 99 

TABLE 35. Manganese in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

SOILS Continued

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota,

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana Continued 

Glaciated area

A horizon 16 (5) 46:48 720 

C horizon 16 (5) 39:48 440 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (5) 109:136 460 

C horizon 16 (5) 84:136 300

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (2) 36:36 400

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (2) 36:36 330

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (2) 47:47 230 

C horizon 11 (2) 47:47 180

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N Mex.

A horizon 24 (2) 30:30 240 

C horizon 24 (2) 30:30 220

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 25:25 85 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 10:10 71 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 18:18 50

Native species (ash-weight basis) 

Lichen (Parmelia), Powder River

Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 22 (1) 29:29 270

Sagebrush, big; Powder River Basin,

Wyo. and Mont. 20 (1) 41:41 480

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province 23 (1) 30:30 700

Columbia Plateaus Province 23 (1) 30:30 850

Basin and Range Province 23 (1) 30:30 800

Northern Great Plains 23 (1) 20:20 780

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 20:20 1,300

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 20:20 680

Southern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 20:20 840

Wyoming Basin Province 23 (1) 20:20 760

Availability studies, samples from 

Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, 

and Wyoming (dry weight basis)

Wheatgrass, western 18 (3) 21:21 19 

Sagebrush, silver 18 (3) 19:19 38 

Plant biomass, above-ground parts 18 (3) 21:21 25

1.83

2.37

2.38

2.96

1.38

1.43

1.76

1.76

1.42

1.63

1.81

1.79

1.81

1.79

1.11

1.15

1.20

1.25

1.28

1.37

<200 - 2,200 

<200 - 2,200

<200 - 3,800

<200 - 3,100

140 - 710

140 - 700

73 - 1,700 

33 - 510

120 - 470 

81 - 1,100

PLANTS

1.76

1.60

1.29

1.67

1.52

1.84

1.45

1.85

1.75

2.44

1.91

1 82

1.83

1.51

1.46

1.43

1.25

1.21

1.11

1.17

1.18

1.22

1.22

1.22

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

22

29

28

200

160

83

100 - 500

300 - 1,500

1.04

200

500

150

300

500

200

300

300

7.2

15

9.4

1,500

1,500

1,500

2,000

7,000

1,500

2,000

1,500

35

69

55

MANGANESE
100 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 36. Mercury in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study Na refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (4) 80:80 0.032 1.80 1.24 0.010 - 0.17 

Shale 1 (4) 80:80 .060 2.02 1.10 .020 - .48

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont. ,

Sandstone 2 (4) 24:24 .031 1.62 1.37 .020 - .10

Siltstone and shale 2 (4) 24:24 .063 1.25 1.15 .040 - .090

Dark shale 2 (4) 23:23 .11 1.92 1.09 .040 - .44

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (4) 50:50 .10 1.55 1.11 .030 - .24 

Sandstone 4 (4) 42:42 .08 1.90 1.12 .01 - .24

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (4) 74:74 .11 1.36 1.15 .030 - .23 

Middle 300 m 5 (4) 51.:51 .10 1.34 1.17 .05 - .21 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 5 (4) 32:32 .088 1.43 .040 - .21

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study 6 (4) 60:60 0.055 1.34 1.19 0.03 - 0.12

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 Mm 7 (4) 17:17 .041 4.16 1.24 .01 - .19 

100-200 urn 7 (4) 24:24 .019 1.83 1.24 .01 - .07 

63-100 urn 7 (4) 24:24 .019 1.77 1.24 .01 - .06 

<63 urn 7 (4) 24:24 .030 1.42 1.24 .02 - .07

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North DakotaDave Johnston mine, Wyoming 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming----- 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota----- 

Savage mine, Montana - - - 

Velva mine, North Dakota 

Big Sky mine, Montana----- 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan -

San Juan mine, New Mexico -

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation 

San Juan mine, New Mexico10 (4) 

10 (4) 

10 (4) 

10 (4) 

10 (4) 

10 (4) 

10 (4)

10 (4)

11 (4)

11 (4)

9:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10

12:12

12:12

0.055

.034

.074

.058

.052

.046

.055

.062

.030

.010

2.19

1.55

1.53

1.58

1.43

1.12

1.93

1.61

1.80

2.01

1.16

1.22

<0.010 - 0.120

.020 - .070

.040 - .130

.020 - .100

.030 - .090

.040 - .050

.010 - .120

.040 - .190

.020 - .090

.010 - .060

MERCURY
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 36. Mercury in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

101

Study No. 

Sample, and collection locality and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Observed range 

Error (ppm)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS Contlnued

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover 

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 

White sweetclover

Alfalfa 

Beulah North mine, North Dakota -

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston 

mine, Wyoming

San Juan mine, New Mexico

10 (4) 

10 (4) 

10 (4) 

10 (4) 

10 (4) 

10 (4)

10 (4) 

10 (4)

10 (4) 

10 (4) 

10 (4) 

10 (4) 

10 (4)

26 (4) 

26 (4)

11 (4) 

11 (4)

10:10 

9:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10

10:10 

8:10

3:3 

1:3 

2:3 

2:3 

3:3

20:20 

20:20

6:6 

6:6

0.011 

.010 

.015 

.015 

.012 

.010

.010 

.010

.013 

<.01 

.015 

.010 

.013

.011 

.011

.13 

.20

1.25 

1.00 

1.53 

1.43 

1.40 

1.00

1.00 

1.00

1.49

1.60 

1.00 

1.49

1.29 

1.33

1.58 

1.31

1.22 0.01 

1.22 <.07 

1.22 .01 

1.22 .01 

1.22 .01 

1.22

1.22 

1.22 <.01

.01 

<.0l 

<.01 

<.01 

.01

1.28 .01 

1.28 .01

.080 

.15

- 0.02 

- .01 

- .03 

- .02 

- .02

- .01

- .02 

- .02 

- .02 

- .01 

- .02

- .02 

- .02

- .20 

- .25

SOILS

Plceance Creek and Uinta Basins, Colo. 

and Utah; alluvial, 0- to 40-cm depth 

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Soil, 15- to 20-cm depth 

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Piceance Creek Basin, Colorado, 0- to 5-

12 (4)

13 (4) 

13 (4) 

13 (4)

20 (4) 

20 (4)

14 (4) 

14 (4)

i q 1 1, \

30:30

64:64 

63:64 

64:64

48:48 

48:48

16:16 

16:16

i n«. i na

0.027

.021 

.022 

.025

.020 

.023

.027 

.030

nil

1.31

1.61 

1.80 

1.80

1.43 

1.41

1.28 

1.46

 ? 11

1.24 0.02

1.35 .01 

1.23 <.01 

1.20 .01

1.29 .01 

1.37 .01

1.24 .02 

1.26 .01

i .LI _m

- 0.05

- .07 

- .09 

- .16

- .04 

- .04

- .04 

- .04

- .90

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Unglaciated area

A horizon 

Glaciated area

A horizon 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 

C horizon 

16 (4) 

16 (4)

(4) 

(4)

Q 7 < o /: i

48:48

135:136 

136:136

.021

.026

.023

.027

1.48

1.40

1.68

1.74

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.12

<.010 - .050 

.010 - .070

<.010 - .07 

.010 - .23

MERCURY
102 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 36. Mercury in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

SOILS Continued

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth- 17 (4)

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (4)

San Juan Basin, N. Hex.

A horizon 11 (4) 

C horizon 11 (4)

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Hex.

A horizon 24 (4) 

C horizon 24 (4)

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (4) 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (4) 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (4)

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Lichen (Parmelia), Powder River

Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 22 (3)

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province 23 (4) 

Columbia Plateaus Province 23 (4) 

Basin and Range Province 23 (4) 

Northern Great Plains 23 (4) 

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (4) 

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 23 (4) 

Southern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (4) 

Wyoming Basin Province 23 (4)

36:36

35:36

47:47 

46:47

29:30 

25:30

0.026

.020

.020

.020

.020

.020

1.33

1.45

1.49

1.85

1.55

1.72

1.16

1.28

1.56

1.35

1.46

1.91

0.020 - 0.050

<.010 - .030

.010 - .060 

<.010 - .060

<.010 - .030 

<.010 - .040

PLANTS

25:25 

10:10 

18:18

29:29

30:30 

30:30 

30:30 

20:20 

20:20 

20:20 

20:20 

20:20

0.25 

.11 

.19

.098

.027

.032

.030

.025

.024

.021

.020

.023

1.44

1.61

1.51

1.20

1.51

1.40

1.35

1.48

1.46

1.61

1.41

1.30

1.13

1.17

1.15

1.07

1.21

1.21

1.21

1.34

1.34

1.34

1.34

1.34

0.15 - 0.50

.050 - .20

.10 - .45

.07 - .13

.02 - .04

.02 - .05

.02 - .05

.02 - .06

.02 - .05

.01 - .03

.01 - .03

.02 - .03

TABLE 37 . Molybdenum in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No.

and method

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 

Shale 

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont. 

Sandstone - 

Siltstone and shale 

Dark shale -

(2) 

(2)

2 (2)

2 (2)

2 (2)

77:80 

80:80

24:24 

24:24 

23:23

5.0 

8.1

5.0 

8.7 

8.5

2.19

2.16

1.82

1.32

1.77

1.35

1.28

1.36

1.30

1.20

<1.4 - 21 

1.2 - 26

2.0 - 13

5.2 - 14

1.1 - 19

MERCURY, MOLYBDENUM
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 37. Molybdenum in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

103

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS Continued

Core samples Continued

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 

Sands tone 

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 

Middle 300 m - 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m)-

3 (2)

4 (2)

5 (2) 

5 (2) 

5 (2)

50:50 

40:42

74:74

52:53

243:264

6.1 

1.8

14

8.7

19

1.64

1.60

1.68

1.79

1.97

1.82

1.65

1.33

1.28

2.2 - 13 

<1.0 - 7.2

3.5 - 44

<2 - 27

<7 - 70

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study- 6 (2) 54:60 1.96 1.79 <2.2 - 11

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 7:10

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 10:10

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10

Ssvage mine, Montana 10 (2) 8:10

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2) 10:10

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (2) 10:10

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (2) 12:12

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (2) 12:12

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 10:10 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 10:10 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 10:10 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10(2) 10:10

White sweetclover

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2) 10:10 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (2) 10:10

Alfalfa

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 3:3 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 3:3 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 3:3 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 3:3 

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2) 3:3

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston 

mine, Wyoming

Growing on mine spoil 26 (2) 12:20 

Growing near mine spoil 26 (2) 8:20

5.5

2.0 

3.8 

4.9 

3.2 

4.4 

4.6 

4.1

2.7

1.8

2.6 

3.1 

3.4 

6.5 

6.4 

7.9

13

11

2.8 

4.3 

7.4 

5.0 

8.5

.43 

.39

1.69

2.17

1.73

1.75

2.32

1.30

1.32

1.56

1.13

1.29

1.60

2.18

1.68

1.84

1.30

1.25

1.23

1.33

1.52

1.30

2.06

1.54

1.30

1.11

1.12

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

1.15

2.1 

<.56 

1.1 

1.9 

<.8 

2.5 

2.5 

2.2 - 7

1.2 

1.5 

1.9 

2.8 

4.8 

5.3

9.3

6.2

7.8

11

9.9

6.1

6.5

6

2.1 - 3.2

1.3 - 2.!

8.3

14.0

9.5

18.0

10.4

11.8

1.37

1.24

1.21

1.21

10 - 20 

6.4 - 15.9

2.2 - 4.5 

3.5 - 5.8 

4.4 - 17.0 

3.1 - 7.1 

6.4 - 10.8

<.39 - .84 

<.38 - .58

MOLYBDENUM
104 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 37. Molybdenum in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS Continued

Plants (dry-weight basis) Continued

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwing saltbush 11 (2) 

Alkali sacaton 11 (2)

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, 

Colo. and Utah; alluvial,

0- to 40-cm depth 12 (2)

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 13 (1) 

B horizon 13 (1) 

C horizon 13 (1)

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Soil, 0- to 2.5-cm depth 20 (1) 

Soil, 15- to 20-cm depth 20 (1)

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (2) 

C horizon 14 (2)

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (2)

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (2) 

C horizon 16 (2)

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (2)

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (2)

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (2) 

C horizon 11 (2)

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (2) 

C horizon 24 (2)

Cultivated plants, northern Great 

Plains (dry-weight basis)

Barley 21 (6) 

Oats 21 (6) 

Wheat, durum 21 (6) 

Wheat, hard red spring 21 (6) 

Wheat, hard red winter 21 (6)

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (2)

6:6 

6:6

0.73 

.70

1.57

1.29

0.53 - 1.3 

.48 - .90

SOILS

30:30

15:64 

21:64 

16:64

3:48 

3:48

15:16 

16:16

102:108

118:136 

120:136

35:36 

35:36

31:47 

47:47

13:30 

12:30

5.7

.86 

1.3 

.81

1.45

1.42

1.45

1.60

1.23

<3 

<3

5.7 

5.2

5.4

3.8 

4.0

4.7

1.2 

1.4

.98 

.86

1.59

1.60

2.05

1.68

1.72

1.47

1.55

1.71

1.57

1.21

1.81

1.43

1.60

1.51

1.57

1.90

1.24

1.23

1.37

1.36

2.6 - 10

<2 - 7

<2 - 7

<2 - 15

<3 - 20 

<3 - 20

<3.3 - 10 

2.1 - 9.4

<1.04 - 14

<1.0 - 12 

<1.1 - 18

<2.2 - 11 

<2.2 - 11

<1.0 - 6.5 

1.0 - 3.6

<1.0 - 1.4 

<1.0 - 3.4

PLANTS

18:18 

21:21 

20:20 

54:54 

17:17

10:10 

18:18

0.92 

.88 

.48 

.49 

.64

.49 

.54

1.46

1.56

1.46

1.72

1.33

1.64

1.27

1.22 

1.24 

1.31 

1.22 

L.ll

1.13

1.06

0.58 - 2.4

.28 - 1.9

.22 - .88

.08 - 1.1

.4 - 1.1

.24 - 1.5 

.38 - .99

MOLYBDENUM
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 37. Molybdenum in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

105

Study No. 

Sample, and collection locality and method Ratio 

of analysis

Mean 

(ppm)

Devia- Observed range 

tion Error (ppm)

PLANTS Continued

Native species (ash-weight basis) 

Sagebrush, big; Powder River Basin,

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Southern Rocky Mountains Province 

23

23 

23

23

23

23

23 

23

u;

(6)

(6)

(6)

(6)

(6)

(6) 

(6)

(6)

30:

30:

20;

20:

20:

:30

;30

;20

16

16 

21

12

13

10

11

10

1

2

1

1

1

2

1 

2

C Q

.21 

ft n

QQ

QQ

.17 

.71

.11

1.46

1.46

1.46

1.29

1.29

1.29

1.29 

1.29

10 -

4 -

10 -

4 -

4 -

4 -

4 - 

10 -

30

50

sn

20

20

30

30 

40

TABLE BS. Neodymium in rocks, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element waa found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Study No. 

Sample, and collection locality and method Ratio 

of analysis

Mean 

(ppm)

Devia- Observed range 

tion Error (ppm)

ROCKS

Core samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 4 (2) 35:42 69 1.60 1.30 <46 - 140

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

San Juan mine, New MexicoTopsoil used in spoil reclamation 

San Juan mine, New Mexico----- 

11 (2)

11 (2)

5:12

2:12

41 1.79 <46 - 98 

<46 - 53

SOILS

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, Colo. 

and Utah; alluvial, 0- to 40-cm depthPowder River Basin, Wyo. 

A horizon 

B horizon 

C horizon 

and Mont.

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 

C horizon 

12 (2)

13 (1)

13 (1)

13 (1)

16 (2) 

16 (2)

4:30

17:64 

13:63 

11:62

11:136 

4:136

<53

45

44

42

1.16

<53 - 74

<70 - 100

<70 - 70

<70 - 70

<46 - 140 

<46 - 72

MOLYBDENUM, NEODYMINUM
106 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 38. Neodymium in rocks, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Observed range 

Error (ppm)

SOILS Continued

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm 

depth 

San Juan Basin, N. Hex.

A horizon 

C horizon 

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Hex.

A horizon 

C horizon -

17 (2)

11 (2) 

11 (2)

24 (2) 

24 (2)

1:36

6:47 

9:47

2:30 

5:30 24

<220 - 340

<46 - 79 

<46 - 100

<46 - 100 

<46 - 85

TABLE 39. Nickel in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (2) 79:80 16 

Shale 1 (2) 80:80 31

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 2 (2) 24:24 25 

Siltstone and shale 2 (2) 24:24 49 

Dark shale 2 (2) 23:23 59

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (2) 49:50 30 

Sandstone 4 (2) 42:42 26

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (2) 74:74 26 

Middle 300 m 5 (2) 53:53 25 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 5 (2) 264:264 29

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study 6 (2) 60:60 24

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 pm 7 (1) 24:24 13 

100-200 ym 7 (1) 24:24 6 

63-100 pm 7 (1) 24:24 6 

<63 pm 7 (1) 24:24 13

2.65

1.89

2.20

1.27

1.23

1.72

1.60

1.26

2.42

1.33

1.15

1.15

1.14

1.09

1.08

1.11

1.07

1.15

1.18

1.38

2.12

1.62

1.45

1.42

1.17

1.70

1.33

1.37

1.37

<1.0 - 66 

9.1 - 150

5.9 - 70 

33 - 68 

37 - 78

<8.3 - 94 

10 - 80

14 - 47 

1.5 - 190

15 - 70

10 - 45

3-50

3-15

3-15

10 - 30

NEODYMIUM, NICKEL
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 39. Nickel in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

107

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Observed range 

Error (ppm)

STREAM SEDIMENTS Continued

Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins, 

Colo. and Utah 8 (2) 32:32 43 1.76 1.63 10 - 170

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Roan Creek 

Black Sulphur Creek -

9 (1) 

9 (1)

16:16 

16:16

15

18

1.07

1.20

1.07 15 - 20 

1.07 15 - 30

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 31

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 10:10 15

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 10:10 16

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 24

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 10:10 18

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 21

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2) 10:10 14

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (2) 10:10 20

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (2) 12:12 12

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (2) 12:12

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 10:10 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 10:10 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 10:10 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10

White sweetclover

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2) 10:10 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (2) 10:10

Alfalfa

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 10:10 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 10:10 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2) 10:10

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwing saltbush 11 (2) 6:6 

Alkali sacaton 11 (2) 6:6

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, 

Colo. and Utah; alluvial,

0- to 40-cm depth 12 (2) 30:30 20

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 13 (1) 64:64 15 

B horizon 13 (1) 64:64 17 

C horizon 13 (1) 64:64 17

8.6

3.4 

4.1 

4.1 

2.2 

2.8 

2.2

3.4 

1.0

1.6 

1.9 

1.9 

1.7 

1.2

1.9 

.71

1.28

1.46

1.62

1.53

1.34

1.27

1.42

1.38

1.18

1.14

1.32

2.03

1.74

1.54

1.58

1.52

1.66

1.59

2.55

1.28

1.10

1.25

1.55

1.62

1.33

1.06

1.06

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

22 - 42

8.0 - 24

4.6 - 25

10 - 42

11 - 28

15 - 29

8.6 - 22

11 - 29

9.4 - 16

7.1 - 11

2.2

1.4

1.5 

.9

1.7 

.9

.6 

1.4 

1.8 

1.4

5.1

11.1

7.7

4.0

6.9

3.8

6.2 

2.3

3.4 

2.3

2.1

2.2 

1.8

1.1 - 3.4 

.49 - 1.1

SOILS

1.42

1.81

1.78

2.05

1.19

1.38

1.30

1.38

.9 - 35

5-50 

7-70 

5-70

NICKEL
108 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 39. Nickel in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Observed range 

Error (ppm)

SOILS Continued

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Soil, 0- to 2.5-cm depth 20 (1) 46:48 14 1.48 1.23 <5 - 30 

Soil, 15- to 20-cm depth 20 (1) 47:48 15 1.61 1.23 <7 - 50

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (2) 16:16 31 1.40 1.13 14 - 52 

C horizon 14 (2) 16:16 29 1.55 1.27 13 - 56

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (2) 107:108 21 1.83 1.39 <3.4 - 42

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Unglaciated area

C horizon 16 (2) 88:88 18 1.67 1.24 4.1 - 54 

Glaciated area

C horizon 16 (2) 48:48 22 1.44 1.24 9.1 - 44 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (2) 136:136 18 1.46 1.26 4.3 - 64 

C horizon 16 (2) 136:136 19 1.61 1.24 4.1 - 54

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (2) 36:36 22 1.37 1.13 9.9 - 35

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (2) 36:36 18 1.55 1.16 5.8-40

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (2) 47:47 8.4 1.59 1.10 2.8 - 19 

C horizon 11 (2) 47:47 8.6 1.67 1.10 2.3 - 22

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (2) 30:30 6.2 1.29 1.18 3.8 - 12 

C horizon 24 (2) 30:30 5.4 1.53 1.09 2.2 - 12

Cultivated plants, northern Great 

Plains (dry-weight basis)

Barley 21 (1) 18:18 0.20 1.73 1.45 0.10 - 0.67 

Oats 21 (1) 19:21 .53 1.46 1.46 <.27 - .94 

Wheat, durum 21 (1) 20:20 .29 1.14 1.11 .20 - .36 

Wheat, hard red spring 21 (1) 54:54 .32 1.42 1.20 .17 - .67 

Wheat, hard red winter 21 (1) 17:17 .27 1.29 1.14 .18 - .45

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 25:25 .83 1.33 1.18 .50 - 1.8 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 10:10 1.2 1.81 1.41 .50 - 3.4 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 18:18 .66 1.38 1.21 .39 - 1.4

Native species (ash-weight basis) 

Lichen (Parmelia), Powder River

Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 22 (1) 29:29 10 1.44 1.20 7-15

Sagebrush, big; Powder River Basin,

Wyo. and Mont. 20 (1) 41:41 16 1.49 1.29 <10 - 30

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province 23 (1) 28:30 20 2.20 1.22 <10 - 50 

Columbia Plateaus Province 23 (1) 30:30 33 1.91 1.22 10 - 100 

Basin and Range Province 23 (1) 29:30 21 1.84 1.22 <10 - 100

PLANTS

NICKEL
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 39. Nickel in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

109

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

PLANTS Continued

Native species (ash-weight basis) Continued 

Sagebrush, big; regional study Continued

Northern Great Plains 23 (1) 20:20 

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 19:20 

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 20:20 

Wyoming Basin Province 23 (1) 19:20

Availability studies, samples from 

Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, 

and Wyoming (dry weight basis)

Wheatgrass, western 18 (3) 12:21 

Sagebrush, silver 18 (3) 19:19 

Plant biomass, above-ground parts 18 (3) 21:21

31

19

21

15

.13 

1.1 

.38

2.53

2.21

2.15

1.99

2.26

1.51

1.79

1.28

1.28

1.28

1.28

1.18

10 - 150

<10 - 70

10 - 70

<10 - 50

<.07 - .67

.46 - 2.0

.17 - 1.2

TABLE 40. Niobium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Devia 

tion Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (2) 80:80 7.6 

Shale 1 (2) 80:80 39

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 2 (2) 24:24 5.4 

Siltstone and shale 2 (2) 24:24 7.7 

Dark shale 2 (2) 23:23 7.5

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (2) 50:50 6.8 

Sandstone 4 (2) 42:42 18

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (2) 64:74 11 

Middle 300 m 5 (2) 48:53 10

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study 6 (2) 60:60 7.2

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

100-200 ym 7 (1) 13:24 6 

63-100 ym 7 (1) 20:24 10 

<63 ym 7 (1) 24:24 14

1.53

1.51

1.51

1.50

1.62

1.51 

1.5

1.87

2.03

1.41

1.32

1.39

1.35

1.54

1.38

1.24

1.90

1.54

1.67

1.44

1.47

1.43

1.58

1.37

1.01

1.37

2.4 - 16 

17 - 81

2.2 - 11

4.2 - 18

3.2 - 18

2.6 - 19 

5.4 - 37

<4.0 - 39 

<4.0 - 30

2.2 - 17

<7 - 10 

>7 - 20 

10 - 30

NICKEL, NIOBIUM
110 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 40. Niobium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

STREAM SEDIMENTS Continued

Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins, 

Colo. and Utah

Ashphalt Wash, Utah 

Cottonwood Creek, Utah - 

Duck Creek, Colo. - 

Ryan Gulch, Colo. -

8 (1)

8 (1)

8 (1)

8 (1)

13

14

9.2

14

1.23

1.21

1.30

1.15

10 - 15

10 - 15

7-15

10 - 15

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 9:10 9.9

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 9:10 9.9

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 10:10 12

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 6:10 6.3

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 7:10 6.9

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 9:10 9.1

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2) 9:10 9.3

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (2) 7:10 7.0

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (2) 12:12 9.2

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (2) 12:12 11

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 9:10 1.0 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 9:10 1.5 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 10:10 1.8 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 8:10 1.0 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 8:10 .7 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 7:10 1.2

White sweetclover

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2) 10:10 1.1 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (2) 10:10 1.1

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwing saltbush 11 (2) 4:6 1.0 

Alkali sacaton 11 (2) 6:6 .65

1.92

1.91

1.35

2.23

1.88

1.84

1.70

2.12

1.41

1.26

1.92

2.16

1.85

2.58

2.55

2.17

1.68

1.55

2.83

1.99

1.26

1.20

1.57

1.57

1.57

1.57

1.57

1.57

1.57

1.57

<2.8 - 24

<2.9 - 22

8.2 - 21

<2.5 - 24

<3 - 17

<3 - 25

<2.8 - 17

<3 - 18

5.1 - 15

7.5 - 16

.7 -

- 3

.6 

.5

2.3 

3.8 

6.7 

2.9 

2.8 

0

2.9 

1.8

<.52 - 3.0 

.26 - 1.3

SOILS

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, Colo. 

and Utah; alluvial, 0- to 40-cm depthPowder River Basin, Wyo. 

A horizon 

B horizon 

C horizon 

and Mont.

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Soil, 0- to 2.5-cm depth - 

Soil, 15- to 20-cm depth -

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont. 

A horizon 

C horizon 

12 (2)

13 (1) 

13 (1) 

13 (1)

20 (1) 

20 (1)

14 (2) 

14 (2)

30:30

32:64 

35:64 

27:64

26:48 

26:48

16:16 

16:16

30

6.2 

6.6 

5.4

6.2 

6.2

8.4 

6.4

1.41

1.41

1.38

1.39

1.68

1.68

1.56

1.73

1.35

1.56

1.72

15 - 57

<7 - 15

<7 - 15

<7 - 15

<10 - 10 

<10 - 10

3-15 

2.3 - 16

NIOBIUM
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 40. Niobium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

111

Sample, and collection locality

Study No.

and method Ratio 

of analysis

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Observed range 

Error (ppm)

SOILS Continued

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (2) 97:108

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (2) 133:136 

C horizon 16 (2) 131:136

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (2) 36:36

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (2) 36:36

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (2) 47:47 

C horizon 11 (2) 47:47

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (2) 30:30 

C horizon 24 (2) 28:30

Cultivated plants, Northern Great 

Plains (dry-weight basis)

Barley 21 (1) 14:18 

Oats 21 (1) 19:21 

Wheat, durum 21 (1) 33:54 

Wheat, hard red spring 21 (1) 11:17 

Wheat, hard red spring 21 (1) 16:20

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 22:25 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 4:10 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 14:18

7.0

7.4

13

12

10

9.2

2.LI

1.51

1.65

1.32

1.39

1.27

1.32

1.26

1.43

1.97

1.48

1.55

1.38

1.41

1.32

1.18

1.15

1.26

<2.2 - 21

<2.2 - 19 

<2.2 - 22

4.5 - 15

3.1 - 16

6.4 - 22 

5.0 - 21

5.6 - 15 

<4.6 - 15

PLANTS

0.33 

.53 

.18 

.16 

.26

.70 

.41 

.41

1.53

1.46

1.78

1.60

1.68

2.01

3.23

1.96

1.53

1.46

1.78

1.60

1.68

65

.31

1.62

<.24 - 2.0 

<.36 - 2.2 

<.22 - 1.2

TABLE 41. Phosphorus in stream sediments, plants associated with mine spoil, soils, and other plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(percent)

Deviation Error

Observed Range 

(percent)

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins, 

Colo. and Utah - 9 (2) 32:32 0.083 1.17 1.04 0.061 - 0.11

NIOBIUM, PHOSPHORUS
112 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 41. Phosphorus in stream sediments, plants associated with mine spoil, soils, and other plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(percent)

PLANTS ASSOCIATED WITH MINE SPOIL

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover 

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 

White sweetclover

Alfalfa 

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston 

mine, Wyoming

San Juan mine, New Mexico

10 (6) 

10 (6) 

10 (6) 

10 (6) 

10 (6) 

10 (6)

10 (6) 

10 (6)

10 (6) 

10 (6) 

10 (6) 

10 (6) 

10 (6)

26 (6) 

26 (6)

11 (6) 

11 (6)

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10

10:10 

10:10

3:3 

3:3 

3:3 

3:3 

3:3

20:20 

20:20

6:6 

6:6

.99 

.12 

.12 

.13 

.09 

.12

.10 

.13

.07 

.13 

.08 

.10 

.10

.084 

.13

.084 

.034

1.23 

1.28 

1.20 

1.18 

1.33 

1.41

1.17 

1.28

1.16 

1.18 

1.12 

1.55 

1.30

1.38 

1.24

1.27 

1.14

1.14 .06 - 

1.14 .09 -

1.14 .09 -

1.14 .09 - 

1.14 .06 - 

1.14 .06 -

1.14 .08 -

1.14 .09 -

.06 - 

.11 - 

.07 - 

.06 -

.07 -

1.17 .041 - 

1.17 .09 -

.065 - 

.026 -

.13 

.18 

.15 

.16 

.14 

.20

.12 

.18

.08 

.15 

.09 

.15 

.11

.17 

.19

.12 

.039

SOILS

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

16 (5) 

16 (5)

107:136 

92:136

0.074 

.078

1.37 

1.49

1.49 <0.044 - 

1.40 <.044 -

0.13 

.13

PLANTS

Cultivated plants, northern Great 

Plains (dry-weight basis)

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Native species (ash-weight basis) 

Sagebrush, big; regional study

21 (6) 

21 (6) 

21 (6) 

21 (6) 

21 (6)

19 (6) 

19 (6) 

19 (6)

23 (6)

OT f&\

18:18 

21:21 

20:20 

54:54 

17:17

25:25 

10:10 

18:18

30:30 

in-in

0.20 

.25 

.29 

.29 

.26

.056 

.091 

.062

3.3 

1. 1

1.16 

1.21 

1.14 

1.29 

1.18

1.52 

1.53 

1.33

1.32 

i .in

1.11 0.16 - 

1.15 .16 - 

1.11 .20 -

1.18 .15 - 

1.12 .18 -

1.11 .016 - 

1.11 .059 - 

1.07 .042 -

1.07 1.6 - 

i .n? 1.7-

0.32 

.32 

.36 

.50 

.32

.13 

.17 

.10

4.4 

A. 4

PHOSPHORUS
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 41. Phosphorus in stream sediments, plants associated with mine spoil, soils, and other plants Continued

113

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(percent)

PLANTS Continued

Native species (ash-weight basis) Continued 

Sagebrush, big; regional study Continued

Basin and Range Province 23 (6) 30:30 

Northern Great Plains 23 (6) 20:20 

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (6) 20:20 

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 23 (6) 20:20 

Southern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (6) 20:20 

Wyoming Basin Province 23 (6) 20:20

3.1 

3.3 

3.6 

3.4 

3.0 

3.7

1.22

1.23

1.25

1.31

1.24

1.13

1.07

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

2.3

2.4

2.4

2

2.2

2.8

1 -

4.0 

4.2 

4.6 

4.5 

3.9 

4.2

TABLE 42. Potassium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean, except that values preceded by asterisk are arithmetic mean. Deviation, geometric deviation, except that values preceded by asterisk are standard deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures, except that values preceded by asterisk 

are standard error. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(percent)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (5) 80:80 1.4 

Shale 1 (5) 80:80 1.9

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 2 (5) 24:24 1.6 

Siltstone and shale 2 (5) 24:24 2.2 

Dark shale 2 (5) 23:23 2.2

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (5) 50:50 2.2 

Sandstone 4 (5) 42:42 1.5

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (5) 74:74 1.7 

Middle 300 m 5 (5) 51:51 1.2 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 5 (5) 32:32 1.9

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study 6 (5) 60:60 1.7

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 pm 7 (5) 19:19 1.7

1.36

1.99

1.35

1.18

1.26

1.24

1.20

1.67

1.52

1.33

<1.03 

<1.07

1.12

1.03

1.07

1.02

1.04

1.01

1.02

1.09

1.16

1.01

1.06

0.59 - 2.2 

.24 - 3.3

.91 - 2.3 

2.0 - 5.4 

1.1 - 2.7

1.3 - 3.2 

1.0 - 2.4

.25 - 5.1

.27 - 3.0

.70 - 2.8

1.3 - 2.2

1.1 - 2.0

PHOSPHORUS, POTASSIUM
114 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 42. Potassium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Devia- Error 

tion

Observed range 

(percent)

STREAM SEDIMENTS Continued

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. Continued 

Size fractions Continued

63-100 ym 

Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins, 

Colo. and Utah

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo.

Mine spoil 

Northern Great Plains

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

7 (5)

7 (5) 

8f r \

(:>)

(->)

(->)

9 (1)

MINE SPOIL AND

10 (5)

10 (5)

10 (5)

10 (5)

10 (5)

10 (5)

10 (5)

10 (5)

11 (5) 

- i i f^ \

24:24 

24:24 

24:24

8:8 

8:8 

8:8 

8:8

32:32

ASSOCIATED

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10

12:12

19-19

1.5 

1.5

1.7

2.2 

1.6 

1.8 

2.1

3.1

MATERIALS

1.8 

2.0 

1.3 

1.7 

1.9 

1.6 

1.9 

1.5

1.4

1 S

1.18 1.03 

1.13 1.03 

1.08 1.04

1.04

1.12 

1.09

1.10

1.09 1.01

i i n 

i.n

1.14

1.16 

1.09 

1.04

1.10

1.05 

1.12 1.01

ins i . ni

1.1 -

1.2 - 

1.5 -

2.1 -

1.4 -

1.8 - 

1.8 -

3 -

1.6 - 

1.6 -

1.0 - 

1.4 -

1.7 - 

1.4 - 

1.5 - 

1.4 -

1.1 -

1 . A -

2.0 

2.0 

2.2

2.4 

1.9 

2.3 

2.3

5

2.1 

2.2 

1.6 

2.1 

2.2 

1.7 

2.0 

1.6

1.6 

1 .ft

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover

Beulah North mine, North DakotaDave Johnston mine, Wyoming 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming- - 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota------

Savage mine, Montana 

Velva mine, North Dakota--------

White sweetclover

Big Sky mine, Montana 

Utility mine, SaskatchewanAlfalfa

Beulah North mine, North DakotaDave Johnston mine, Wyoming 

Savage mine, Montana----------

Velva mine, North Dakota - 

Big Sky mine, Montana -

10 (3) 

10 (3) 

10 (3) 

10 (3) 

10 (3) 

10 (3)

10 (3) 

10 (3)

10 (3) 

10 (3) 

10 (3) 

10 (3) 

10 (3)

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10

10:10 

10:10

3:3 

3:3 

3:3 

3:3 

3:3

1.2 

1.8 

1.6 

1.6

1.3

1.4

1.9 

1.2

1.1 

1.5 

1.0 

1.5 

1.9

1.11

1.28

1.09

1.15

1.20

1.15

1.12

1.11

1.16

1.19

1.17

1.17

1.08

1.04

1.04

1.04

1.04

1.04

1.04

1.04

1.04

1.0

1.3

1.4

1.2

1.0

1.1

1.7

1.1

1.0

1.3

.9

1.2

1.8

- 1.4

- 2.5

- 1.8

- 1.9

- 1.9

- 1.7

- 2.5

- 1.5

- 1.3

- 1.9

- 1.2

- 1.6

- 2.0

POTASSIUM
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 42. Potassium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

115

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(percent)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS Continued

Plants (dry-weight basis) Continued

Northern Great Plains Continued 

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston 

mine, Wyoming

Growing on mine spoil 26 (3) 20:20 1.2 0.72 - 1.6 

Growing near mine spoil 26 (3) 20:20 1.1 .90 - 1.4

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwing saltbush 11 (3) 6:6 2.6 1.24 2.1 - 3.2 

Alkali sacaton 11 (3) 6:6 .24 1.34 .16 - .35

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, 

Colo. and Utah; alluvial,

0- to 40-cm depth 12 (5) 30:30 *2.1 *0.45 0.028 0.96 - 3.1

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 13 (5) 64:64 1.9 1.12 1.04 1.6-2.7 

B horizon 13 (5) 64:64 1.9 1.14 1.04 1.6 - 2.8 

C horizon 13 (5) 64:64 1.9 1.13 1.02 1.6 - 2.6

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (5) 16:16 *1.8 *.21 *.041 1.4 - 2.1 

C horizon 14 (5) 16:16 *1.7 *.13 *.042 1.3 - 1.8

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (5) 108:108 2.3 1.22 1.05 .77 - 3.2 

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Unglaciated area

A horizon 16 (5) 88:88 1.9 1.12 1.02 1.4 - 2.6 

C horizon 16 (5) 88:88 1.8 1.17 1.02 1.2 - 3.0 

Glaciated area

A horizon 16 (5) 48:48 1.7 1.09 1.02 1.3 - 2.0 

C horizon 16 (5) 48:48 1.5 1.16 1.02 1.0 - 2.0 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (5) 136:136 1.8 1.13 1.02 1.3 - 2.7 

C horizon 16 (5) 136:136 1.7 1.19 1.02 1.0 - 3.0

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (5) 36:36 1.5 1.19 1.07 .97 - 2.0

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (5) 36:36 1.5 1.19 1.07 .97 - 2.0

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (5) 47:47 1.7 1.21 1.02 .85 - 2.3 

C horizon 11 (5) 47:47 1.5 1.31 1.03 .56 - 2.3

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (5) 30:30 2.1 1.05 1.09 1.8 - 2.4 

C horizon 24 (5) 30:30 2.1 1.17 1.09 1.7 - 3.1

SOILS

POTASSIUM
116 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 42. Potassium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method Ratio 

of analysis

Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(percent)

PLANTS

Cultivated plants, northern Great 

Plains (dry-weight basis)

Barley - 

Oats - 

Wheat, durumWheat, hard red spring - 

Wheat, hard red winter 

Native species (dry-weight basis) 

Galleta, San Juan Basin -- 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan BasinSnakeweed, San Juan Basin 

Native species (ash-weight basis) 

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province --

Columbia Plateaus Province -

Basin and Range Province 

Northern Great Plains 

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 

Southern Rocky Mountains ProvinceWyoming Basin Province 

Availability studies, samples from 

Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, 

and Wyoming (dry-weight basis)

Wheatgrass, western 

Sagebrush, silver 

Plant biomass, above-ground parts21 (3) 

21 (3) 

21 (3) 

21 (3) 

21 (3)

19 (3)

19 (3)

19 (3)

23 (3)

23 (3)

23 (3)

23 (3)

23 (3)

23 (3)

23 (3)

23 (3)

18 (3) 

18 (3) 

18 (3)

18:18 

21:21 

20:20 

54:54 

17:17

25:25 

10:10 

18:18

30:30 

30:30 

30:30 

20:20 

20:20 

20:20 

20:20 

20:20

21:21 

19:19 

21:21

0.44 

.45 

.42 

.39 

.37

.36 

3.0 

.74

30

27

30

29

30

29

30

29

.31 

1.1 

.29

1.16

1.11

1.21

1.24

1.14

1.84

1.56

1.48

1.12 

1.17 

1.13 

1.12 1.12' 

1.15

1.17

1.18

1.46

1.16

1.54

1.04

1.06

1.14

1.13

1.07

1.78

1.53

1.45

1.06 

1.06 

'1.06 

1.03 

1.03 

1.03 

1.03 

1.03

1.04

0.34 

.40 

.25 

.24 

.30

.096 

1.0 

.37

25

18

23

25

26

21

22

22

.14 

.17 

.13

0.64

.54

.60

.62

.49

1.1 

4.6 

2.0

37

33

34

33

35

34

36

34

.49 

1.3 

.64

TABLE 43. Praseodymium in topsoil associated with mine soil and other soils

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method Ratio 

of analysis

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Observed range 

Error (ppm)

TOPSOIL ASSOCIATED WITH MINE SPOIL

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation 

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (2) 2:12 <46 - 52

SOILS

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon -

C horizon 

16 (2) 

16 (2)

1:136 

3:136

<22 - 54 

<22 - 43

POTASSIUM, PRASEODYMIUM
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 43. Praseodymium in topsoil associated with mine soil and other soils Continued

117

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Observed range 

Error (ppm)

SOILS Continued

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm 

depth 

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 

C horizon 

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 

C horizon -

17 (2)

11 (2) 

11 (2)

24 (2) 

24 (2)

1:36

6:47 

2:47

1:30 

1:30

<22 - 66

<46 - 64 

<46 - 50

<46 - 48 

<46 - 47

TABLE 44. Rubidium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean, except that values preceded by asterisk are arithmetic mean. Deviation, geometric deviation, except that values preceded by asterisk are standard deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures, except that values preceded by asterisk 

are standard error. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean Devia- 

(ppm) tion

Error Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (3) 80:80 58 

Shale 1 (3) 80:80 110

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 2 (3) 24:24 52 

Siltstone and shale 2 (3) 24:24 90 

Dark shale 2 (3) 23:23 88

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (3) 50:50 110 

Sandstone 4 (3) 42:42 59

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (3) 73:74 68 

Middle 300 m 5 (3) 53:53 100 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 5 (3) 32:32 98

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study 6 (3) 60:60 70

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 yra 7 (3) 18:18 60 

100-200 ym 7 (3) 24:24 49 

63-100 ym 7 (3) 24:24. 53 

<63 ym 7 (3) 24:24 61

1.36

1.85

1.42

1.34

1.47

1.29

1.20

1.49

1.30

1.27

1.04

1.06

1.18

1.27

1.14

1.04

1.05

2.36

1.06

1.19

1.34

1.36

1.36

1.27

1.06

1.16

1.16

1.16

1.16

25 - 100 

15 - 200

25 - 84

51 - 130

33 - 140

65 - 170 

35 - 90

<8.0 - 120 

40 - 170 

60-140

50 - 100

35 - 90

30 - 80

25 - 70

40 - 110

PRASEODYMIUM, RUBIDIUM
118 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 44. Rubidium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(ppm)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

49 - 87 

57 - 96 

44 - 110 

38 - 76 

64 - 89 

48 - 75 

59 - 85 

44 - 60

55 - 80

65 - 75

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 10:10 68 1.19

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (3) 10:10 82 1.17

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (3) 10:10 69 1.32

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 10:10 57 1.26

Savage mine, Montana 10 (3) 10:10 72 1.15

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 10:10 55 1.14

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (3) 10:10 70 1.12

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (3) 10:10 51 1.10

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (3) 12:12 71 1.14 1.06

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (3) 12:12 70 1.05

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, 

Colo. and Utah; alluvial,

0- to 40-cm depth 12 (3) 30:30 *88 *12.0 *2.16 45 - 130

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 13 (3) 64:64 *84 *13.1 *7.55 58 - 110 

B horizon 13 (3) 64:64 *87 *16.4 *16.4 13 - 120 

C horizon 13 (3) 64:64 *86 *15.1 *4.52 56 - 110

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (3) 16:16 *80 *13.6 *7.42 60 - 110 

C horizon 14 (3) 16:16 *74 46 - 95

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (3) 108:108 105 1.29 1.09 40 - 190

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Unglaciated area

A horizon 16 (3) 88:88 77 1.20 1.07 52 - 110 

C horizon 16 (3) 88:88 75 1.29 1.09 40 - 150 

Glaciated area

A horizon 16 (3) 48:48 65 1.18 1.07 38 - 86 

C horizon 16 (3) 48:48 58 1.29 1.09 30 - 100 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (3) 136:136 72 1.21 1.07 38- 110 

C horizon 16 (3) 136:136 69 1.32 1.09 30 - 150

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (3) 36:36 55 1.32 1.25 30 - 90

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (3) 36:36 63 1.35 1.33 30 - 110

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (3) 47:47 57 1.56 1.64 15 - HO 

C horizon 11 (3) 47:47 62 1.47 1.30 25 - 110

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (3) 30:30 83 1.15 1.08 65 - 110 

C horizon 24 (3) 30:30 86 1.22 1.16 65 - 140

SOILS

RUBIDIUM
TABLES 4-77 119

TABLE 45. Scandium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed Range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (2) 69:80 5.7 2.06 1.23 <3.0 - 15 

Shale 1 (2) 80:80 12 1.49 1.17 4.3 - 27

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 2 (2) 24:24 7.4 1.52 1.22 3.3 - 15 

Siltstone and shale 2 (2) 24:24 16 1.34 1.15 9.2 - 27 

Dark shale 2 (2) 23:23 19 1.20 1.09 13 - 24

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (2) 48:50 11 1.64 1.34 <3.3 - 24 

Sandstone 4 (2) 42:42 10 1.50 1.16 4.6 - 28

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (2) 74:74 6.3 1.47 1.40 2.8 - 15 

Middle 300 m 5 (2) 53:53 6.3 1.37 1.18 2.0-11 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 5 (2) 199:264 11 1.37 <10 - 20

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study 6 (2) 59:60 7.8 1.54 1.32 2.1 - >22

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 urn 7 (1) 15:24 3 2.28 1.52 <2 - 10 

63-100 urn 7 (1) 20:24 3 1.55 1.22 <2 - 7 

<63 urn 7 (1) 24:24 6 1.48 1.36 3-15

Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins, 

Colo. and Utah

Asphalt Wash, Utah 8 (1) 8:8 12 1.33 ~ 7-15 

Cottonwood Creek, Utah 8 (1) 8:8 11 1.28 7-15 

Duck Creek, Colo. 8 (1) 8:8 7 1.34 5-10 

Ryan Gulch, Colo. 8 (1) 8:8 12 1.33 7-15

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo.

Roan and Black Sulphur Creeks 9 (1) 32:32 8.0 1.37 1.16 7-15

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (2) 12:12 5.4 1.33 1.09 3.6-9.0 

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (2) 12:12 3.9 1.14 1.10 3.1 -5.2

SCANDIUM
120 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 45. Scandium in rocks, stream sediments,mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(ppm)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS Continued

Plants (dry-weight basis)

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwing saltbush 11 (2) 

Alkali sacaton 11 (2)

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, Colo.

and Utah; alluvial, 0- to 40-cm depth 12 (2)

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 13 (1) 

B horizon 13 (1) 

C horizon 13 (1)

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Soil, 0- to 2.5-cm depth 20 (1) 

Soil, 15- to 20-cm depth 20 (1)

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (2) 

C horizon 14 (2)

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (2)

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (2) 

C horizon 16 (2)

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (2)

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (2)

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (2) 

C horizon 11 (2)

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (2) 

C horizon 24 (2)

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (2)

6:6 

6:6

0.43 

.19

1.21

1.32

0.34 - 0.51 

.14 - .24

SOILS

30:30

58:64 

62:64 

59:64

44:48 

47:48

16:16 

16:16

99:108

114:136 

122:136

32:36

34:36

47:47 

47:47

30:30 

30:30

7.8

7.5 

8.6 

8.5

7.9 

7.8

10

9.2

5.4 

5.7

5.9

5.3

3.6

4.0

2.9 

2.5

1.19

1.49

1.50

1.63

1.32

1.60

1.45

1.60

1.66

1.67

1.75

1.59

1.47

1.59

1.61

1.22

1.32

1.10

1.24

1.25

1.24

1.18

1.18

1.23

1.40

1.48

1.57

1.70

1.19

1.23

1.12

1.15

1.16

1.15

3.1 - 12

<5 - 15

<5 - 15

<5 - 15

<3 - 15 

<3 - 15

3.8 - 16 

4.1 - 16

<2.1 - 13

<3.0 - 17 

<3.0 - 24

<3.0 - 12

<3.0 - 11

1.5 - 11 

1.5 - 11

2.0 - 4.3 

1.7 - 4.4

PLANTS

22:25

8:10

18:18

0.25 

.30 

.26

1.43

1.55

1.41

1.29

1.36

1.28

<0.13 - 0.51

<.19 - .59

.13 - .61

SCANDIUM
TABLES 4-77 121

TABLE 46. -Selenium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

(Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Observed range 

Error (ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (18) 68:80 0.19 1.96 1.85 <0.10 - 0.66

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

UellTK. Sl"Lcl.L&

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

t- \iOJ 

2f 1 Q \

(io)

(io)

4 (18)

19:24 

20:23

35:50 

31:42

.21 

.30

.16 

.31

2.24 

2.70

2.28 

1.80

2.19 <.10 - .79 

1.37 <.10 - .99

1.92 <.08 - .62 

1.90 <.2 - 1.5

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 pm -

1 00-200 pm 

63-100 pm -

6 (5)

7 (5)

7 (5)

7 (5)

7 (5)

50:60

10:19 

14:24 

17:24 

18:24

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED

Mine spoil 

Northern Great Plains

10 (5)

10 (5)

10 (5)

10 (5)

10 (5)

10 (5)

10 (5)

10 (5) 

 i i f^\

8:10 

9:10 

10:10 

8:10 

8:10 

9:10 

7:10 

7:10

A- 1 9

0.19

.12 

.13 

.13 

.17

MATERIALS

0.19 

.28 

.31 

.22 

.20 

.21 

.17 

.17

1 Q

1.78

2.69 

2.18 

1.83 

2.92

1.97 

1.99 

1.45 

1.90 

2.40 

1.78 

1.90 

1.94

9 An

1.59 <0.11 - .46

2.23 <.l - .60

1.97 <.l - .48 

1.29 <.l - .50 

2.66 <.l - .54

<0.1 - 0.41 

<.l - .69

.18 - .49 

<.l - .45

<.l - .66 

<.l - .54

<.l - .40

S 1 7Q

< - ) - .70

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover

Beulah North mine, North DakotaDave Johnston mine, Wyoming 

11 (5)

10 (13) 

10 (13)

5:12

10:10 

10:10

.18

.15 

.37

1.91

2.05

2.73

1.45

1.45

- .50

.08 - .60 

.10 - 3.00

SELENIUM
122 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 46. Selenium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Study No. 

Sample, and collection locality and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppra)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(ppra)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS Continued

Plants Continued

Northern Great Plains Continued 

Yellow sweetclover Continued

White sweetclover

Alfalfa 

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston 

mine, Wyoming

San Juan mine, New Mexico

10 

10 

10 

10

10 

10

10 

10 

10 

10 

10

26 

26

11 

11

(13) 

(13) 

(13) 

(13)

(13) 

(13)

(13) 

(13) 

(13) 

(13) 

(13)

(13) 

(13)

(13) 

(13)

10: 

10: 

10: 

10:

10: 

10:

3: 

3: 

3: 

3: 

3:

20: 

20:

6: 

6:

10

10 

10 

10

10

10

3 

:3 

3 

:3 

3

20 

:20

6 

:6

0.53 

.17 

1.30 

.49

.42 

.23

.18 

.34 

1.10 

.33 

.22

.27 

.23

.22 

.096

1 

2 

2 

2

2 

1

2 

2 

2

1 

2

1 

1

2 

1

.85 

.28 

.50 

.07

.26 

.93

.66 

.il 

.09 

.18 

.13

.73 

.91

.10 

.13

1.45 0.15 - 

1.45 .06 - 

1.45 .60 - 

1.45 .15 -

1.45 .08 - 

1.45 .06 -

.06 - 

.20 -

.75 -

.30 - 

.10 -

1.21 .10 -

1.21 .10 - 

.10 -

.080 -

1.20 

.55 

6.00 

2.00

1.00 

.50

.35 

.80

2.70 

.40 

.45

.70 

.60

.45 

.10

SOILS

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, Colo. 

and Utah; alluvial, 0- to 40-cm depth 

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

12

13 

13 

13

14 

14

i R

(5)

(5) 

(5) 

(5)

(5) 

(5)

f^^

12:

52: 

57: 

49:

12: 

12:

H7.

30

:64 

:64 

:64

;16 

:16

i n«

0.079

.25 

.30 

.23

.17 

.18

9R

2

2 

2 

2

1 

2

9

.72

.40 

.27 

.42

.91

.04

_m

<0.1 -

1.71 <.l - 

1.69 <.l - 

1.76 <.l -

1.87 <.12 - 

2.04 <.ll -

1 .7? <.ll -

0.57

1.1 

2.2 

1.6

.37 

.45

1.2

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Unglaciated area

A horizon 

Glaciated area

A horizon 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 

C horizon 

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 

16 (5) 

16 (5)

16 (5)

16 (5)

17 (5)

62:88 

42:48

104:136 

95:136

18:36

.43 

.47

.45 

.34

.11

2.93

2.45

2.72

2.61

3.18

2.18

2.18

2.18

2.92

- 20

- 10

- 20

- 26

- 1.1

SELENIUM
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 46. Selenium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

123

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(ppm)

SOILS Continued

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (5) 17:36

San Juan Basin, N. Hex.

A horizon 11 (5) 15:47 

C horizon 11 (5) 13:47

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Hex.

A horizon 24 (5) 17:30 

C horizon 24 (5) 16:30

Cultivated plants, northern Great 

Plains (dry-weight basis)

Barley 21 (13) 18:18 

Oats 21 (13) 21:21 

Wheat, durum 21 (13) 20:20 

Wheat, hard red spring 21 (13) 54:54 

Wheat, hard red winter 21 (13) 17:17

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (13) 25:25 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (13) 10:10 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (13) 18:18

Native species (dry-weight basis) 

Lichen (Parmelia), Powder River

Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 22 (13) 29:29

Sagebrush, big; Powder River Basin,

Wyo. and Mont. 20 (24) 41:41

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province 23 (13) 30:30

Columbia Plateaus Province 23 (13) 30:30

Basin and Range Province 23 (13) 30:30

Northern Great Plains 23 (13) 20:20

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (13) 20:20

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 23 (13) 20:20

Southern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (13) 20:20

Wyoming Basin Province 23 (13) 20:20

0.098

.14 

.13

.23

.20

2.28

2.35

2.25

1.77

1.85

<0.10 - 0.38

<.20 - .80 

<.20 - .50

<.20 - .50 

<.20 - .70

PLANTS

0.45 

.48 

.84 

.64 

.44

.12 

.81 

.27

.35

.43

.17

.063

.11

.29

.035

.093

.078

.18

1.88

1.60

1.60

1.85

1.63

1.62

3.07

1.84

1.42

2.63

3.05

2.76

4.65

4.36

2.54

4.49

3.15

4.13

1.09

1.05

1.12

1.11

1.09

1.05

1.12

1.06

1.07

1.13

1.23

1.23

1.23

1.37

1.37

1.39

1.37

1.37

0.20 

.15 

.40 

.15 

.15

.060

.15

.080

- 1

- 1

.04 

.01 

.02 

.04 

.01 

.02 

.02 

.04

8

1.0

2.2

2.2

0

.45 

4.5 

1.2

.20 - .70

.08 - 4.8

4

.03

7

2

.15

1.8

.90

1.6

SELENIUM
124 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 47. Silicon in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean, except that values preceded by asterisk are arithmetic mean. Deviation, geometric deviation, except that values preceded by asterisk are standard deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures, except that values preceded by asterisk 

are standard error. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(percent)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (5) 80:80 27 

Shale 1 (5) 80:80 27

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 2 (5) 24:24 27 

Siltstone and shale 2 (5) 24:24 29 

Dark shale 2 (5) 23:23 25

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (5) 50:50 27 

Sandstone 4 (5) 42:42 33

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (5) 74:74 15 

Middle 300 m 5 (5) 51:51 14 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 5 (5) 32:32 22

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study 6 (5) 60:60 30

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 ym 7 (5) 19:19 *32 

100-200 pm 7 (5) 24:24 *36 

63-100 ym 7 (5) 24:24 *35 

<63 ym 7 (5) 24:24 *31

1.35

1.16

1.28

1.08

1.12

1.11

1.10

1.25

1.30

1.59

<1.03 

1.02

1.01

1.02

1.05

1.01

1.03

1.03

1.04

1.09

*14.79

*5.76

*5.25

*3.69

1.02

*8.13

*2.00

*2.84

*2.96

12 - 41 

16 - 34

17 - 39

25 - 32

18 - 28

21 - 33 

26 - 41

6.7 - 24

4.9 - 22

2.0 - 35

22 - 35

14 - 37 

27 - 39 

27 - 37 

26 - 34

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North DakotaDave Johnston mine, Wyoming 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 

Savage mine, Montana 

Velva mine, North Dakota 

Big Sky mine, Montana 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 

San Juan mine, New Mexico 

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5)

10 (5)

11 (5)

11 (5)

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10

12:12

12:12

28

31

31

26

25

29

29

28

30

35

1.13

1.13

1.13

1.11

1.10

1.05

1.14

1.09

1.11 1.01

106 101

22 - 34

23 - 35

25 - 36

20 - 29

22 - 28

26 - 31

21 - 34

32 - 35

23 - 32

31 - 36

SILICON
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 47. Silicon in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

125

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(percent)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS Continued

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 10:10 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (3) 10:10 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (3) 10:10 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 10:10 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (3) 10:10 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 10:10

White sweetclover

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (3) 10:10 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (3) 10:10

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston 

mine, Wyoming

Growing on mine spoil 26 (3) 20:20 

Growing near mine spoil 26 (3) 20:20

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, 

Colo. and Utah; alluvial,

0- to 40-cm depth 12 (5) 30:30 *27

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 13 (5) 64:64 *35 

B horizon 13 (5) 64:64 *34 

C horizon 13 (5) 64:64 *32

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (5) 16:16 *29 

C horizon 14 (5) 16:16 *28

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (5) 108:108 26

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Unglaciated area

C horizon 16 (5) 88:88 *29 

Glaciated area

C horizon 16 (5) 48:48 *27 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (5) 136:136 *31 

C horizon 16 (5) 136:136 *28

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (5) 36:36 32

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (5) 36:36 31

San Juan Basin, N. Hex.

A horizon 11 (5) 47:47 36 

C horizon 11 (5) 47:47 34

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (5) 30:30 34 

C horizon 24 (5) 30:30 34

0.08 

.10 

.34 

.14 

.06 

.10

.10 

.07

.98 

1.2

1.76

1.51

1.58

1.80

1.39

1.95

1.23

1.46

1.46

1.35

1.27

1.27

1.27

1.27

1.27

1.27

1.27

1.27

1.15

1.15

0.03 - 0.24 

.05 - .15 

.16 - .69 

.04 - .29 

.04 - .13 

.05 - .39

.07 - .13 

.04 - .14

.44 - 1.9 

.7 - 1.9

SOILS

*4.10

*3.78

*3.55

*5.24

*2.37

*3.50

1.15

*3.59

*2.74

*3.55

*1.13

1.10

1.07

1.09

1.10

1.05

1.06

*1.14

*3.16

*2.28

*1.49

*.52

*.50

1.05

*1.22

*1.22

*1.22

*1.22

1.03

1.03

1.02

1.03

1.06

1.04

18 - 35

26 - 43 

26 - 40 

20 - 42

25 - 33 

23 - 35

15 - 34

22 - 39 

22 - 36

22 - 38 

22 - 39

25 - 38

27 - 36

30 - 42 

27 - 40

30 - 37

31 - 38

SILICON
126 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 47. Silicon in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(percent)

PLANTS

Cultivated plants, northern Great 

Plains (dry-weight basis) 

Barley - 

Oats - 

Wheat, durum - 

Wheat, hard red spring - 

Wheat, hard red winter 

Native species (ash-weight basis) 

Lichen (Parmelia), Powder River 

Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

21 (3)

21 (3)

21 (3)

21 (3)

21 (3)

21 (3)

18:18 

21:21 

20:20 

54:54 

17:17

29:29

0.24

.64

.0081

.0130

.0095

9.0

1.19

1.27

2.12

1.45

1.44

1.56

1.10

1.16

1.56

1.28

1.28

1.08

0.18 - 0.32

.43 - 1.0

.0014 - .022

.0048 - .029

.0042 - .0140

4.2 - 17

TABLE 48. Silver in rocks, soils and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Observed Range 

Error (ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (2) 40:80 

Shale 1 (2) 69:80

Core samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union

Formation sandstone 4 (2) 3:42

Piceance and Uinta Basins, Colo.

and Utah; alluvial, 0- to 40-cm depth 12 (2) 28:30

Hanging Woman Creek, Montana

A horizon 14 (2) 12:16 

C horizon 14 (2) 11:16

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaicated areas

A horizon 16 (2) 22:136 

C horizon 16 (2) 29:136

Big Horn Basin, Wyo. 0-40-cm depth 17 (2) 19:36

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0-40-cm

depth 17 (2) 7:36

0.16 

.36

.23

2.73

1.71

1.6

1.42

1.15

<0.22 - 1.3 

<.22 - .87

<.46 - .60

SOILS

0.3

.29 

.28

.14 

.13

.22

.14

1.48

1.55

1.59

1.58

1.90

1.33

1.63

1.38 <0.23 - 0.84

1.34

1.59

<.23 - .49 

<.23 - .49

<.22 - .49 

<.22 - .56

<.22 - .40

<.22 - .40

SILICON, SILVER
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 48. Silver in rocks, soils and plants Continued

127

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(ppm)

PLANTS

Native species (ash weight basis)

Sagebrush, big; Powder River Basin, 

Wyo. and Mont. - 20 (1) 1:41 - 1

TABLE 49. Sodium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean, except that values preceded by asterisk are arithmetic mean. Deviation, geometric deviation, except that values preceded by asterisk are standard deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures, except that values preceded by asterisk 

are standard error. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(percent)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (3) 80:80 0.49 2.74 <1.11 0.037 - 1.5 

Shale 1 (3) 79:80 .42 2.53 1.14 <.062 - 1.1

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 2 (3) 24:24 .84 1.23 1.02 .55 - 1.1 

Siltstone and shale 2 (3) 24:24 .64 1.75 1.05 .12 - .98 

Dark shale 2 (3) 23:23 .54 1.36 1.03 .18 - .79

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formatior

Fine-grained rocks 3 (3) 50:50 .64 1.77 1.06 .18 - 1.6 

Sandstone 4 (3) 42:42 .85 1.60 1.01 .26 - 1.64

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogary zone (upper 100 m) 5 (3) 74:74 1.4 1.68 1.08 .1 - 3.7 

Middle 300 m 5 (3) 53:53 3.3 1.64 1.04 .69 - 25 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 5 (3) 32:32 .82 1.28 .45 - 1.5

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study 6 (3) 60:60 0.71 1.91 <1.07 0.14 - 1.9

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 pm 7 (3) 18:18 .95 1.17 1.04 .57 - 1.36 

100-200 pm 7 (3) 24:24 .72 1.18 1.08 .44 - .90 

63-100 pir 7 (3) 24:24 .80 1.10 <1.01 .66 - .97 

<63 pm 7 (3) 24:24 .84 1.09 <1.01 .68 - 1.0

SILVER, SODIUM
128 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 49. Sodium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(percent)

STREAM SEDIMENTS Continued

Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins, 

Colo. and Utah

Asphalt Wash, Utah 

Cottonwood Creek, Utah 

Duck Creek, Colo. - 

Ryan Gulch, Colo. -----

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Roan Creek 

Black Sulphur Creek 

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3)

9 (1) 

9 (1)

16:16 

16:16

2.4

2.5

2.5

2.2 

3.0

1.18

1.11

1.52

1.09

1.18

1.09

1.14

1.14

1.8 - 3.0

2.1 - 2.8 

.95 - 3.0

2.2 - 2.8

2-3

3-3

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (5) 10:10

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (5) 10.10

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (5) 10:10

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (5) 10:10

Savage mine, Montana 10 (5) 10:10

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (5) 10:10

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (5) 10:10

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (5) 10:10

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (5) 12:12

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (5) 12:12

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 10:10 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (3) 10:10 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (3) 10:10 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 10:10 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (3) 10:10 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 10:10

White sweetclover

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (3) 10:10 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (3) 10:10

Alfalfa

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 3:3 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (3) 3:3 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (3) 3:3 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 3:3 

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (3) 3:3

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston 

mine, Wyoming

Growing on mine spoil 26 (3) 20:20 

Growing near mine spoil 26 (3) 20:20

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwing saltbush 11 (3) 6:6 

Alkali sacaton 11 (3) 6:6

0.87

.37

.089

1.1

.53

.95

.51

.82

1.7

1.2

.003

.003

.004

.034

.002

.003

.004

.010

.008

.013

.009

.009

.006

.0011

.0008

.74 

.15

1.38

1.39

2.32

1.16

1.22

1.35

1.74

1.26

1.22

1.04

1.62

1.74

1.55

2.61

1.42

2.09

1.36

2.36

3.95

2.91

1.57

2.02

1.19

1.69

2.00

2.21

1.02

1.02

1.16

1.16

1.16

1.16

1.16

1.16

1.16

1.16

0.057 - 1.5 

.20 - .56 

.059 - .95 

.89 - 1.4 

.40 - .68 

.44 - 1.3 

.28 - 2.3 

.52 - 1.1

1.2 - 2.0

1.1 - 1.3

1.28

1.28

.0014

.0012

.0019

.0070

.0012

.0012

.0019

.0035

.002

.006

.005

.004

.005

.0004

.0004

.054

.091

.0065

.0078

.0090

.2070

.0036

.0118

.0056

.0792

.031

.042

.013

.016

.007

.0021

.0022

2.0 

.45

SODIUM
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 49. Sodium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

129

Sample, and coLlection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(percent)

SOILS

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, 

Colo. and Utah; alluvial,

0- to 40-<:m depth 12 (3) 30:30 *1.1 *0.48 *0.028 0.3 - 2

Powder River Uasin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon- - 13 (3) 64:64 .48 1.42 1.05 .22 - .93 

B horizon- - 13 (3) 64:64 .43 1.56 1.03 .13 - .93 

C horizon - -- 13 (3) 64:64 .45 1.64 1.12 .16 - 1

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon- - 14 (3) 16:16 *.72 *.14 *.029 .53 - .92 

C horizon- - 14 (3) 16:16 *.77 *.17 *.020 .55 - 1.1

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

depth - - 15 (3) 108:108 1.4 1.65 1.09 .18-3.5

Northern Great: Plains: North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciatod areas

A horizon 16 (5) 136:136 *.83 *.36 *.019 .22 - 1.6 

C horizon 16 (5) 136:136 *.85 *.33 *.034 .074 - 1.8

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (5) 36:36 .53 1.53 1.03 .20 - 1.5

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth - - 17 (5) 36:36 1.3 1.26 1.03 .61 - 2.1

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon - - 11 (5) 47:47 .84 1.67 1.87 .10 - 2.1 

C horizon - 11 (5) 47:47 .91 1.56 1.06 .19 - 2.0

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon-- - 24 (5) 30:30 1.1 1.17 1.03 .85-1.7 

C horizon-- - 24 (5) 30:30 1.1 1.23 1.06 .70 - 1.6

Cultivated plants, northern Great 

Plains (dry-weight basis)

Barley - - 21 (3) 18:18 0.018 2.13 

Oats - - 21 (3) 21:21 .0052 2.03 

Wheat, durum- 21 (3) 20:20 .0021 2.21 

Wheat, hard reel spring 21 (3) 54:54 .0011 1.69 

Wheat, hard red winter 21 (3) 17:17 .0009 1.45

Native species (dry-weight basis) 

Lichen (Parnelia), Powder River

Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 22 (3) 29:29 .040 1.37

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province 23 (3) 30:30 .067 2.18

Columbia Plateaus Proince 23 (3) 30:30 .21 1.51

Basin and Range Province 23 (3) 30:30 .14 2.83

Northern Great Plains 23 (3) 20:20 .11 2.13

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 20:20 .072 1.97

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 20:20 .11 3.70

Southern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 20:20 .058 2.29

Wyoming Basin Province 23 (3) 20:20 .19 4.55

PLANTS

1.04

1.29

1.02

1.27

1.19

1.14

1.13

1.13

1.13

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

1.10

0.0044 - 0.057 

.0016 - .025 

.0006 - .011 

.0004 - .0061 

.0006 - .0021

.02 - .06

.02 - .24

.12 - .45

.05 - 1.5

.06 - .40

.03 - .23

.05 - 1.1

.03 - .22

.05 - 2.1

SODIUM
130 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 49. Sodium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(percent)

PLANTS Continued

Availability studies, samples from 

Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, 

and Wyoming (dry-weight basis)

Wheatgrass, western 

Sagebrush, silver 

Plant biomass, above-ground parts

18 (3) 

18 (3) 

18 (3)

21:21 

19:19 

21:21

0.0024 1.79 0.00086 - 0.0067

.0067 2.43 .0018 - .050

.0054 1.46 1.04 .0037 - .015

TABLE 50. Strontium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (2) 80:80 160 

Shale 1 (2) 80:80 170

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 2 (2) 24:24 240 

Siltstone and shale 2 (2) 24:24 250 

Dark shale 2 (2) 23:23 25

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation 

Sandstone 4 (2) 42:42 194

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (2) 72:74 540 

Middle 300 m 5 (2) 53:53 340 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 5 (2) 264:264 290

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study 6 (5) 60:60 300

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 pm 7 (1) 24:24 180 

100-200 ym 7 (1) 24:24 130 

63-100 ym 7 (1) 24:24 140 

<63 y m 7 (1) 24:24 180

1.96

1.83

1.25

1.13

1.18

1.50

1.38

1.37

1.42

1.14

1.17

1.12

1.09

1.08

1.11

1.34

1.13

1.41

1.51

1.32

1.29

1.24

1.16

1.27

1.26

1.01

1.15

43

27

13

190

180

420

550

90

330

320

100 - 350

<200 

170 

100

990

790

700

140 - 650

100

70

100

100

500

200

200

300

SODIUM, STRONTIUM
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 50. Strontium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

131

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(ppm)

STREAM SEDIMENTS Continued

Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins, 

Colo. and Ltah

Asphalt Wash, Utah - 

Cottonwood Creek, Utah 

Duck Cre«k, Cclo. - 

Ryan Gulch, Cclo. -

Piceance Creek Bassin, Colo.

Roan and Bi.ack Sulphur Creeks-

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2)

9 (1) 32:32

310

430

450

220

520

1.32

1.36

1.14

1.28

1.13 1.12

240 - 500 

250 - 570 

350 - 510 

170 - 380

500 - 700

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 270

Dave Joh-iston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 10:10 120

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 10:10 110

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 250

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 10:10 150

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 250

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2) 10:10 110

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (2) 10:10 200

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (2) 12:12 270 

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (2) 12:12 190 

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 90 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 10:10 84 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 10:10 39 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 150 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 10:10 60 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 94

White sweetclover

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2) 10:10 48 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (2) 10:10 63

Alfalfa

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 3:3 270 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 3:3 82 

Savage min«, Montana 10 (2) 3:3 120 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 3:3 130 

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2) 3:3 83

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston 

mine, Wyoming

Growing on mine spoil 26 (2) 20:20 25 

Growing near mine spoil 26 (2) 20:20 25

San Juan nine, New Mexico

Fourwing saltbush 11 (2) 6:6 48 

Alkali sacaton 11 (2) 6:6 21

1.57

1.30

1.39

1.19

1.32

1.20

1.21

1.46

1.14

1.55

1.42

1.32

1.27

1.47

1.24

1.35

1.51

1.29

1.53

1.61

1.57

1.70

1.34

1.35

1.25

1.38

1.24

1.05

1.57

1.23

1.23

1.23

1.23

1.23

1.23

1.23

1.23

150

74

56

180

94

160

85

120

830

160

170

320

240

320

140

400

220 - 330

48 - 260

53

49

26

82

44

52

24

46

168

59

74

72

63

14

16

35

17

145

119

55

251

92

149

87

93

360

143

178

206

113

41

39

71

27

STRONTIUM
132 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 5Q. Strontium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(ppm)

SOILS

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, Colo.

and Utah; alluvial, 0- to 40-cm depth 12 (2) 30:30 370

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 13 (1) 64:64 140 

B horizon 13 (1) 64:64 160 

C horizon 13 (1) 64:64 190

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Soil, 0- to 2.5-cm depth 20 (1) 48:48 160 

Soil, 15- to 2-cm depth 20 (1) 48:48 160

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (2) 16:16 210 

C horizon 14 (2) 16:16 240

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (2) 108:108 280

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Unglaciated area

A horizon 16 (2) 88:88 150 

C horizon 16 (2) 88:88 190 

Glaciated area

A horizon 16 (2) 48:48 180 

C horizon 16 (2) 48:48 240 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (2) 136:136 160 

C horizon 16 (2) 136:136 210

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (2) 36:36 230

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (2) 36:36 340

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (2) 47:47 160 

C horizon 11 (2) 47:47 202

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (2) 30:30 220 

C horizon 24 (2) 30:30 210

Cultivated plants, northern Great 

Plains (dry-weight basis)

Barley 21 (1) 18:18 

Oats 21 (1) 21:21 

Wheat, durum 21 (1) 20:20 

Wheat, hard red spring 21 (1) 54:54 

Wheat, hard red winter 21 (1) 17:17

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 25:25 24 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 10:10 87 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 18:18 74

1.41

1.47

1.70

1.87

1.53

1.47

1.25

1.35

1.54

1.54

1.56

1.24

1.24

1.47

1.48

1.39

1.42

1.37

1.42

1.21

1.25

1.10

1.25

1.31

1.25

1.23

1.23

1.08

1.21

1.25

1.18

1.14

1.18

1.14

1.18

1.14

1.08

1.13

1.09

1.10

1.07

1.22

170 - 770

70 - 300

70 - 700

70 - 1,000

50 - 500 

100 - 500

140 - 320 

140 - 350

61 - 660

58 - 440

82 - 880

110 - 260

120 - 370

58 - 440 

82 - 880'

76 - 480

190 - 690

88 - 440 

110 - 680

160 - 340 

130 - 340

PLANTS

0.98

1.4

1.5 

1.2 

1.1

1.63

1.42

1.36

1.63

1.57

1.29

1.70

1.57

1.19

1.23

1.34

1.41

1.37

1.08

1.18

1.15

0.42 - 2 

.79 - 3 

.51 - 

.40 - 

.60 - 2.5

0

2.0 

3.9

17 - 43

48 - 240

40 - 150

STRONTIUM
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 5(1. Strontium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

133

Sample, and collection locality

Study No.

and method Ratio

of analysis

Mean

(ppm)

Deviation

Error Observed range

(ppm)

PLANTS Continued

Native species (ash-weight basis) 

Lichen (Parmelia), Powder River 

Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 22 (1) 29:29 350 1.82 1.20 150 - 1,000

Sagebrush, big; Powder River Basin,

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 

Southern Rocky Mountains Province 

^u

23

23

23

23 

23

23 

23

23

u;

(l)

(l)

(1)

(l) 

(l)

(l) 

(l)

(l)

30:

30:

20:

20:

:20

;20

1,200 

930

1,400

1,500 

1,100

1,100 

1,100

1,500

3

2

1

1

2 

2

2

1

.03

7Q

.72

.71

.51

C Q

.54 

.60

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.12

1.12 

1.12

1.12 

1.12

300

150

500

500

200 

200

200

1,000

i

- 3

- 1

- 3

- 3

- 2 

- 3

_ O

- 3

,000

,500

,000

,000 

,000

,000 

,000

,000

TABLE 51. Sulfur (total) in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

(Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Observed Range 

Error (percent)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Shale - 

Core samples 

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Middle 300 in 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 

1 (5) 

1 (5)

2 (5) 

2 (5) 

2 (5)

3 (5) 

4 (5)

5 (5) 

5 (5) 

5 (5)

26:80 

37:80

16:24 

23:24 

23:23

27:50 

28:42

71:74 

51:51 

32:32

0.028 

.055

.12 

.17 

.32

.066 

.05

.23 

.21 

.53

2.13 

1.66 

1.33

2.58 

2.70

2.22 

1.75 

1.68

<0.08 - 

<.08 -

1.55 <.05 - 

1.32 <.05 - 

1.29 .17 -

<.06 - 

1.37 <.04 -

1.34 <.032 - 

1.40 .049 - 

.13 -

0.77 

.87

.82 

.40 

.52

.55 

.39

.88 

.71 

1.3

STRONTIUM, SULFUR (TOTAL)
134 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 51. Sulfur (total) in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method Ratio 

of analysis

Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(percent)

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Mine spoil 

Northern Great Plains

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

6 

7

MINE

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

10

11 

i i

(5) 

(5)

SPOIL

(5) 

(5) 

(5) 

(5) 

(5) 

(5) 

(5) 

(5)

(5) 

( H-I

46:60 

16:24

AND ASSOCIATED

10:10 

6:10 

10:10 

10:10 

2: 10 

8: 10 

9: 10 

7:10

12:12

19-19

0.12 

.01

MATERIALS

0.41 

.069 

.086 

.17 

.035 

.079 

.17 

.081 -

.26 

i n

1.87 

1.73

2.09 

2.43 

1.75 

3.01 

1,80 

2.04 

2.48 

2.80

1.63 

i s s

1.31 <0.08 -

1.57 <.08 -

0.16 - 

<.03 -

.046 -

<.03 - 

<.03 -

<.03 - 

<.03 -

<.03 - 

1.30 .098 -

i r i .n^n

0.48 

.29

1.1 

.20 

.20 

.46 

.18 

.16 

.67 

.50

.52

.9A

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover

Beulah North mine, North DakotaDave Johnston mine, Wyoming - 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming- - 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 

Savage mine, Montana 

Velva mine, North Dakota 

White sweetclover

Big Sky mine, Montana 

Utility mine, SaskatchewanAlfalfa

Beulah North mine, North DakotaDave Johnston mine, Wyoming 

Savage mine, Montana 

Velva mine, North Dakota 

Big Sky mine, Montana 

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston 

mine, Wyoming

Growing on mine spoil------- 

Growing near mine spoil------

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwing salt bush 

Alkali sacaton 

10 (7) 

10 (7) 

10 (7) 

10 (7) 

10 (7) 

10 (7)

10 (7) 

10 (7)

10 (7) 

10 (7) 

10 (7) 

10 (7) 

10 (7)

26 (7) 

26 (7)

11 (7) 

11 (7)

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10

10:10 

10:10

3:3 

3:3 

3:3 

3:3 

3:3

20:20 

20:20

0.31 

.29 

.32 

.44 

.19 

.29

.26 

.26

.27 

.39 

.22 

.26 

.31

.18 

.17

.45 

.15

1.38

1.34

1.30

1.34

1.23

1.42

1.29

1.29

1.28

1.42

1.30

1.28

1.07

1.45

1.29

1.17

1.20

1.09

1.09

1.09

1.09

1.09

1.09

1.09

1.09

0.20 -

.18 -

.21 -

.22 -

.14 -

.20 -

.17 -

.17 -

0.53

.45

.43

.65

.27

.50

.36

.39

1.05

1.05

.22 

.26 

.18 

.20 

.29

.09 

.10

.40 

.12

.36 

.48 

.30 

.33 

.33

.33 

.27

.52 

.18

SULFUR (TOTAL)
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 51. Sulfur (total) in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

135

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(percent)

SOILS

Piceance and Uinta Basins, Colo. and

Utah; alluvial, 0- to 40-cm depth 12 (5) 10:30

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (5) 4:16 

C horizon 14 (5) 10:16

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizor 16 (5) 57:136 

C hcrizoti 16 (5) 72:136

Big Horn Basin, Wyo. , 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (5) 8:36

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth - 17 (5) 3:36

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon- 11 (5) 47:47 

C horizon 11 (5) 47:47

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (5) 18:30 

C horizon 24 (5) 18:30

Cultivated plants, northern Great 

Plains (dry-weight basis)

Barley 21 (7) 18:18 

Oats - 21 (7) 21:21 

Wheat, durum- 21 (7) 20:20 

Wheat, hard red spring 21 (7) 54:54 

Wheat, hard red winter 21 (7) 17:17

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (7) 25:25 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (7) 10:10 

Snakeweed,, San Juan Basin 19 (7) 17:17

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Lichen (Parmella), Powder River

Basin, Wyo. a~nd Mont. 22 (7) 29:29

Sagebrush,, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province 23 (7) 30:30 

Columbia Plateaus Province 23 (7) 30:30 

Basin and Range Province 23 (7) 30:30 

Northern Great Plains 23 (7) 20:20 

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (7) 20:20 

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 23 (7) 20:20 

Southern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (7) 20:20 

Wyoming Basin Province 23 (7) 20:20

0.067

.041 

.11

.034

.047

,15

,10 

.14

.040

.040

1.44

1.63

2.34

2.64

4.71

1.82

1.45

2.44

1.42

1.69

<0.08 - 0.15

<.087 - .28 

1.23 <.l - .38

1.58

1.24

1.10

<.040 - .62 

<.040 - 2.0

<.080 - .96

<.080 - .28

.047 - .42 

.057 - 3.3

<.032 - .065 

<.032 - .13

PLANTS

0.15 

.18 

.18 

.18 

.15

.099

.30

.11

.067

.15 

.16 

.16 

.13 

.13 

.11 

.12 

.14

1.16

1.12

1.13

1.11

1.11

1.38

1.39

1.41

1.36

1.29

1.21

1.19

1.27

1.28

1.28

1.29

1.18

1.08

1.03

1.07

1.07

1.07

1.06

1.06

1.07

1.19

1.08

1.08

1.08

1.08

1.08

1.08

1.08

1.08

0.12 

.14 

.14 

.14 

.13

.05 

.15 

.05

0.22

.22

.22

.22

.19

.22 

.54 

.24

.04 - .13

.10 

.13 

.11 

.10 

.09 

.08 

.09 

.12

.21 

.22 

.21 

.18 

.19 

.16 

.16 

.19

SULFUR (TOTAL)
136 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 52. Terbium in soils

(Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed Range 

(ppm)

SOILS

San Juan Basin, N. 

A horizon - 

C horizon 

Hex.

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Hex.

A horizon 

C horizon 

11 (2) 

11 (2)

24 (2) 

24 (2)

2:47 

2:47

3:30 

6:30 17 1.37

<22 - 29 

<22 - 38

<22 - 36 

<22 - 31

TABLE 53. Thorium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils

(Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (8) 79:80 7.1 1.46 1.21 <3.0 - 16 

Shale 1 (8) 80:80 13 1.34 1.11 8.1-30

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 2 (8) 24:24 6.3 1.42 1.28 3.4 - 13 

Siltstone and shale 2 (8) 24:24 12 1.29 1.23 7.2 - 22 

Dark shale 2 (8) 23:23 14 1.25 1.11 9.6 - 23

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (8) 50:50 13 1.46 1.31 5.4 - 29 

Sandstone 4 (8) 42:42 9.3 1.3 1.14 5.5 - 15

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (8) 60:60 8.3 1.33 4.9 - 20 

Middle 300 m 5 (8) 43:53 8.7 1.35 <4.4 - 23 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 5 (8) 32:32 9.0 1.64 4.0 - 37

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study 6 (8) 57:60 9.4 1.33 1.07 <4.0 - 17

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 ym 7 (8) 18:18 7.5 2.20 1.10 3.5 - 50 

100-200 ym 7 (8) 23:23 7.0 1.47 1.04 4.5 - 14 

63-100 ym 7 (8) 23:23 7.9 1.58 1.49 4.3 - 20 

<63 ym 7 (8) 22:22 15 1.76 1.22 3.9 - 54

TERBIUM, THORIUM
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 53. Thorium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils Continued

137

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(ppm)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (8) 10:10

Dave Johiston mine, Wyoming 10 (8) 10:10

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (8) 10:10

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (8) 10:10

Savage mine, Montana 10 (8) 10:10

Velva mi-ie, North Dakota 10 (8) 10:10

Big Sky 'nine, Montana 10 (8) 10:10

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (8) 10:10

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (8) 12:12 

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (8) 12:12

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, Colo.

and Utah; .alluvial, 0- to 40-cm depth 12 (8) 30:30

Powder River Basi'i, Wyo. and Mont.

Soil, 0- to 2.5-cm depth 20 (8) 48:48 

Soil, 15- to 20-cm depth 20 (8) 48:48

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (8) 16:16 

C horizon - 14 (8) 16:16

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (8) 108:108

Northern Gre.at Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Unglaciated area

A horizon 16 (8) 88:88 

C horizon - 16 (8) 88:88 

Glaciated area

A horizon 16 (8) 48:48 

C horizon- 16 (8) 48:48 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon- 16 (8) 136:136 

C horizon-- 16 (8) 136:136

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (8) 36:36

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth - 17 (8) 36:36

San Juan Basin, N,, Hex.

A horizon- - 11 (8) 47:47 

C horizon - 11 (8) 47:47

Sheppard-Shiorock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizoi - 24 (8) 30:30 

C horizon - 24 (8) 30:30

8.7

12

12

8.7

8.2

7.1

8.6

7.7

7.7

1.23

1.23

1.22

1.22

1.21

1.13

1.22

1.17

1.14

1.19

1.14

1.16

5.5 - 10

9.5 - 17

7.1 - 15

6.9 - 14

5.2 - 9.9

5.7 - 8.3

5.6 - 11

6.3 - 11

7.9 - 12

6.0 - 11

SOILS

9.3

9.4 

9.6

9.9 

9.9

12

7.7 

7.0

$.5

12

7.7 

7.0

1.30

1.26

1.25

1.15

1.16

1.23

1.20

1.34

1.25

1.35

1.23

1.36

1.27

1.43

1.35

1.38

1.25

1.31

1.16

1.10

1.10

1.12

1.12

1.16

1.27

1.12

1.27

1.12

1.27

1.13

1.10

1.18

1.12

1.17

1.15

5.4 - 30

5.3 - 15 

5.6 - 15

7.8 - 14 

6.9 - 12

6.1 - 19

5.9 - 13

3.7 - 18

3.0 - 11

3.1 - 14

3.0 - 13

3.1 - 18

4.3 - 14

6.3 - 30

3.9 - 15 

3.9 - 16

4.9 - 11 

3.9 - 11

THORIUM
138 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 54. Thulium in rocks and soils

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method Ratio 

of analysis

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Observed Range 

Err° r ( PPm)

ROCKS

Core samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 4 (2) 1:42 <2.2 - 3.8

SOILS

San Juan Basin, N. Mex. 

A horizon 

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 

11 (2)

24 (2)

1:47

1:30

<2.2 - 2.6

<2.2 - 4.6

TABLE 55. Tin in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis .(in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method Ratio 

of analysis

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Observed range 

Error (ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 

Shale 

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont. 

Sandstone - 

Siltstone and shale 

Dark shale -

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 

Sandstone 

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) - 

Middle 300 m - 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m)-

1 (18) 

1 (18)

2 (18)

2 (18)

2 (18)

3 (18)

4 (18)

5 (18)

5 (18)

5 (18)

80:80 

80:80

24:24 

24:24 

23:23

50:50 

42:42

39:42 

48:48 

16:16

1.1

1.4

.72 

1.3 

1.3

1.3 

1.3

1.7 

1.6 

1.4

1.66

1.69

1.89

1.94

1.69

1.74

1.40

2.74

2.19

1.78

1.25

1.37

1.69

1.64

1.64

1.41

1.29

2.10

0.18 - 2.4 

.21 - 3.3

.1 - 1.6

.15 - 2.3

.42 - 2.4

.11 - 3.1 

.50 - 3.9

.15 -16 

.4 -21 

.50 - 4.8

THULIUM, TIN
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 55. -Tin in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, and soils Continued

139

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method Ratio 

of analysis

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(ppm)

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

100-200 ym 

63-100 ym 

Mine spoil 

Northern Great Plains

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

6 (18)

7 (5) 

7 (5) 

7 (5)

MINE SPOIL

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5)

11 (5) 

11 (5)

60:60

14:24 

21:24 

24:24

AND ASSOCIATED

8:10 

8:10 

10:10 

9:10 

8:10 

9: 10 

7:10 

7:10

12:12 

11:12

0.97

.17 

.36 

1.2

MATERIALS

0.61 

.73 

1.4 

.85 

.76 

1.1 

.56 

.51

1.9

1.1

1.37

3.32 

3.73 

1.77

3.48 

3.30 

1.47 

2.65 

3.20 

2.56 

3.60 

3.36

1.27 

2.24

1.27 0.47 - 1.5

1.88 <.l - 1.6 

2.87 <.l - 1.4 

1.14 .44 - 4.7

<0.1 - 2.0 

<.l - 2.5

/TO O1

<.l - 3.7 

<.l - 2.0 

<.l - 3.3

<.l - 1.7 

<.l - 1.8

1.29 1.4 - 2.8 

1.60 <.2 - 2.6

SOILS

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, Colo. 

and Utah; alluvial, 0- to 40-cm depth 

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. , 0- to 5-cm

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakcta, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 

Wind River E.asin, Wyo. , 0- to 40-cm

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association,

N. Mex.

12 (5)

14 (5) 

14 (5)

15 (5)

16 (5) 

16 (5)

17 (5) 

17 (5)

11 (5) 

11 (5)

24 (5)

9 /. f^\

30:30

16:16 

16:16

92:108

129:136 

128:136

34:36 

32:36

34:47 

39:47

24:30 

9 9 .in

1.3

1.1 

1.2

.82

.86 

.94

.72 

.81

.43 

.62

.76

7 =;

1.22

1.40 

1.22

3.90

1.86 

1.94

2.15 

2.61

2.68 

2.55

3.33

1.20 0.71 - 1.8

1.34 .69 - 2.0 

1.15 .67 - 1.7

2.99 <.ll -11

1.51 <.10 - 5.6 

1.44 <.10 - 4.8

2.27 <.10 - 1.8 

2.43 <C.10 - 2.8 

2.04 <.20 - 1.5

1.66 <.20 - 2.7

2.06 <.20 - 2.7 

/ 9n ^ A

TIN
140 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 56. Titanium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

(Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean, except that values preceded by asterisk are arithmetic mean. Deviation, geometric deviation, except that values preceded by asterisk are standard deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures, except that values preceded by asterisk 

are standard error. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (5) 80:80 2,300 

Shale 1 (5) 80:80 3,400

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 2 (5) 24:24 2,900 

Siltstone and shale 2 (5) 24:24 4,000 

Dark shale 2 (5) 23:23 4,100

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (5) 50:50 3,800 

Sandstone 4 (5) 42:42 2,600

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (5) 74:74 1,700 

Middle 300 m 5 (5) 51:51 1,400 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 5 (5) 32:32 2,700

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study

First-order streams 6 (5) 20:20 3,200 

Second-order streams 6 (5) 20:20 3,300 

Third-order streams 6 (5) 20:20 3,600

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 ym 7 (5) 19:19 1,100 

100-200 ym 7 (5) 24:24 1,400 

63-100 pm 7 (5) 24:24 2,400 

<63 ym 7 (5) 24:24 4,600

Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins,

Colo. and Utah 8 (1) 32:32 2,200

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo.

Roan and Black Sulphur Creeks 9 (1) 32:32 2,100

1.47

1.35

1.29

1.10

1.11

1.16

1.20

1.31

1.39

1.28

1.06

1.05

1.08

1.02

1.04

1.03

1.04

1.09

1.05

790

1,900

1,900

3,200

3,400

2,500

1,700

630

490

1,200

3,900

8,900

4,500

4,500

4,600

4,700

4,400

2,900

4,500

3,600

1.12

1.17

1.21

1.88

1.38

1.49

1.48

1.49

1.63

1.04

1.04

1.02

1.42

1.06

1.05

1.03

2,600 - 4,100

2,700 - 4,500

2,300 - 4,800

500 - 3,100

900 - 3,500

1,400 - 7,200

2,600 -12,000

1.30 1,000 - 5,000

1.28 1,000 - 5,000

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North DakotaDave Johnston mine, Wyoming 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 

Savage mine, Montana 

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5) 

10 (5)

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10.10 

10:10

3,400

2,500

3,800

3,000

2,500

1.07

1.18

1.15

1.22

1.10

3,100 - 3,700 

2,000 - 3,300 

2,800 - 4,400 

2,100 - 4,000 

2,000 - 2,700

TITANIUM
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 56. Titanium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

141

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(ppm)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS Continued

Mine spoil Continued

Northern Great Plains Continued 

Velva mine, North Dakota 

Big Sky mine, Montana 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan-----

San Juan mine, New Mexico -----

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan nrine, New Mexico 

10 (5) 

10 (5)

10 (5)

11 (5)

11 (5)

10:10 

10:10 

10:10

12:12

12:12

2,700

2,700

2,400

2,700

2,300

1.07 2,300 - 3,000

1.09 2,300 - 3,000

1.19 1,700 - 3,500

1.14 1.04 2,100 - 3,200

1.05 1.04 2,100 - 2,500

1.62

1.62

1.62

1.62

1.62

1.62

1.62

1.62

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 6.5 2.36 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 7:7 9.6 1.66 

Hidden. Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 10:10 74 1.83 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 24 1.95 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 9:9 4.4 2.80 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 10:10 7.5 2.48

White sweetclover

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2) 10:10 15 1.83 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (2) 10:10 9.2 1.92

Alfalfa

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 3:3 24 3.08 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 3:3 43 1.45 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 3:3 30 1.48 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 3:3 25 3.43 

Big Sky mire, Montana 10 (2) 3:3 21 1.16

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston 

mine, Wyoming

Growing on mine spoil 26 (2) 20:20 26 1.79 1.'28 

Growing near mine spoil 26 (2) 20:20 16 2.12 1.28

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwing salt.bush 11 (2) 6:6 43 1.50 

Alkali sacaton 11 (2) 6:6 16 2.59

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, 

Colo. and Utah; alluvial,

0- to 40-cm depth 12 (5) 30:30 *2,700 *310 *51

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon-- - 13 (5) 64:64 *2,800 *710 *290 

B horizon-- 13 (5) 64:64 *2,900 *680 *200 

C horizon-- -- 13 (5) 64:64 *2,800 *890 *260

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon-- - 14 (5) 16:16 *3,000 *370 *140 

C horizon- 14 (5) 16:16 *2,900 *480 *90

1 - 21 

5-22 

28 - 202 

5-50 

1 - 19 

3-42

6-29 

4-23

8-79 

29 - 59 

21 - 46 

11 - 103 

18 - 24

11 - 74 

3-50

25 - 64 

5.3 - 44

SOILS

700 - 4,200

1,300 - 4,100

1,200 - 4,300

820 - 4,200

2,500 - 3,600 

1,700 - 3,400

TITANIUM
142 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 56. Titanium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(ppm)

SOILS--Continued

1.05 1,600 - 3,800

1.07 1,500 - 3,200

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. , 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (5) 108:108 2,800 1.20 1,500 - 3,800

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (5) 136:136 *2,500 *230 *200 1,100 - 3,700 

C horizon 16 (5) 136:136 *2,500 *580 *140 710 - 3,800

Big Horn Basin, Wyo. , 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (5) 36:36 2,600 1.22

Wind River Basin, Wyo. , 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (5) 36:36 2,200 1.22

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (5) 47:47 2,100 1.38 1.06 910 - 4,000 

C horizon 11 (5) 47:47 2,200 1.41 1.05 880 - 3,800

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (5) 30:30 2,200 1.23 1.06 1,500 - 3,000 

C horizon 24 (5) 30:30 1,800 1.31 1.19 990 - 3,000

PLANTS

Cultivated plants, northern Great 

Plains (dry-weight basis)

Barley 21 (1) 17:18 0.32 2.09 

Oats 21 (1) 17:21 .24 2.16 

Wheat, durum 21 (1) 20:20 .17 1.66 

Wheat, hard red spring 21 (1) 53:54 .20 2.03 

Wheat, hard red winter 21 (1) 16:17 .11 1.47 1

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 25:25 46 2.01 1.22 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 10:10 10 2.06 1.23 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 18:18 31 2.06 1.23

Native species (ash-weight basis) 

Lichen (Parmelia) , Powder River

Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 22 (1) 29:29 1,700 1.44

Sagebrush, big; Powder River Basin,

Wyo. and Mont. 20 (1) 41:41 1,000 1.54 1.38 200 - 2,000

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province 23 (1) 30:30 520 1.96 1.22 200

Columbia Plateaus Province 23 (1) 30:30 1,500 1.62 1.20 700

Basin and Range Province 23 (1) 30:30 670 1.79 1.22 300

Northern Great Plains 23 (1) 20:20 520 1.98 1.19 300

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 20:20 550 1.77 1.19 200

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 20:20 630. 1.91 1.19 300

Southern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 20:20 480 1.81 1.19 200

Wyoming Basin Province 23 (1) 20:20 750 1.76 1.19 300

1.18

1.02

1.66

1.33

17

<0.09 -

.079 -

<.07 -

<.06 -

1.6 

1.4 

.40 

1.4 

.19

8.6 

3.5 

5.5

170

29

75

1.12 1,000-3,000

1,500

5,000

1,500

2,000

1,500

2,000

1,000

1,500

TITANIUM
TABLES 4-77 143

TABLE 57. Uranium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean, except that values preceded by asterisk are arithmetic mean. Deviation, geometric deviation, except that values preceded by asterisk are standard deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures, except that values preceded by asterisk 

are standard error. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed Range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (8) 80:80 2.7 1.41 1.05 1.4-9.0 

Shale 1 (8) 80:80 4.1 1.49 <1.04 2.6 - 10

Core samples

Hanging Woiran Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 2 (8) 24:24 2.2 1.30 1.09 1.6 - 3.4 

Siltstone and shale 2 (8) 24:24 4.1 1.42 1.21 2.9 - 7.8 

Dark shale 2 (8) 23:23 4.5 1.34 1.05 3.4 - 11 

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (8) 50:50 3.7 1.31 1.08 2.4 - 9.3 

Sandstone 4 (8) 42:42 2.7 1.40 1.04 1.3 - 5.5

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (8) 74:74 4.9 1.35 1.04 2.7 - 11 

Middle 300 m 5 (8) 47:53 4.3 1.48 <1.6 - 12 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 5 (8) 32:32 5.9 1.68 2.0 - 15

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional

study 6 (8) 60:60 3.4 1.38 1.14 2.2 - 12

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 pro 7 (8) 19:19 3.2 1.95 1.32 1.4 - 20 

100-200 pm 7 (8) 24:24 2.0 1.31 1.05 1.3 - 4.7 

63-100 M m - 7 (8) 24:24 2.8 1.34 1.01 1.7 - 5.5 

<63 pm 7 (8) 24:24 5.6 1.88 1.02 1.7-22

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (8) 10:10 3.0 1.17 2.3 

Dave Johnston nine, Wyoming 10 (8) 10:10 5.6 1.34 2.4 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (8) 10:10 5.1 1.09 4.3 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (8) 10:10 3.3 1.29 1.8 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (8) 10:10 3.6 1.26 2.8 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (8) 10:10 2.7 1.13 2.1 

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (8) 10:10 3.5 1.19 2.3 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (8) 10:10 2.7 1.22 2.1

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (8) 12:12 4.1 1.17 1.03 3.4 - 5.6 

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (8) 12:12 2.9 1.16 1.05 2.4-4.0

3.7

10

5.7

4.7

5.1

3.3

4.3

4.3

URANIUM
144 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 57. Uranium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(ppm)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS Continued

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Alfalfa

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (13) 2:3 0.035 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (13) 3:3 .200 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (13) 3:3 .048 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (13) 3:3 .086 

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (13) 3:3 .037

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston 

mine, Wyoming

Growing on mine spoil 26 (13) 19:20 .062 

Growing near mine spoil 26 (13) 9:20 .021

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwing saltbush 11 (13) 6:6 .11 

Alkali sacaton 11 (13) 6:6 .13

SOILS

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, Colo.

and Utah; alluvial, 0- to 40-cm depth 12 (8) 30:30 3.5

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 13 (22) 63:63 *20 

B horizon 13 (22) 61:64 *17 

C horizon 13 (22) 62:64 *19

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Soil, 0- to 2.5-cm depth 20 (8) 48:48 3.0 

Soil, 15- to 20-cm depth 20 (8) 48:48 3.0

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (8) 16:16 3.0 

C horizon 14 (8) 16:16 3.4

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (8) 108:108 3.3

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Unglaciated area

A horizon 16 (8) 88:88 2.5 

C horizon 16 (8) 88:88 2.8 

Glaciated area

A horizon 16 (8) 48:48 2.0 

C horizon 16 (8) 48:48 2.2 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (8) 136:136 2.3 

C horizon 16 (8) 136:136 2.6

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (8) 36:36 2.7

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (8) 36:36 2.8

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (8) 47:47 2.5 

C horizon 11 (8) 47:47 2.7

1.98

1.87

1.45

1.20

1.27

2.95

1.94

1.27

1.22

1.35

1.35

1.22

*7.55

*8.12

*6.50

1.28

1.28

1.13

1.21

1.21

1.23

1.41

1.21

1.42

1.25

1.44

1.25

1.20

1.30

1.40

1.12

*7.13

*6.70

*6.50

1.03

1.03

1.06

1.05

1.05

1.04

1.06

1.04

1.06

1.04

1.06

1.05

1.05

1.06

1.06

<0.02 - 0.068 

.133 - .403 

.036 - .073 

.071 - .103 

.030 - .048

<.028 - .55 

<.021 - .067

.072 - .13 

.10 - .16

2.4 - 6

10 - 40 

<10 - 40 

<10 - 40

1.7 - 7.0 

2.2 - 7.0

2.5 - 3.9 

2.4 - 4.6

1.9 - 5.4

1.4 - 4.9

1.5 - 11

1.1 - 2.9

.69 - 5.2

1.1 - 4.9

.69 - 11

1.7 - 4.5

2.2 - 4.5

1.3 - 5.1 

1.1 - 4.9

URANIUM
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 57. Uranium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

145

Sample, aid coLlectLon locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(ppm)

SOILS Continued

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Hex.

A horizon- - 24 (8) 30:30 

C horizon- - 24 (8) 30:30

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juaa Basin 19 (13) 25:25 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (13) 4:10 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (13) 17:18

Native species (ash-weight basis) 

Lichen (Partielia), Powder River

Basin, WyD. and Mont. 22 (13) 28:29

Sagebrush, big Powder River Basin,

Wyo. and ^lont. 20 (13) 28:41

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province 23 (13) 10:30

Columbia Plateaus Province 23 (13) 8:30

Basin and Range Province 23 (13) 3:30

Northern Great Plains 23 (13) 8:20

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (13) 6:20

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 23 (13) 5:20

Southern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (13) 2:20

Wyoming Basin Province 23 (13) 11:20

2.2 

1.9

1.22

1.28

1.08

1.06

1.5 - 3.2 

1.1 - 3.0

PLANTS

0.089

.044

.1 1

1.3

.56

.29

.30

.4

.28

.24

.27

.4

.42

1.53

1.36

1.66

2.42

2.05

2.08

1.50

3.21

2.25

1.58

2.25

1.10 0.040 - 0.19

1.07 <.034 - .072

1.12 <.029 - .21

1.17

1.49

.4 - 7.0

;.4 - 1.4

:.4 - .8

;.4 - .4

:.4 - 4.6

:.4 - 1.4

TABLE 58. Vanadium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed Range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 

Shale - 

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont. 

Sandstone 

Siltstone and shale 

Dark shale -

(2) 

(2)

2 (2) 

2 (2) 

2 (2)

79:80 

80:80

24:24 

24:24 

23:23

46

97

59

130

150

1.68

1.51

1.50

1.28

1.17

1.28

1.21

1.09

1.14

1.08

<18 - 110 

39 - 230

33 - 110

85 - 190

110 - 190

URANIUM, VANADIUM
146 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 58. Vanadium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method Ratio 

of analysis

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS--Continued

Core samples--Continued

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Middle 300 m 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 

3 (2) 

4 (2)

5 (2) 

5 (2) 

5 (2)

50:50

42:42

74:74 

53:53 

264:264

86 

75

74 

91 

130

1.47 

1.50

1.41 

1.50 

1.37

1.15 32 

1.07 38

1.31 3.7 

1.24 15 

50

- 150 

i Q n

- 150 

- 180 

- 300

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Powder River Basin, Wyoming and Montana 

Size fractions

>200 ym 

100-200 ym 

63-100 ym 

Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins

Piceance Creek Basin, Colorado

6 (2)

7 (1) 

7 (1) 

7 (1) 

7 (1)

8 (1) 

9 (1)

60:60

24:24 

24:24 

24:24 

24:24

32:32 

32:32

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED

Mine spoil 

Northern Great Plains

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2)

11 t"i \

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10

19.19

73

52 

37 

54 

92

99

70

MATERIALS

78 

73 

76 

63 

61 

68 

50 

62

C;A

1.34

2.35 

1.57 

1.41 

1.46

1.35 

1.37

1.28 

1.29 

1.40 

1.40 

1.34 

1.26 

1.27 

1.24

1 9 A

1.16 27

1.58 15 

1.18 20 

1.29 30 

1.24 50

1.25 70 

1.16 50

50

51

36 

40 

32

44 

37

42

1 DA IS

- 140

- 200 

- 150 

- 150 

- 300

- 200 

- 150

- 110

- 120 

- 110 

- 100 

- 93 

- 94 

- 71 

- 86

- 7«

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation 

San Juan mine, New Mexico 

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover

Beulah North mine, North DakotaDave Johnston mine, Wyoming 

Hidden Valley mine, WyomingKincaid mine, North Dakota 

Savage mine, Montana 

Velva mine, North Dakota 

11 (2)

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2)

12:12

9:10

9:9

9:10

8:8

4:9

9:10

45

.38 

.54 

1.9 

.9

.25 

.44

1.08

1.45

1.34

2.44

.71 

.70

2.28

1.09

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

40 - 50

<.27

.34

<.3

.4

<.27 

<.27

.76 

.74 

4.9 

2.0 

.54 

2.39

VANADIUM
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 58. Vanadium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

147

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(ppm)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS--Continued

Plants (dry-weight basis) Continued

Northern Great Plains Continued 

White sweetclover

Big Sky mines, Montana 10 (2) 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (2)

Alfalfa

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (2) 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2)

Crested wheatgrass, Dave Johnston 

mine, Wyoming

Growing on mine spoil 26 (2) 

Growing near mine spoil 26 (2)

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwing saltaush 11 (2) 

Alkali sacaton 11 (2)

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, Colo.

and Utah; alluvial, 0- to 40-cm depth 12 (2)

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 13 (1) 

B horizon 13 (1) 

C horizon 13 (1)

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Soil, 0- to 2.5-cm depth 20 (1) 

Soil, 15- to 20-cm depth 20 (1)

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (2) 

C horizon 14 (2)

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (2)

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakcta, Wyoming, and Montana 

Unglaciated area

A horizon 16 (2) 

C horizon 16 (2) 

Glaciated area

A horizon 16 (2) 

C horizon 16 (2) 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (2) 

C horizon 16 (2)

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (2)

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth -- 17 (2)

1:3 

3:3 

1:2 

1:3

19:20 

14:20

6:6 

6:6

0.50 

.35

1.5

.82 

.63

1.9 

.94

1.23

1.51

1.12

1.36

1.11

1.27

1.47

1.25

1.25

0.42 - 0.77 

<.27 - .75

<1.4 - 2.3

1.4 - 1.8

<1.4 - 1.8

<1.4 - 5.2

<.69 - 1.5 

<.52 - .98

1.5 - 2.7 

.62 - 1.4

SOILS

30:30

64:64 

64:64 

64:64

48:48 

48:48

16:16 

16:16

108:108

48:48 

48:48

136:136 

136:136

36:36

36:36

65

78

72

77

87

87

79

56

52

50

58

64

54

54

48

1.31

1.62

1.47

1.79

1.36

1.39

1.27

1.37

1.58

1.35

1.43

1.33

1.45

1.35

1.46

1.34

1.32

1.13

1.21

1.28

1.22

1.21

1.23

1.13

1.23

1.34

1.25

1.18

1.25

1.18

1.25

1.18

1.09

1.11

41 - 110

30 - 150

30 - 150

30 - 200

30 - 150 

50 - 150

49 - 120 

40 - 120

7.5 - 120

20 - 96 

19 - 100

24 - 89 

24 - 150

20 - 96 

19 - 150

40 - 110

23 - 110

VANADIUM
148 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 58. Vanadium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(ppm)

SOILS Continued

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (2) 47:47 41 

B horizon 11 (2) 47:47 44

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (2) 30:30 28 

C horizon 24 (2) 30:30 28

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 25:25 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 10:10 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 18:18

Native species (ash-weight basis) 

Lichen (Parmelia), Powder River

Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 22 (1) 29:29 58

Sagebrush, big; Powder River Basin,

Wyo. and Mont. 20 (1) 41:41 31

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province 23 (1) 14:30 8.1

Columbia Plateaus Province 23 (1) 30:30 33

Basin and Range Province 23 (1) 19:30 12

Northern Great Plains 23 (1) 7:20 8.2

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 8:20 10

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 10:20 12

Southern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 7:20 10

Wyoming Basin Province 23 (1) 13:20 14

1.49

1.55

1.21

1.40

1.09

1.14

1.09

1.09

15 - 94 

15 - 97

20 - 42 

14 - 53

PLANTS

1.3

.70 

1.1

1.47

1.50

1.63

1.31

1.93

1.69

1.91

1.86

1.93

1.77

1.75

1.42

1.70

1.12

1.13

1.16

1.15

1.39

1.27

1.36

1.27

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.17

1.17

0.063 - 2.7 

.40 - 1.2 

.49 - 2.1

30 - 70

15 - 70

<10 - 20

15 - 100

<10 - 50

<15 - 70

<15 - 50

<15 - 50

<15 - 20

<15 - 50

TABLE 59. Ytterbium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils and plants

(Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to labor 

atory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(percent)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 

Shale 

1 (2) 

1 (2)

79:80 

80:80

2.1 

3.7

1.97

1.53

1.24

1.20

<0.46 - 5.9 

1.2 - 9.0

VANADIUM, YTTERBIUM
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 59.-- Ytterbium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils and plants Continued

149

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS Cont inued

Core samples

Hanging Womand Creek, Mont.

Sandstone 2 (2) 24:24 1.8 

Siltstone and shale 2 (2) 24:24 4.0 

Dark shale 2 (2) 23:23 4.0

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (2) 50:50 2.9 

Sandstone 4 (2) 42:42 2.1

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (2) 74:74 1.4 

Middle 300 m 5 (2) 52:53 1.3 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 5 (2) 178:264 1.9

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study 6 (2) 60:60 3.0

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size Fraction

>200 unt - 7 (1) 24:24 2 

100-200 urn 7 (1) 24:24 2 

63-100 pn - 7 (1) 24:24 2 

<63 u m 7 (1) 24:24 6

Uinta and Piceance Creek Basins, 

Colo. and Utah

Asphalt Wash, Utah 8 (1) 8:8 2.5 

Cottonwood Creek, UtaVv 8 (1) 8:8 3.1 

Duck Creek, Colo. 8 (1) 8:8 2.1 

Ryan Gulch, Colo. 8 (1) 8:8 2.9

Piceance Creek Basiin, Colo.

Roan and B!.ack Sulphur Creeks 9 (1) 32:32 2.0

1.66

1.10

1.10

1.31

1.30

1.37

1.32

1.31

1.54

1.09

1.09

1.19

1.15

1.14

1.15

1.35

1.53

1.45

1.54

1.76

1.32

1.53

1.26

1.15

1.38

1.29

1.30

1.18

1.33

0.68 - 3.4 

3.4 - 4.8 

3.4 - 4.8

1.4 - 5.1 

1.2 - 4.3

86 - 3.5 

.9 - 2.3 

<2 - 5

1.3 - 7.!

1 - 3 

1 - 3 

1.5 - 7 

3-20

1.5

2

1.5

2

1.27 1.5 - 3

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North DakotaDave Johnston mine, Wyoming 

Hidden V.illey mine, Wyoming 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 

Savage mine, Montana 

Velva mine, North Dakota 

Big Sky mine, Montana 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 

San Juan mine, New Mexico 

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2)

10 (2)

11 (2)

11 (2)

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10

12:12

12:12

2.1 

1.8 

2.5 

2.0 

1.8 

1.4 

2.7 

1.6

1.6

1.6

1.35

1.51

1.32

1.33

1.41

1.44

1.75

1.36

1.25

1.10

1.15

1.10

1.1 

1.0 

1.4 

1.2 

.93 

.70 

1.2 

1.0

3.1

3.2 

3.7 

2.7 

3.2 

2.1 

9.5 

2.4

1.1 - 2.5

1.3 - l.f

YTTERBIUM
150 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 59. Ytterbium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(ppm)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS Continued

Plants (dry-weight basis)

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Alkali sacaton 11 (2)

Piceance Creek and Unita Basins, 

Colo. and Utah; alluvial,

0- to 40-cm depth 12 (2)

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 13 (2) 

B horizon 13 (2) 

C horizon 13 (2)

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Soil, 0- to 2.5-cm 20 (1) 

Soil, 15- to 20-cm depth 20 (1)

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (2) 

C horizon 14 (2)

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo., 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (2)

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Unglaciated area

A horizon 16 (2) 

Glaciated area

A horizon 16 (2) 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (2) 

C horizon 16 (2)

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (2)

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (2)

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon 11 (2) 

C horizon 11 (2)

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (2) 

C horizon 24 (2)

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (2)

Native species (ash-weight basis) 

Sagebrush, big; Powder River Basin,

Wyoming and Montana 20 (1)

3:6 0.046 1.51 <.038 - .060

SOILS

30:30

64:64 

64:64 

64:64

47:47 

48:48

16:16 

16:16

108:108

48:48

136:136 

136:136

36:36

36:36

47:47 

47:47

30:30 

30:30

2.6

2.1 

1.9 

1.8

3.2 

3.0

16

2.5 

2.2

2.4 

2.1

2.7

2.2

1.6 

1.6

2.0 

1..6

1.18

1.40

1.37

1.38

1.31

1.30

1.26

1.29

1.52

1.45

1.31

1.41

1.49

1.33

1.49

1.28

1.45

1.41

1.48

1.13

1.33

1.37

1.16

1.29

1.29

1.17

1.29

1.34

1.43

1.43

1.43

1.34

1.11

1.70

1.24

1.13

1.37

1.78

1.4 - 4.6

1 - 7

1 - 3

1 - 3

1 - 5

1 - 5

1.9 - 4.5 

1.7 - 4.0

4.9 - 36

.78 - 5.8 

1.2 - 4.6

.78 - 5.8

.57 - 4.7

1.2 - 4.3

.80 - 6.3

.84 - 2.6 

.69 - 5.8

1.1 - 4.4 

.57 - 3.3

PLANTS

19:25 

14:18

4:41

0.083

.068

<2

1.61

1.39

1.32 0.056 - 0.29 

1.22 <.047 - .13

<2 - 3

YTTERBIUM
TABLES 4-77 151

TABLE 60. Yttrium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean Devia- 

(percent) tion

Error Observed range 

(percent)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 1 (2) 79:80 17 

Shale- 1 (2) 80:80 22

Core sampler

Hanging Woman Creek Mont.

Sandstone 2 (2) 24:24 15 

Siltstor.e and shale 2 (2) 24:24 24 

Dark shale 2 (2) 23:23 28

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (2) 50:50 19 

Sandstone 4 (2) 42:42 30

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (2) 74:74 14 

Middle 300 m 5 (2) 52:53 13

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study 6 (2) 60:60 21

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 pm 7 (1) 24:24 18 

100-200 M m 7 (1) 24:24 13 

63-100 M m 7 (1) 24:24 48 

<63 pm 7 (1) 24:24 48

Uinta Creek and Piceance Creek Basins, 

Colo. and Utah

Asphalt Wash, Utah 8 (1) 8:8 29 

Cottonwood Creek, Utah 8 (1) 8:8 34 

Duck Creek, Colo. 8 (1) 8:8 22 

Ryan Gulch, Colo. 8 (1) 8:8 27

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo.

Roan and Black Sulphur Creeks 9 (1) 32:32 22

1.73

1.54

1.44

1.20

1.23

1.33

1.40

1.42

1.61

1.24

1.56

3.04

1.67

1.67

1.15

1.27

1.33

1.21

1.31

1.22

1.23

1.28

1.01

1.22

1.27

1.19

1.19

1.27

1.15

1.31

1.34

1.34

<4.6 

7.9

8.0

17

22

5.5

13

7.5 

<2

44

82

28

33

41

35

52

40

29

12 - 52

10

10

20

20

20

30

15

20

30

20

50

150

30

50

30

30

1.21 15 - 30

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North DakotaDave Johnston mine, Wyoming 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2)

10:10 

10:10 

10:10

18

19

23

1.26

1.31

1.18

13 - 26

12 - 26

18 - 29

YTTRIUM
152 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 60. Yttrium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(ppm)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS Continued

Mine spoil Continued

Northern Great Plains Continued

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (2) 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (2) 

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (2) 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (2)

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (2) 

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (2) 

Plants (dry-weight basis)

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwing slatbush 11 (2) 

Alkali sacaton 11 (2)

Piceance Creek and Uinta Basins, 

Colo. and Utah; alluvial,

0- to 40-cm depth 12 (2)

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 13 (1) 

B horizon 13 (1) 

C horizon 13 (1)

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Soil, 0- to 5-cm depth 20 (1) 

Soil, 15- to 20-cm depth 20 (1)

Hanging Woman, Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (2) 

C horizon 14 (2)

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 0- to 5-cm

depth 15 (2)

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (2) 

C horizon 16 (2)

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (2)

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (2)

San Juan Basin

A horizon 11 (2) 

C horizon 11 (2)

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10

12:12

12:12

6:6 

6:6

19

17

16

23

17

32

27

.81 

.47

1.32

1.40

1.29

1.46

1.32

1.23

1.11

1.42

1.45

1.11

1.08

12 - 27

10 - 27

10 - 23

16 - 57

12 - 27

22 - 41

22 - 32

.60 - 1.3 

.30 - .68

SOILS

30:30

64:64 

62:64 

62:64

48:48 

48:48

16:16 

16:16

108:108

136:136 

136:136

36:36

36:36

47:47 

47:47

18

19

17

17

17

18

24

23

16

18

17

20

17

28

29

1.15

1.38

1.38

1.40

1.28

1.27

1.19

1.29

1.52

1.46

1.47

1.28

1.35

1.34

1.45

1.13

1.35

1.34

1.23

1.18

1.19

1.13

1.29

1.34

1.34

1.32

1.15

1.53

1.18

1.19

11 - 29

10 - 30

<10 - 30

<10 - 30

1 - 5 

10 - 30

15 - 29 

15 - 38

4.9 - 36

3.1 - 54 

3.1 - 42

10 - 29 

9.6 - 39

15 - 46 

13 - 57

YTTRIUM
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 60. Yttrium in rocks, stream, sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

153

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Devia- Error Observed range 

tion (ppm)

SOILS Continued

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Hex.

24 (2) 

24 (2)

30:30 30 

30:30 1.6

1.33 1.14 18 - 

1.48 1.78 .57 -

71 

3.3

PLANTS

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Native species (ash-weight basis) 

Lichen (Parmelia), Powder River

Sagebrush, big; Powder River Basin,

19 (2) 

19 (2) 

19 (2)

22 (1) 

20 (1)

25:25 0.83 

7:10 .32 

 18:18 .68

29:29 32 

5:41 <20

1.80 1.28 0.19 - 

1.87 1.30 <.22 - 

1.61 1.22 .26 -

1.43 1.21 20 -

<20 -

3.7 

.72

1.4

70 

30

TABLE 61. Zinc in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean, except that values preceded by asterisk are arithmetic mean. Deviation, geometric deviation, except that values preceded by asterisk are standard deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures, except that values preceded by asterisk 

are standard error. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean Devia- 

(percent) tion

Error Observed range 

(percent)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Shale 

Core samples 

Hanging Woman Creek, Montana

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

1 (3)

1 (3)

2

/ Q \

2 (3) 

2f o \

3

1 o \

/, f1\

80:80 

80:80

24:24 

24:24 

23:23

50:50

/, 9 L 9

44 1.64 

80 1.86

60 1.42 

110 1.16 

130 1.17

59 1.32

A? 1 A

1.27 10 - 

<1.06 12 -

31 -

1.05 86 - 

1.01 80 -

1.26 30 - 

i _m Ti -

120 

220

100 

150 

140

110 

1 1 7

YTTRIUM, ZINC
154 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 61. Zinc in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(percent)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(percent)

ROCKS Continued

Core samples Continued

Piceance Creek Basin, Colorado 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) - 

Middle 300 m - 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m)-

5 (3) 

5 (3) 

5 (3)

74:74 

53:53 

32:32

79

91

120

1.23

1.37

1.25

1.08

1.05

47 - 140

30 - 200

68 - 160

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional studyPowder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 ym - 

100-200 ym 

63-100 ym - 

<63 ym 

6 (3)

(3) 

(3) 

(3) 

(3)

60:60

18:18 

24:24 

24:24 

24:24

71

46

35

38

67

1.22

1.71

1.40

1.26

1.21

1.13

1.20

1.20

1.20

1.08

42 - 120

24 - 92 

22 - 89 

28 - 91 

55 - 110

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North Mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 10:10 87

Dave Johnston Mine, Wyoming 10 (3) 10:10 59

Hidden Valley Mine, Wyoming 10 (3) 10:10 70

Kincaid Mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 10:10 74

Savage Mine, Montana 10 (3) 10:10 67

Velva Mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 10:10 65

Big Sky Mine, Montana 10 (3) 10:10 50

Utility Mine, Saskatchewan 10 (3) 10:10 64

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (3) 12:12 56 

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (3) 12:12 48 

Plants (dry weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 10:10 25 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (3) 10:10 33 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 10 (3) 10:10 43 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 10:10 35 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (3) 10:10 18 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 10:10 23

White sweetclover

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (3) 10:10 36 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (3) 10:10 22

Alfalfa

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 3:3 35 

Dave Johnston mine, Wyoming 10 (3) 3:3 43 

Savage mine, Montana 10 (3) 3:3 35 

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (3) 3:3 25 

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (3) 3:3 39

1.14

1.18

1.20

1.32

1.23

1.08

1.17

1.23

1.14

1.08

1.36

1.41

1.22

1.33

1.56

1.41

1.20

1.46

1.47

1.40

1.45

1.41

1.24

1.04

1.02

1.06

1.06

1.06

1.06

1.06

1.06

1.06

1.06

68 - 100 

43 - 70 

54 - 91

43 - 110

44 - 81 

56 - 71 

42 - 66 

50 - 100

47 - 66

39 - 49

15 - 44 

19 - 53 

33 - 58 

18 - 49 

8-33 

15 - 40

26 - 49 

10 - 35

23 - 49

29 - 57

25 - 52

17 - 34

34 - 50

ZINC
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 61. Zinc in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

155

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(ppm)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS Continued

Plants (dry-weight basis)--Continued

Northern Great Plains Continued 

Crested wheat.grass, Dave Johnstcn 

mine, Wyoming

Growing on mine spoil 26 (3) 20:20 26 

Growing near mine spoil 26 (3) 20:20 20

San Juan mine, New Mexico

Fourwing saltbush 11 (3) 6:6 56 

Alkali sacaton 11 (3) 6:6 14

SOILS

Piceance and Uinta Basins, Colo.

and Utah; alluvial, 0- to 40-cm depth 12 (3) 30:30 65

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

A horizon 13 (3) 64:64 61 

B horizon 13 (3) 64:64 62 

C horizon 13 (3) 64:64 60

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Soil, 0- to 2.5-cm depth 20 (3) 48:48 59 

Soil, 15- to 20-cm depth 20 (3) 48:48 61

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (3) 16:16 83 

C horizon 14 (3) 16:16 77

Piceance Creek Basin, Colorado, 0- to

5-cm depth 15 (3) 108:108 80

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

A horizon 16 (3) 136:136 *63 

C horizon 16 (3) 136:136 *59

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (3) 36:36 57

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (3) 36:36 43

San Juan Basin, N. Mex.

A horizon- 11 (3) 47:47 39 

C horizon 11 (3) 47:47 37

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (3) 30:30 31 

C horizon 24 (3) 30:30 26

1.19

1.24

1.71

1.30

1.06

1.06

1.21

1.50

1.47

1.75

1.31

1.35

1.16

1.26

1.23

*20

*19

1.33

1.31

1.49

1.66

1.18

1.36

1.02

1.05

1.07

1.04

1.05

1.05

1.03

1.02

1.05

*7.72

*7.72

1.11

1.08

1.14

1.03

1.07

1.05

18 - 32 

13 - 28

27 - 86 

11 - 17

33 - 110

20 - 130

19 - 130

15 - 140

28 - 93 

25 - 104

65 - 100 

42 - 110

45 - 140

14 - 170 

18 - 120

34 - 110

28 - 83

18 - 84 

12 - 91

23 - 44 

14 - 41

ZINC
156 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 61. Zinc in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Devi ation

PLANT?

Frror

13

1.09

1.17

1.12

1.08

1.09

1.09

1.03

1.09

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

1.05

Observed range 

(ppm)

Cultivated plants, northern Great 

Plains (dry weight basis)

Barley 21 (3) 18:18 28 1.38 1 

Oats 21 (3) 21:21 27 1.23 

Wheat, durham 21 (3) 20:20 36 1.34 

Wheat, hard red spring 21 (3) 54:54 38 1.33 

Wheat, hard red winter 21 (3) 17:17 27 1.22

Native species (dry weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (3) 25:25 13 1.44 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (3) 10:10 19 2.37 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (3) 18:18 17 1.34

Native species (ash weight basis) 

Sagebrush, big; Powder River Basin,

Wyo. and Mont. 20 (3) 41:41 410 1.29

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province 23 (3) 30:30 420 1.73

Columbia Plateaus Province 23 (3) 30:30 330 1.67

Basin and Range Province 23 (3) 30:30 350 1.56

Northern Great Plains 23 (3) 20:20 490 1.62

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 20:20 530 2.12

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 23 (3) 20:20 430 1.49

Southern Rocky Mountains Provinc a 23 (3) 20:20 430 1.42

Wyoming Basin Province 23 (3) 20:20 380 1.33

Availability studies, samples from 

Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, 

and Wyoming (dry weight basis)

Wheatgrass, western 18 (3) 21:21 15 1.53 

Sagebrush, silver 18 (3) 19:19 34 1.38 

Plant biomass, above-ground parts 18 (3) 21:21 27 1.23

13

19

17

23

20

8.4 

6.8 

9.6

49

44

50

74

38

37

77

27

200 - 800

200

200

210

280

330

200

280

250

1,000

940

1,380

800

2,400

700

790

510

5.7 - 34

19 - 64

19 - 41

TABLE 62. Zirconium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

element was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio

Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation Error

Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS

Outcrop samples

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Sandstone 

Shale 

1 (2) 

1 (2)

80:80 

80:80

270

320

1.68

1.48

1.26

1.20

100 - 590 

97 - 570

ZINC, ZIRCONIUM
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 62. Zirconium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

157

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(ppm)

ROCKS Continued

Core samples

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Sandstone - 2 (2) 24:24 200 

Siltstone and shale 2 (2) 24:24 250 

Dark sh.ile - 2 (2) 23:23 220

Northern Great Plains, Fort Union 

Formation

Fine-grained rocks 3 (2) 50:50 200 

Sandstone 4 (2) 42:42 325

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. 

Green River Formation

Mahogany zone (upper 100 m) 5 (2) 74:74 75 

Middle 300 m 5 (2) 53:53 88 

Garden Gulch Member (lower 100 m) 5 (2) 32:32 120

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study 6 (2) 59:60 350

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont. 

Size fractions

>200 vim-- - 7 (1) 24:24 61 

100-200 ym 7 (1) 24:24 76 

63-100 pm - 7 (1) 24:24 210 

<63 ym 7 (1) 24:24 820

Uinta and Pilceance Creek Basins,

Colo. and Utah- 8 (1) 32:32 220

Piceance Creek Bs.sin, Colo.

Roan and Black Sulphur Creeks 9 (1) 32:32 180

1.51

1.25

1.30

1.44

1.60

1.44

1.67

1.25

1.39

1.18

1.16

1.26

1.25

1.20

1.33

1.50

1.59

1.42

2.16

2.72

1.52

1.65

1.38

1.23

1.27

1.41

1.15

1.19

1.15

85

140

140

99

130

29

9.8

430

330

350

490

850

210

210

160

150 - >970

30

50

70

200

200

150

1,500

7,000

100 - 700

70 - 700

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS

Mine spoil

Northern Great Plains

Beulah North mine, North DakotaDave Johns ton mine, Wyoming 

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming 

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 

Savage mine, Montana 

Velva mine, North Dakota 

Big Sky mine, Montana 

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 

San Juan mine, New Mexico 

Topsoil used in spoil reclamation

San Juan mine, New Mexico 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2) 

10 (2)

10 (2)

11 (2)

11 (2)

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10 

10:10

12:12

11:12

180

180

300

170

180

190

210

160

300

420

1.68

1.41

1.21

1.45

1.38

1.28

1.31

1.40

1.35

1.51

1.37

1.51

69 - 470

90 - 280

200 - 390

95 - 310

92 - 310

140 - 290

120 - 290

91 - 210

190 - 600

260 - >1,000

ZIRCONIUM
158 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 62. Zirconium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

Study No. 

Sample, and collection locality and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(ppm)

MINE SPOIL AND ASSOCIATED MATERIALS Continued

Plants (dry-weight basis)

Northern Great Plains 

Yellow sweetclover 

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 

White sweetclover

Alfalfa 

Beulah North mine, North Dakota 

San Juan mine, New Mexico

10 

10 

10 

10 

10 

10

10 

10

10 

10 

10 

10

11 

11

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2)

(2) 

(2)

(2) 

(2) 

(2) 

(2)

(2) 

(2)

10: 

10: 

10: 

10: 

9: 

9:

10: 

8:

1: 

3: 

1:

2:

6: 

6:

10 

:10 

10 

:10 

:9 

:10

:10 

:10

3 

:3 

:3 

:3

6 

:6

1. 

1. 

3. 

2.

1.

3. 

1.

5.

1.

1 

6 

9 

6 

9 

98

5 

97

1

7

1 

9

1.37 

1.48 

1.75 

1.42 

1.26 

2.37

1.40 

2.47

1.12 

2.87

1.61 

2.49

1.50 

1.50 

1.50 

1.50 

1.50 

1.50

1.50 

1.50

_

0.7 

.7 

1.8 

1.7 

.6

.9

<1.4 

2.8 

<1.4 

<1.4

3.1 

.54

- 1.7 

- 2.7 

- 9.9 

- 4.5 

- 1.3 

- 3.9

- 2.5 

- 2.6

- 3.4 

- 3.5 

- 1.8 

- 5.2

- 8.6 

- 5.3

SOILS

Piceance Creek and Ulnta Basins, Colo. 

and Utah; alluvial, 0- to 40-cm depth 

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and Mont.

Soil, 15- to 20-cm depth - 

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Piceance Creek Basin, Colo. , 0- to 5-cm

Northern Great Plains; North Dakota, 

South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana 

Unglaciated area

Glaciated area

Combined data, unglaciated and 

glaciated areas

12

13 

13 

13

20 

20

14 

14

15

16 

16

16

1 £

(2)

(1) 

(1) 

(1)

(1) 

(1)

(2) 

(2)

(2)

(2) 

(2)

(2) 

fi\

30:

64: 

64: 

64:

48: 

48:

16: 

16:

108:

88: 

48:

136: 

1 1£ .

30

:64 

:64 

64

;48 

:48

;16 

:16

:108

;88 

:48

:136

. 1 1C.

340

230 

200 

160

150 

140

300 

300

260

280

240

260 

Tin

1.34

1.71 

1.57 

1.73

1.45 

1.40

1.29 

1.25

1.55

1.46 

1.57

1.51 

i <;/.

1.25

1.30 

1.44 

1.31

1.20 

1.20

1.29 

1.25

1.43

1.63 

1.63

1.63

1 A 7

200

70 

70 

50

70

70

170 

220

54

94 

61

60

RQ

- 570

- 700 

- 700 

- 700

- 500 

- 300

- 500 

- 490

- 700

- 600 

- 660

- 660 

«i n

Big Horn Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm depth 17 (2) 36:36 320 1.35 1.29 190 - 640

ZIRCONIUM
TABLES 4-77 

TAIBLE 62. Zirconium in rocks, stream sediments, mine spoil and associated materials, soils, and plants Continued

159

Sample, and collection locality

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Deviation

Error Observed range 

(ppm)

SOILS Continued

Wind River Basin, Wyo., 0- to 40-cm

depth 17 (2) 36:36

San Juan Basin, N. Hex.

A horizon 11 (2) 46:47 

C horizon 11 (2) 46:47

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, 

N. Mex.

A horizon 24 (2) 30:30 

C horizon 24 (2) 29:30

Cultivated plants, northern Great 

Plains (dry-weight basis)

Barley 21 (1) 6:18 

Oats 21 (1) 6:21 

Wheat, durum 21 (1) 17:20 

Wheat, hard red spring 21 (1) 52:54 

Wheat, hard red winter 21 (1) 15:17

Native species (dry-weight basis)

Galleta, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 25:25 

Saltbush, fourwing, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 9:10 

Snakeweed, San Juan Basin 19 (2) 18:18

Native species (ash-weight basis) 

Lichen (Parmelta), Powder River

Basin, Wyo. ar'd Mont. 22 (1) 29:29

Sagebrush, big; Powder River Basin,

Wyo. and Mont. 20 (1) 41:41

Sagebrush, big; regional study

Colorado Plateaus Province 23 (1) 21:30

Columbia Plateaus Province 23 (1) 30:30

Basin and Rang;e Province 23 (1) 22:30

Northern Great Plains 23 (1) 16:20

Northern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 17:20

Middle Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 19:20

Southern Rocky Mountains Province 23 (1) 16:20

Wyoming Basin Province 23 (1) 20:20

240

430

330

390

270

1.40

1.65

1.64

1.45

1.82

1.41

1.57

1.33

1.41

1.44

95 - 490

130 -M.OOO 

120 ->1,000

210 - 970 

97 ->1,000

PLANTS

0.09 

.14 

.11 

.13 

.10

7.5 

1.7 

5.2

77

57

22

45

22

24

23

32

24

33

1.49

1.06

1.39

1.40

1.36

2.15

2.06

2.10

1.39

1.58

1.81

1.70

1.79

1.74

1.59

2.45

1.65

1.78

1.34

1.31

1.32

1.30

1.31

1.28

1.27

1.34

1.34

1.34

1.44

1.44

1.44

1.44

1.44

<0.077 -

<.069 -

<.08 -

<.06 -

1.5

<.52

1.2

<20

20

<20

<20

<20

<20

<20

20

0.15

.16

.19

.25

.16

20

3.4

23

50 - 150

20 - 150

70

100

50

70

50

150

50

70

ZIRCONIUM
160 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 63. Parameters measured in extraction studies of soils from San Juan Basin, N. Mex. (study No. 19)

(Explanation of column headings: Analytical method refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the element or radical was found in measurable concentrations to 

number of samples analyzed; other parameters were measured in all 47 samples. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory 

procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate column heading is not applicable, or no data available]

Parameter

Zinc - -

Soil 

horizon

C

C

C

C

C

C

C

C

Reporting 

units 1

ppm 

ppm

ppm 

ppm

ppm 

ppm

ppm 

ppm

ppm 

ppm

ppm 

ppm

ppm 

ppm

ppm 

ppm

Analytical 

method

DTPA

3 

3

3 

3

3 

3

3 

3

3 

3

3 

3

3 

3

3 

3

Ratio Mean

EXTRACTION

19:47 0. 

7:47

46:47 

43:47

47:47 

47:47

47:47 9. 

47:47 9.

47:47 7. 

47:47 4.

47:47 

47:47

47:47 

45:47

47:47 

47:47

05 

05

39 

29

70 

58

1 

9

7 

5

45 

41

77 

52

40 

29

Deviation

1.14 

1.00

1.49 

1.90

1.67 

1.89

1.77 

2.17

1.57 

1.94

1.61 

1.78

2.17 

2.45

1.60 

1.70

Error

1.19 

1.13

1.59 

2.00

1.20 

1.14

1.39 

1.67

1.24 

1.17

1.32 

1.53

2.42 

2.27

1.37 

1.35

Observed

<0.05 - 

<.05 -

.3 - 

.19 -

2.8 - 

1.5 -

2.3 - 

.6 -

.1 - 

.1 -

.05 -

.2 - 

.1 -

range

0.08 

.05

.75 

.65

2.8 

3.3

51 

48

20 

15

1.2 

.9

2.2 

2.5

1.9 

2.1

AMMONIUM ACETATE EXTRACTION

C

C

A

C

A

ppm 

ppm

ppm 

ppm

ppm 

ppm

ppm

3 

3

3 

3

3 

3

3

47:47 12. 

47:47 29.

47:47 1. 

47:47 2.

47:47 1. 

47:47

47:47

4 

5

3

5

2 

64

25

2.14 

2.02

1.70 

2.04

2.15 

3.00

3.17

1.09 

1.06

1.05 

1.03

2.12 

2.33

1.60

2.7 - 

3.2 -

.5 - 

.4 -

.21 - 

.1 -

.09 -

42 

230

4.3 

9.9

4.1 

3.6

48

WATER-SATURATION EXTRACTION

Chloride -- 

O Ui i. a Lc

C

C

A

C

C

C

C

me/L 

me/L

me/L 

me/L

me/L 

me/L

me/L 

me/L

me/L 

me/L

me/L 

me/L

3 

3

9 

9

3 

3

3 

3

3 

3

9 

9

47:47 5. 

47:47 5.

27:47 

32:47 1.

47:47 1. 

47:47 2.

47:47 1. 

47:47

47:47 1. 

47:47 8.

25:47 

32:47

4 

6

51 

4

1 

1

2 

74

7 

2

1.84 

2.92

4.05 

7.92

1.63 

3.53

1.66 

1.72

3.51 

4.16

1.14 

1.20

1.97 

3.04

1.18 

1.28

2.42 

1.48

1.48 

1.22

1.6 - 

.6 -

.3 - 

.3 -

.2 - 

.1 -

.2 -

C _

36.3 

63.6

75 

75

5.1 

40.0

3.2 

3.1

680 

440

510 

450
TABLES 4-77 161 

TABLE 63. Parameters measured in extraction studies of soils from San Juan Basin, N. Mex. (study No. 19) Continued

Soil Reporting Analytical Ratio Mean

Parameter horizon ,1 method

Devia- Error 

tion Observed range

WATER-SATURATION EXTRACTION--Continued

Specific conductance A mmhos/cm 

C mmhos/cm

15 

15

47:47 0.86 

47:47 1.3

2.38 

3.00

1.05 

1.10

0.33 - 66 

.28 - 47

HOT-WATER EXTRACTION

C ppm

CEC (cation exchange

C me/100 g

16 

16

REPLACEMENT

3 

3

15:47 0.33 

27:47 .52

BY SODIUM

47:47 10.2 

47:47 13.0

1.99 

1.95

2.40 

1.71

2,56 

3.16

1.26 

1.13

<0.5 - 4,0 

<.5 - 3.5

0.2 - 37.3 

4.2 - 40.8

CALCULATED

SAR (sodium adsorpC

ESP (exchangeable 

sodium percentages) A percent 

C percent

11 

11

11 

11

47:47 0.95 

47:47 4.1

47:47 1.6 

47:47 2.6

3.02 

3.22

2.45 

2.81

1.45 

1.26

1.69 

1.17

0.11 - 155

.30 - 96.6

.3 - 57 

.5 - 56.5

ppm, parts per million; me/L, milliequivalents per liter; mmhos/cm, reciprocal milliohms per centimeter; me/100 

milliequivalents per 100 grams.

TABLE 64.. Parameters measured in extraction studies of soil from the Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, San Juan Basin which is

likely to be used as topsail in mined-land reclamation (study No. 24)

[Explanation of column headings: Analytical method refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the element or radical was found in measurable concentrations to 

number of samplis analysed; other parameters were measured in all 30 samples. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leadeni (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Parameter

Cobalt 

Soil 

horizon

C

C

C

C

C

C

Reporting 

units 1

ppm 

ppm

ppm 

ppm

ppm 

ppm

ppm 

ppm

ppm 

ppm

ppm 

ppm

Analytical 

method

DTPA

3

3 

3

3 

3

3 

3

3 

3

3 

3

3

Ratio

EXTRACTION

3:30

0:30 

3:30

6:30 

30:30

30:30 

30:30

30:30 

26:30

16:30 

30:30

30:30

Mean

<0.05

.15 

.55

.35 

7.6

7.7 

.72

.55 

in Q

6.2

Deviation

1,37 

1.36

2.45 

1.25

1.20 

1.41

1.27 

1.47

1.43

Error

1.15

4.15 

1.09

1.07 

1.51

1.40 

1.14

1.14

Observed range

<0.05 - 0.08

<,2 - .3

<.2 - .3 

.3 - .95

.1 - 8.8 

4.4 - 12

5.6 - 11 

<.5 - 1.2

<.5 - .8

5 Q 9 1

1.8 - 12
162 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 64. Parameters measured in extraction studies of soil from the Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, San Juan Basin which is

likely to be used as topsoil in mined-land reclamation (study No. 24) Continued

Soil 

Parameter horizon

Reporting 

units

Analytical 

method

Ratio Mean Deviation

Error

Observed range

DTPA EXTRACTION Continued

Z inc 

A 

C

A 

C

ppm 

ppm

ppm 

ppm

3 

3

3 

3

20:30 0. 

23:30

30:30 

30:30

24 

32

45 

21

1.70 

1.81

1.38 

1.23

1.82 

1.68

1.20 

1.22

<0.2 - 

<.2 -

.3 - 

.15 -

0.7 

.9

1.1 

.3

AMMONIUM ACETATE EXTRACTION

A 

C

A 

C

A 

C

A 

C

ppm 

ppm

ppm 

ppm

ppm 

ppm

ppm 

ppm

3 

3

3 

3

3 

3

3 

3

30:30 4. 

30:30 4.

30:30 1. 

30:30 2.

30:30 

26:30

30:30 

30:30 1.

1 

9

2 

1

67 

20

60 

4

1.39 

2.65

1.32 

2.69

1.57 

1.95

2.09 

1.77'

1.09 

1.11

1.15 

1.13

1.30 

1.65

1.78 

1.37

2.0 - 

1.5 -

.7 '- 

.6 -

.2 - 

<.l -

.2 - 

.55 -

6.4 

32

2.1 

23

1.5 

.6

2.8 

4.5

WATER-SATURATION EXTRACTION

Chloride 

Specific conductance

A 

C

A 

C

A 

C

A 

C

A 

C

A 

C

A 

C

me/L 

me/1

me/L 

me/L

me/L 

me/L

me/L 

me/L

me/L 

me/L

me/L 

me/L

mmhos/cm 

mmhos/cm

3 

3

9 

9

3 

3

3 

3

3 

3

9 

9

15 

15

30:30 4. 

30:30 4.

3:30 

25:30 2.

30:30 1. 

30:30 2.

30:30 

26:30

30:30 

30:30 8.

15:30 

26:30 3.

30:30 

30:30 1.

1 

9

7

2 

1

67 

20

60 

0

98 

2

53 

2

1.39 

2.65

6.70

1.32 

2.69

1.57 

1.95

2.09 

2.74

1.56 

4.55

1.29 

2.24

1.09 

1.11

1.66

1.15 

1.13

1.30 

1.65

1.78 

1.08

1.38 

1.32

1.07 

1.07

2.0 -

1.5 -

<.5 -

<1.0 -

.7 - 

.6 -

.2 - 

<.l -

.2 - 

.7 -

<1.0 - 

<1.0 -

.3 - 

.5 -

6.4 

32.3

1.0 

49.0

2.1 

22.7

1.5 

.6

2.8 

61.1

2.0 

65.0

.8 

7.0

HOT-WATER EXTRACTION

CEC (cation exchange

capaci y

A 

C

A 

C

ppm 

ppm

me/100 g 

me/100 g

16 

16

REPLACEMENT

3 

3

1:30 

10:30

BY SODIUM

30:30 10. 

30:30 11.

35

4 

6

2.00

1.18 

1.42

~

1.11 

1.20

<0.5 - 

<.5 -

7.3 - 

6.0 -

0.5 

2.0

14.3 

21.1
TABLES 4-77 163

TABLE 64. Parameters measured in extraction studies of soil from the Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association, San Juan Basin which is 

likely to be used as topsail in mined-land reclamation (study No. 24) Continued

Parameter

Soil 

horizon

Reporting 

units

Analytical 

method

Ratio Mean DeviationError

Observed range

CALCULATED

SAR (sodium adsorption ratios) -

ESP (exchangeable 

sodium percentages) percent 

percent

11

11

11

11

30:30 

30:30

30:30 

30:30

0.37 

4.2

6.8 

4.7

2.25

2.25

1.68

1.75

1.35

1.08

1.48

1.33

0.13 - 2.2 

.42 - 20.3

2.2 - 28.9 

1.3 - 11.6

ppm, parts per million; me/L, milliequivalents per liter; mmhos/cm, reciprocal milliohms per centimeter; me/100 

milliequivalents per 100 grams.

TABLE (>5. Parameters measured in extraction studies of soils and mine spoil from San Juan mine, New Mexico (study No. 11)

[Explanation of column heiidings: Analytical method refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the element or radical was found in measurable concentrations to 

number of samples analyzed; other parameters were measured in all 12 samples. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Parameter

Soil 

horizon

Reporting 

units 1

Analytical 

method

Ratio Mean Deviation

Error

Observed range

DTPA EXTRACTION

Cadmium Topsoil ppm

Spoil ppm

Cobalt Topsoil ppm

Spoil ppm

Copper - Topsoil ppm

Spoil ppm

Iron - Topsoil ppm

Spoil ppm

Manganese - Topsoil ppm

Spoil ppm

Nickel Topsoil ppm

Spoil ppm

Lead- Topsoil ppm

Spoil ppm

Zinc Topsoil ppm

Spoil ppm

Calcium Topsoil me/100

Spoil me/100

Magnesium Topsoil me/100

Spoil me/100

Potassium Topsoil me/100

Spoil me/100

3:12 

11:12

2:12 

2:12

12:12 

12:12

12:12 

12:12

12:12 

12:12

5:12 

12:12

7:12 

10:12

12:12 

12:12

0.05

.71 

2.0

13

61

12

.038 

.20

.13 

.45

.39 

1.5

1.00

1.68

1.18

2.93

1.98

1.78

2.32

4.82

2.23

4.13

2.74

2.25

1.89

1.11

1.08

1.04

1.32

1.13

1.09

1.06

2.04

1.45

1.43

1.05

<0.05 - 0.05 

<.05 - .05

.5 - 2.2 

1.5 - 2.4

6.4 - 130 

30 - 210

5.6 - 32 

5.4 - 55

<.05 - .4 

.10 - .90

.2 - 2.2 

.8 - 5.2

AMMONIUM ACETATE EXTRACTION

12:12 29 

12:12 33

12:12 

12:12

12:12 

12:12

3.5 

7.3

.24 

.35

1.25

1.12

1.24

1.50

1.23

1.16

1.07

1.06

1.02

1.05

1.12

1.00

22 - 47 

29 - 43

3.0 - 5.7 

4.3 - 15

.2 - .3 

.3 - .4
164 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 65. Parameters measured in extraction studies of soils and mine spoil from San Juan mine, New Mexico (study no. 11} Continued

Parameter

Soil

horizon

Reporting

units

Analytical 

method

Ratio Mean Deviation

Error

Observed range

AMMONIUM ACETATE EXTRACT ION- -Continued

Sodium Topsoil me/100 g 

Spoil me/100 g

Calcium Topsoil me/L 

Spoil me/L

Chloride Topsoil me/L 

Spoil me/L

Magnesium Topsoil me/L 

Spoil me/L

Potassium Topsoil me/L 

Spoil me/L

Sodium Topsoil me/L 

Spoil me/L

Sulfate Topsoil me/L 

Spoil me/L

Specific conductance Topsoil mmhos/cm 

Spoil mmhos/cm

Boron- Topsoil ppm 

Spoil ppm

CEC (cation exchange

capacity) Topsoil me/100 g 

Spoil me/100 g

SAR (sodium adsorption ratios) Topsoil 

Spoil

12: 

12::

1.7

21

2.87

1.97

1.17

1.18

0.5 - 10 

4.2 - 43

WATER-SATURATION EXTRACTION

15

15

12: 

12:

12: 

12:

12:

12:

12: 

12:

12: 

12:

12: 

12:

12; 

12:

11

26

7.2

19

4.8

27

.38 

.64

21

260

18

230

2.8 

9.6

1.96

1.13

1.62

1.50

2.11

1.68

1.46

1.17

3.15

1.69

3.12

1.79

2.37

1.70

1.13

1.05

1.19

1.13

1.15

1.11

1.20

1.06

1.10

1.10

1.14

1.13

1.15

1.45

5.9 - 30 

23 - 33

3-15 

9-31

2.4 - 15 

15 - 71

6.5 - 120 

97 - 500

5-95 

75 - 480

1.3 - 11 

4.0 - 17

HOT-WATER EXTRACTION

16

16

8:

11::

0.60 

1.8

2.56

2.91

1.10

1.46

<0.5 - 3.5 

<.5 - 1K4

REPLACEMENT BY SODIUM

12:: 

12::

17

36

1.62

1.41

1.08

1.08

12 - 46 

22 - 68

CALCULATED

ESP (exchangeable 

sodium percentages) Topsoil percent 

Spoil percent

11

11

11

11

12:: 

12::

12:: 

12::

7. 

51

4.8

32

2.26

1.56

2.48

1.68

1.11

1,06

1.19

1.11

2.7 - 25 

20 - 78

1.5 - 18 

9.4 - 49

ppm, ppm-, parts per million; me/100 g, milliequivalents per 100 grams; me/L, milliequivalents per liter; mmshos/cm,

reciprocal milliohms per centimeter.
TABLES 4-77 165

TABLE (56. Elements measured in DTP A extracts of soils from the unglaciated area of the northern Great Plains (study No. 18)

[Explanation of column headings: Analytical method refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the element was found in measurable concentrations to number 

of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no 

data available |

Parameter

Soil 

horizon

Analytical 

method

Ratio Mean 

(ppm)

Error 

Deviation

Observed range 

(ppm)

DTPA EXTRACTION

Cobalt - 

IN J. t_ I^c -L

Z inc -- - 

C

C

C

C

C

C

C

C

3 

3

3 

3

3 

3

3 

3

3 

3

3 

3

3 

3

3 

3

21:21 

19:21

21:21 

21:21

21:21 

21:21

21:21 

21:21

21:21 

21:21

21:21 

21:21

21:21 

21:21

21:21 

21:21

0.10 

.020

.20 

.20

.40

.40

11 

7.0

.60 

.30

.60 

.30

.60 

.50

.60 

.050

1.66 

3.12

1.65 

2.28

1.77 

1.72

2.13 

1.60

2.21 

1.40

1.51 

1.87

2.21 

1.96

2.33 

2.03

0.040 - 

<.010 -

.060 - 

.050 -

.10 - 

.10 -

2.0 - 

3.0 -

.20 - 

.20 -

4.0 - 

1.0 -

.20 - 

.10 -

.20 - 

.010 -

0.30 

.10

.40 

.40

1.2 

.80

50 

19

2.6 

.60

15 

14

2.6 

2.1

5.3 

.20

TABLE 61. pH determinations for rocks, streams sediments, mine spoil and soils

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Mean, arithmetric mean. Deviation, 

arithmetic delation. Error, airthmetic error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Study No. 

and method of 

Sample, and collection locality analysis

Number of 

samples

Mean 

(standard Deviaunits) tion

Observed range 

Error (standard units)

ROCKS

Core samples 

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

Northern Great Plains, 

Fort Union Formation

2 (9) 

2 (9) 

2 (9)

4 (9)

24 

24 

23

12

9.0 0.66 

8.1 1.04 

7.7 .8

7.8 1.1

0.15 7 -10 

.21 5-9 

.44 5.4 - 8.4

4.1 - 8.9

STREAM SEDIMENTS

Northern Great Plains regional study--; 6 (9) 60 7.7 0.34 0.14 6.1 - 8.5

MINE SPOIL

Northern Great Plains regional study

10 (9) 

10 (9)

10 

10

7.0 0.69 

6.2 1.6

6

0 Q 7

4.0 - 8.5
166 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES 

TABLE 67. pH determinations for rocks, streams sediments, mine spoil and soils Continued

Sample, and collection locality

Study No.

and method of

analysis

Number of 

samples

Mean

(standard 

units)

Devia- Observed range 

tion Error (standard units)

MINE SPOIL Continued

Hidden Valley mine, Wyoming- 10 (9)

Kincaid mine, North Dakota 10 (9)

Savage mine, Montana 10 (9)

Velva mine, North Dakota 10 (9)

Big Sky mine, Montana 10 (9)

Utility mine, Saskatchewan 10 (9)

San Juan mine, New Mexico 11 (9)

Powder River Basin, Wyo. and 

Mont.

A horizon 13 (9) 

B horizon 13 (9) 

C horizon 13 (9)

Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

A horizon 14 (9) 

C horizon 14 (9)

Soils used in extraction studies, 

San Juan Basin, N. Mex. 

Regional study

A horizon 19 (9) 

C horizon 19 (9) 

Sheppard-Shiprock-Doak Soil Association

A horizon 24 (9)

C horizon 24 (9)

San Juan mine, topsoil 11 (9)

10

10

10

10

10

10

12

6.6 

7.8 

8.2 

7.8 

7.6 

7.8

7.6

0.96 

.71 

.49 

.40 

.53

1.3

.87 ,12

5.4 

7.1 

7.0 

7.0 

6.5 

4.4

- 7.8

- 9.4

6.3 - 8.4

SOILS

64

64

64

16

16

47

47

30

30

12

7.2

7.4

7.5

8.1 

8.3

7.9 

8.6 

8.0

0.46 

.40 

.41

.34 

.40

.30 

.81

.38 

.29 

.67

0.26 

.36 

.29

.21 

.25

.061 

.14

.055

.039

.076

6.0 - 7.9

6.7 - 8.2

6.2 - 8.5

7.0 - 8.7 

7.5 - 9.1

7.3 - 8.6

7.4 - 9.2

7.0 - 8.4 

7.8 - 9.2 

6.6 - 8.4

TABLE 68. Geochemical summary of ground water from North Dakota and Montana (study No. 25)

[Explanation of column headings: Analytical method refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the element was found in measurable concentrations to number 

of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean, except that values preceded by asterisk are arithmetic means. Deviation, geometric deviation, except that values preced by asterisk are 

standard deviations. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Parameter

Concentration 

units

Analytical 

method Ratio Mean Deviation Error Observed range

Aluminum 

Arsenic 

Barium 

Beryllium - 

BicarbonateBismuthBoron 

BromineCadmiumCalciumChlorineChromiumCobalt 

Copper 

Fluorinemg/L

mg/L 

Pg/L 

mg/L

mg/L 

PS/L

yg/L

Pg/L 

mg/L

2

3

2

2

17

2

6

6

3

3

6

2

2

2

9

18:19 

9:19

19:19 

9:19

19:19

0:19 

19:19 

15:19

2:19 

19:19

24 

<1 

50 

<7 

665

175

.21

28

19:19 15

0:19 <14

0:19 <14

8:19 <1

19:19 .6

2.36

2.58

1.63

2.72

2.87

4.50

3.45

3.19

1.55

1.09

1.01

1.07

1.33

1.04

1.07

<5 - 90 

<1 - 26 

13 - 520

251 -1,160

23 - 800 

<.l - 1.7

<1 - 1 

1.8 - 350

1.8 - 170

<1 - 15 

.1 - 7.5
TABLES 4-77 

TABLE 6S. Geochemical summary of ground water from North Dakota and Montana (study No. 25) Continued

167

Parameter

Concentration 

units

Analytical 

method Ratio Mean Deviation Error Observed range

Gallium - yg/L

Germanium yg/L

Iodine - mg/L

Iron - -- yg/L

Lead yg/L

Lithium - yg/L

Magnesium mg/L

Manganese - yg/L

Mercury - yg/L

Molybdenum yg/L

Nickel - yg/L

Potassium - - mg/L

226Radium - pCi/L

Selenium - yg/L

Silica - mg/L

Silver - - yg/L

Sodium mg/L

Strontium - yg/L

Sulfate mg/L

Tin - - yg/L

Titanium yg/L

Uranium - yg/L

Vanadium yg/L

Zinc - pg/L

Zirconium yg/L

Alkalinity (as CaC0 3 ) mg/L

Gross alpha (as U natural)- yg/L

Gross beta (as Sr/Y-90) pCi/L 

Dissolved solids (residue

at 180°C) mg/L

Hardness (total as CaC0 3 ) mg/L

pH s.u.

Sodium absorption ratio 

Specific conductance mhos/cm

Temperature- °C

2

2

6

2

2

3

3

2

4

2

2

3

20

3

6

2

3

2

6

2

2

13

2

3

2

11

21

21

14

11

9

11

15

19

0:19 

0:19 

8:19 

19:19 

0:19

19:19 

18:19 

15:19 

4:19 

7:19

0:19 

19:19 

16:19

6:19 

19:19

0:19 

19:19 

19:19 

19:10

0:19

1:19 

18:19

0:19 

16:19

0:19

19:19 

19:19

<2

427

49

12

31

4.6

.40 

<1 

14

<3 

219 

551 

128

<2

.74

42 

<25

19:19 576

4:19 <4.2

15:19 5.7

19:19 1,030 

126 

*7.8

3.88

1.79

3.73

1.77

3.12

1.61

2.97

2.40

19:19

19:19 1,690

5.5

19:19 9.6

1.60

1.87

1.92 

4.98 

*.64

1.66

1.27

1.11

1.18

1.11

1.23

1.03

1.15

1.03

1.03

1.22

1.04

1.23

1.06

1.29

1.01

1.06

1.03

1.04

1.01

<1 - .78 

70 -5,000

20 - 150

<.l - 240

<1 - 470

<.l - .1

<1 - 30

1.5 - 34

<.l - 4.2

<1 - 6

6.2 - 27

23 - 760

110 -3,800

4.7 -2,400

<2 - 150

.01 - 40

<10 -1,600

206 -1,070

<4.2 - 49

<2.9 - 22

281 -4,140

5 -1,900

6.55 - 8.89

.7 - 86

495 -4,300

7.1 - 20.4

yg/L, micrograms per liter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; pCi/L, picocuries per liter; s.u., standard units; ymhos/cr 

reciprocal micro-ohms per centimeter; °C, degrees Celsius.

TABLE 69, Geochemical summary of ground water from Poplar River Basin, Saskatchewan and Montana (Study No. 27)

[Explanation of column headings: Method of analysis refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the element or other parameter was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean, except that values preceded by asterisk are arithmetic means. Deviation, geometric deviation, except that values 

preceded by asterisk tire standard deviations. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Parameter

Concentration 

units 1

Analytical 

method Ratio Mean Deviation Observed range

Arsenic - 

Barium - 

BicarbonateBoron - 

Bromine -

yg/L

Pg/L 

mg/L 

Mg/L

yg/L

2

2

17

6

6

7:9 

6:9 

9:9 

9:9 

7:9

1.13

23

673

1,080

210

1.84

1.62

3.97

3.29

<1 - 3

<1 - 400

190 - 910

40 - 2,900

<10 - 1,600
168 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 69. Geochemical summary of ground water from Poplar River Basin, Saskatchewan and Montana (Study No. 27) Continued

Concentration 

Parameter units

Carbon, dissolved organic 

226Radium 

Silica 

Zinc 

Dissolved solids (residue

at 180°C) 

Hardness (total as CaC03) 

Sodium absorption ratio 

mg/L 

mg/L 

mg/L 

mg/L

yg/L 

yg/L

mg/L 

mg/L 

yg/L 

yg/L

mg/L

yg/L 

yg/L 

yR/L 

yg/L

mg/L 

mg/L 

mg/L 

pCi/L 

pg/L

mg/L 

mg/L 

yg/L 

mg/L 

yg/L

yg/L 

yg/L 

yg/L

mg/L 

mg/L 

s.u.

°C

Analytical 

method

3 

10 

17 

6 

3

3 

6 

9 

6 

6

3 

3 

4 

3 

6

6 

6 

3 

20 

3

6 

3 

3 

6 

3

13 

6 

3

14 

11 

9 

11 

11

Ratio Mean

9:9 

9:9 

3:9 

9:9

0:9

4:9 

1:9 

9:9 

6:9 

9:9

9:9 

7:9 

0:9 

3:9 

7:9

9:9 

7:9 

9:9 

9:9 

1:9

9:9 

9:9 

9:9 

9:9 

0:9

9:9 

2:9 

8:9

9:9 

9:9 

9:9 

9:9 

9:9

46 

5.4

13

.4 

10 

700

23 

41

3.2

.03 

.04 

6.8 

.40

12 

110 

477 

186

1.7 

44

1,065 

214 

*7.8 

4.4 

6.4

Deviation

4.53 

1.80

4.75

3.07 

1.87 

3.85

2.08 

2.59

1.30 

3.45

2.22 

*.66 

1.66

Observed range

3.4 

1.7

1.6

.1 

90 

.9

.01 

.01 

1.9 

.13

7.9 

1.4 

80 

10

.4

185 

12 

7.2 

.05 

2.1

- 440 

- 14 

- 21 

- 160

- 30 

- .03 

- 2.3 

- 30 

- 5,500

- 340 

- 850

- 10 

- 40

- .80 

- .80 

- 11 

- 2.3 

- 63

- 17 

- 670 

- 1,700 

- 1,600

- 190 

- 10 

- 970

- 3,450 

- 2,500 

- 8.9 

- 50 

- 10.6

yg/L, micrograms per liter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; pCi/L, picocuries per liter; 

,u., standard units; °C, degrees Celsius.

TABLE IQ. Geochemical summary of ground water from the Powder River coal region, Montana and Wyoming (Study No. 28) 

[Explanation of column headings: Method of analysis refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the element or other parameter was found in measurable concentrations to number of samples analyzed. Mean, geometric mean, except that values preceded by asterisk are arithmetic means. Deviation, geometric deviation, except that values 

preceded by asterisk are standard deviations. Leaders (-) in figure column indicate no data available]

Parameter

Concentration 

units

yg/L

yg/L

yg/L

mg/L

yg/L

mg/L

yg/L

mg/L

 ,,rv/T

Analytical 

method

2

3

2

17

6

6

3

3

6

9

Ratio

19:19

6

* 1 C\

9:15 

20:20

19:19

13:20

3:20

20:20

20:20

A- 1 Q

Mean

17

24

504

148

.15

8 7

Deviation

1.9

2.7

1.6

2.2

2.0

2.1

Observed

<6

<1

6

195

32

<.l

<1

1.9

1.9

^i

range

- 60

- 6

i n o

-1,400

- .7

- 1

- 530

- 47

- i /.
TABLES 4-77 169 

TABLE lO. Geochemical summary of ground water from the Powder River coal region, Montana and Wyoming (Study No. 28) Continued

Concentration 

Parameter units

226Radium 

Zinc 

Dissolved solids (residue

at 180°C) 

Hardness (total as CaCO-j) 

Sodium absorption ratio - 

pH .. .. 

mg/L 

mg/L

yg/L 

yg/L

mg/L

yg/L 

yg/L

mg/L 

pCi/L 

yg/L

mg/L 

mg/L 

yg/L 

mg/L

yg/L 

yg/L

pCi/L

mg/L 

mg/L

s.u. 

mhos /cm

Analytical 

method

9 

6 

6 

3 

3

3 

4 

3 

20 

3

6 

3 

2 

6 

13 

3

21

14 

11 

11 

9 

15

Ratio

20:20 

4:20 

20:20 

20:20 

20:20

20:20 

4:20 

2020 

17:18 

5:20

20:20 

20:20 

15:16 

20:20 

16:18 

20:20

12:18

20:20 

20:20 

20:20 

20:20 

20:20

Mean

0.68 

.01 

170 

36 

13

21

3.9 

.23

11 

173 

444 

292 

.25 

50

6.6

1,080 

112 

6.9 

*7.7 

1,500

Deviation

2.8 

1.4

2.4

2.0 

2.0

1.6 

3.0 

4.1

1.8

1.9 

6.9 

6.0 

*.6 

1.8

Observed range

0.1

7 

10 

.6

.7 

1.5

5.8 

24 

19 

5.5

.7 

<4

345 

7 

.4 

6.5 

582

- 14 

- .02 

-28,000 

- 180 

- 150

- 4,800 

- .2 

- 12 

- .8 

- 12

- 26 

- 1,000

- 1,800 

- 7.3 

- 1,800

- 14

- 3,190 

- 1,900 

- 73 

- 8.5

- 4,000

yg/L, micrograms per liter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; pCi/L, picocuries per liter; 

., standard units; ^mhos/cm, reciprocal micro-ohms per centimeter; °C, degrees Celsius,

TABLE 71. Shale-outcrop mineralogy, Fort Uniton Formation, northern Great Plains

[Explanation of column headings: Study No, refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

mineral was found to number of samples examined. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in 

figure column indicate no data available]

Mineral

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis Ratio

Mean 

(percent) Deviation Error

Observed range 

(percent)

Calcite 

Dolomite 

Gyps urn - 

Layered silicatesMicroclinePyrite - 

Quartz 

Siderite 

Sodic plagioclase1 (23)

1 (23)

1 (23)

1 (23)

1 (23)

1 (23)

1 (23)

1 (23)

1 (23)

28:60 

40:60 

11:60 

60:60

56:60 

18:60 

60:60 

36:60 

52:60

3.6

5.2

2.0

50

3.2 

1.9 

30 

.6

4.2

2.83

3.70

2.21

1.41

1.57

1.37

1.30

1.60

1.96

1.05

1.46

1.05

1.90

(0.1 - 28

<.l - 24

(.12 - 7.3

17 - 76

<,5 - 9.8

<.l - 3.0

14 - 57

<.l - 1.3

<.5 - 11
170 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 72. Sandstone outcrop mineralogy, Fort Union Formation, northern Great Plains

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

mineral was found to number of samples examined. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in 

figure column indicate no data available]

Mineral

v^ua.r t z

Sodic plagioclase

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

1 (23)

1 (23) 

1 (23)

1 (23)

1 (23)

1 (23)

Ratio

30:60 

47:60 

60:60

57:60 

60:60 

53:60

Mean 

(percent)

0.8 

2.7 

21

4.3 

43 

3.9

Deviation

10.6 

7.68 

1.75

2.79

1.41 

4.67

Error

1.06 

1.19

1.14 

1.02 

1.17

Observed range 

(percent)

<0.1 - 61 

<.l - 41 

4.8 - 64

<.5 - 16

<.5 - 26

TABLE 73. Mineralogy of fine-grained rocks cored from the Fort Union Formation, northern Great Plains

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

mineral was found to number of samples examined. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in 

figure column indicate no data available]

Study No. 

and method Mean 

Mineral of analysis Ratio (percent) Deviation

Calcite 3 (23) 17:38 0.73 3.95

Carbonate, mixed 3 (23) 2:38 .31 2.77

Chlorite 3 (23) 34:38 18.5

Clay, total 3 (23) 38:38 47.2 1.41

Dolomite 3 (23) 22:38 1.56

Kaolinite 3 (23) 26:38 5.20

Microcline 3 (23) 37:38 1.65 1.89

Quartz 3 23) 38:38 25.7 1.44

Siderite 3 (23) 16:38 .66 3.79 

Sodic plagioclase 3 (23) 38:38 3.51 1.99

Observed range 

(percent)

<0.25 - 10

<.25 - 22

<.25 - 65

I L oU

<.25 - 33

<.25 - 80

14.0 - 49.0

<.25 - 20 

1 - 10

TABLE 74. Mineralogy of three rock types from drill cores at the Hanging Woman Creek site, Big Horn County, Mont.

[Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

mineral was found to number of samples examined. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in 

figure column indicate no data available]

Mineral, and 

rock type

Calcite 

SandstoneSiltstone

Dark shale

Calcium-rich

SandstoneSiltstone

Dark shale 

Calcium-rich

SandstoneSiltstone

Dark shale

Chlorite

SandstoneSiltstone

rv i i -i

plus shale

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis

2

2

2

(23)

(23)

(23)

Ratio

12:

11:

1:

24

:24

23

Mean 

(percent) Deviation

2.5 4.9

1.5 1.8

Observed range 

(percent)

<0.25

<.25

<.25

- 19

- 5.5

- .78

dolomite

plus shale

siderite

plus

plus

shale

shale

2

2

2

2

2

2

2 

2

o

(23)

(23)

(23)

(23)

(23)

(23)

(23) 

(23)

f) i\

10:

4:

0:

11:

8:

12:

23:

24:

TO .

24

:24

23

:24

:24

:23

:24

:24

, 0 1

14 21

.21 .64

.89 1.8

.68 1.5

1.3 1.8

1 Q 9 ^ J o Z . 3

11 7.0

i /, q ^

<.25

<.25

<.25

<.25

<.25

<.25

2.7

<? .-) ^

- 56

- 2.6

- 8.2

- 6.4

- 6.8

- 10

- 25

- 97
TABLES 4-77 171 

TABLE 74. Mineralogy of three rock types from drill cores at the Hanging Woman Creek site, Big Horn County, Mont. Continued

Study No.

Mineral, and and method Mean Observed range 

rock type of analysis Ratio (percent) Deviation (percent)

Dolomite

Sandstone 2 (23) 12:24 2.2 2.5 <0.25 - 7.1 

Siltstone'. plus, shale 2 (23) 14:24 2.3 2.3 <.25 - 6.2 

Dark shale - 2 (23) 13:23 1.0 .73 <.25 - 2.1

Gypsum

Sandstone - 2 (23) 1:24 <.25 - 5.9

Siltstone plus; shale 2 (23) 0:24

Dark shale - 2 (23) 1:23 <.25 - 4.6

Illite

Sandstone - 2 (23) 24:24 3.0 1.7 1.10 - 8.2 

Siltstone plus; shale 2 (23) 24:24 12 6.7 3.8 - 25 

Dark shale - 2 (23) 23:23 15 6.4 6.1 - 27

Kaolinite

Sandstone - 2 (23) 22:24 8.5 7.1 <.25 - 23 

Siltstone plus shale 2 (23) 23:24 12 8.4 <.25 - 33 

Dark shale - 2 (23) 23:23 8.1 17 3.8 - 32

Magnesian calcite;

Sandstone - 2 (23) 1:24 -- <.25 - .87 

Siltstone plus shale 2 (23) 2:24 .11 .38 <.25 - 1.4 

Dark sha.Le - 2 (23) 0:23

Marcasite

Sandstone - 2 (23) 1:24 <.25 - 10 

Siltstone plus shale 2 (23) 0:24 

Dark sha.Le - 2 (23) 0:23

Microcline

Sandstone - 2 (23) 16:24 4.1 4.3 <.5 - 16 

Siltstone plus shale 2 (23) 13:23 2.2 2.3 <.5 - 7.0 

Dark shale -- 2 (23) 11:23 1.9 2.1 <.5 - 6.9

Oligoclase

Sandstone - 2 (23) 24:24 9.6 3.0 4.3 - 18 

Siltstone plus shale 2 (23) 21:24 7.4 4.4 <.5 - 14.1 

Dark shale - ' 2 (23) 22:23 4.6 2.8 <.5 - 10.2

Pyrite

Sandstone - 2 (23) 1:24 <.l - 3.5 

Siltstone plus shale 2 (23) 10:24 .88 1.1 <.l - 3.3 

Dark shale - 2 (23) 19:23 2.6 1.9 <.l - 6.8

Quartz

Sandstone - 2 (23) 24:24 37 12 23 - 71 

Siltstone plus shale 2 (23) 24:24 33 4.5 24 - 40 

Dark shale - 2 (23) 23:23 28 3.3 16 - 32

Siderite

Sandstone - 2 (23) 9:24 .30 .53 <.25 - 2.1 

Siltstone plus shale 2 (23) 14:24 .45 .48 <.25 - 1.5 

Dark shale - 2 (23) 4:23 .12 .29 <.25 - 22

Silicates, layered

Sandstone - 2 (23) 24:24 28 10 11-44 

Siltstone plus shale 2 (23) 24:24 52 7.3 38 - 66 

Dark shale - 2 (23) 23:23 61 5.5 54 - 78

Smectite

Sandstone - 2 (23) 24:24 13 8.0 1.2 - 31 

Siltstone plus shale 2 (23) 24:24 17 7.7 4.8 - 36 

Dark shale - 2 (23) 20:23 15 13 <.25 - 35

The category 'silicates, layered" includes the following other categories that are listed individually in the 

tabulation: chlorite, illite, kaolinite, and smectite.
172 GEOCHEMISTRY IN THE WESTERN ENERGY REGION OF THE CONTERMINOUS UNITED STATES

TABLE 75. Mineralogy of stream sediments from the northern Great Plains

(Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

mineral was found to number of samples examined. Mean, geometric mean. Deviation, geometric deviation. Error, geometric error attributed to laboratory procedures.]

Mineral

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis Ratio

Mean 

(percent) Deviation Error

Observed range 

(percent)

Calcite 

Dolomite- - - 

Layered silicatesMic roc line--------

Quartz --

Sodic plagioclase6 (23) 

6 (23) 

6 (23) 

6 (23) 

6 (23) 

6 (23)

26:30 

25:30 

30:30 

30:30 

30:30 

30:30

1.5

1.7

35

5.2

43

7.3

1.84

2.29

1.03

1.14

1.01

1.39

1.08

1.04

1.003

1.14

1.001

1.03

<0.1 - 8.7

<.l - 8.0

21 - 59

2,0 - 9.8

28 - 63

1.1 - 19"

TABLE 76. Mineralogy of soils used in extraction studies, northern Great Plains

(Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

mineral was found to number of samples examined. Mean, arithmetric mean. Deviation, standard deviation. Error, standard error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in 

figure column indicate no data available]

Mineral, 

and soil horizon

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis Ratio

Mean 

(percent) Deviation Error

Observed range 

(percent)

Calcite

A horizon 18 (23) 

C horizon 18 (23)

Dolomite

A horizon 18 (23) 

C horizon 18 (23)

Layered silicates

A horizon 18 (23) 

C horizon 18 (23)

Microcline

A horizon 18 (23) 

C horizon 18 (23)

Quartz

A horizon 18 (23) 

C horizon 18 (23)

Siderite

A horizon 18 (23) 

C horizon 18 (23)

Sodic plagioclase

A horizon 18 (23) 

C horizon 18 (23)

9:21 

19:21

16:21 

20:21

21:21 

21:21

13:21 

13:21

21:21 

21:21

2:21 

2:21

19:21 

21:21

5.3

.75 

3.3

28

30

4.9 

3.8

50

47

5.2

.94 

3.5

10.7 

9.1

5.2 

4.0

10.7

0.86

.33 

.46

2.8 

2.8

3.1

1.3

1.5 

1.7

<0.1 - 0.7 

<,1 - 15

9.6

8.7

7.9

7.2

2.3

7.3 - 56 

16 - 45

- 19

- 16

30 - 67 

26 - 62

- .5

- .3

.5 - 33 

.6 - 26
TABLES 4-77 173

TABLE 77. Mineralogy of soils from Hanging Woman Creek, Mont.

(Explanation of column headings: Study No. refers to study described in text; method of analysis (in parentheses) refers to method listed in table 1. Ratio, number of samples in which the 

mineral was found to number of samples examined. Mean, arithmetic mean. Deviation, standard deviation. Error, standard error attributed to laboratory procedures. Leaders (-) in 

figure column indicate no data available]

Mineral

Study No. 

and method 

of analysis Ratio

Mean 

(percent) Deviation Error

Observed range 

(percent)

WHOLE SAMPLE

14 (23)

14 (23) 

14 (23)

14 (23)

14 (23)

14:16 

14:16 

16:16

16:16 

16:16 

16:16

40

5.4 

42 

7.6

SAND FRACTION (2 mm to 0.

14 (23)

14 (23)

14 (23)

15:16 

16:16 

16:16 

16:16

8.5 

9.1 

74 

8.6

SILT FRACTION (0.05 mm to 0

14 (23)

14 (23)

14 (23)

14 (23)

14 (23)

14 (23)

14 (23)

14 (23)

16:16 

16:16 

16:16 

16:16

CLAY

16:16 

6:16 

16:16 

14:16

21 

7.3 

60 

12

FRACTION «0.002

81

13 

4.0

6.8

2.3 

7.6 

2.2

05 mm) 1

4.9 

2.1 

7.1 

3.0

.002 mm) 1

6.2 

2.0 

5.8 

2.6

mm)

6.4

3.9 

3.1

1.6

.89 

1.5 

1.3

1.7 

2.0 

2.5 

2.3

5.9 

1.2 

5.2 

.94

6.4

3.9 

2.6

<0.2 - 

27 -

2.2 - 

30 - 

3.4 -

<3 - 

3.2 - 

64 -

5.7 -

15 - 

2 - 

49 - 

7.2 -

67 - 

<2 - 

9 - 

<2 -

11 

3.9

51

9 

55 

11

15 

11 

88 

18

36 

11 

67 

16

91 

8 

24 

10

Calcite and dolomite were removed by the dispersion treatment.

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 578-354 1982