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Statistics and data analysis in geochemical prospecting
359
perhaps just a little disappointed to see biochemical influences almost neglected. W.S. F Y F E (London, Ont.)
Rock Geochemistry in Mineral Exploration. G.J.S. Govett. Handbook of Exploration Geochemistry, Vol. 3 (Ed. G.J.S. Govett). Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company, Amsterdam--Oxford--New York, N.Y., 1983, vii + 461 pp., US $100.00 (U.S.A. and Canada)/Dfl. 235.00 (rest of world) (hard cover). The editor G.J.S. Govett himself wrote the volume "Rock Geochemistry" of the "Handbook of Exploration Geochemistry" which is probably the most important and very likely will receive the most interest. In the introduction he argues on the selection of the used terms: he avoids the use of "lithogeochemistry" in favour of "rock geochemistry", "because I believe that it is ethymologically unsound, also it conflicts with Soviet usage. I believe that simple descriptive terms should be used wherever possible."
In this way he succeeds always to give clear definitions and descriptions, thus helping also those whose English understanding is poor. The book starts with "general principles" on geochemistry in the exploration sequence, geochemical behaviour of the elements, sampling problems, and recognition of anomalies. This is followed by "regional scale exploration" in different geochemical environments, as plutonic associations, veins and replacement deposits, volcanic and sedimentary association. These chapters have a broad interest to practical purposes, i.e. identification of geochemical provinces, for instance tin granites. The regional-scale exploration is followed by local- and mine-scale exploration: porphyry copper, kuroko, stratiform deposits, etc. Case histories of the exploration of well-known, representative and economically very important deposits are given. The book is the best modern compilation of the tools needed in the field of rock geochemistry where geochemical exploration had and has its most convincing successes. Congratulations to the author! H. GUNDLACH (Hannover)
Statistics and Data Analysis in Geochemical Prospecting. R.J. Howarth (Editor). Handbook of Exploration Geochemistry, Vol. 2. G.J.S. Govett (Editor). Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company, Amsterdam--Oxford-New York, N.Y., 1983, xvii + 437 pp., US $100.00 (U.S.A. and Canada); Dfl. 235.00 (rest of world) (hard cover). This fine handbook supports the philosophy that the proper use of increasing numbers of elements or other variables increases the likelihood of determining the important element associations for geochemical exploration.
360 Increasing the number of variables measured, in turn, increases the gross amount of data to be stored, analyzed and interpreted. The book is divided into 14 chapters. The chapters are arranged to divide the book into 2 parts. Part 1 is devoted to methodology; Part 2 contains chiefly examples of geochemical studies that have been carried on in different major geologic regions of the world. The h a n d b o o k starts with a review of current data management and analysis practices and gradually advances the reader to the more sophisticated methods of geochemical data analysis and interpretation which constitute the outer limits of the current state of the art. Chapters in Part 1 are arranged in a logical order that reflects much thought on the part of the Editor. For example, by placing the chapter on organization and storage of data at the beginning, the Editor makes the point that this should be the first consideration in a geochemical study. With similar intent, the Editor then presents the chapters on quality control of analytical data, basic statistical analytical methods to be used, sampling plans, data mapping, and multivariate analysis techniques. This sequence is in sharp contrast to the relatively common sequence of events in which the collection of samples and the accumulation of data are well under way before anxious attempts are made to solve problems of quality control, data management, statistical analysis and adequacy of sampling. The result of the latter sequence of events is apt to be spotty data and desperate interpretations. Authors of the well-referenced and well-written individual chapters are internationally recognized experts in the fields of geochemical exploration, geochemical data management, and data analysis and interpretation. They represent a cross-section of world-wide research and experience. The language used and ideas expressed suggest that this h a n d b o o k is intended as a comprehensive reference for professional geologists, field geochemists and upper-level geology students with experience in computer applications to geochemical research and exploration data. If this indeed is the intention of the editor and authors, in m y opinion they are right on target. R.A. CADIGAN (Lakewood, Colo.)
Nitrogen Cycling in South-east Asian Wet Monsoonal Ecosystems. R. Wetselaar, J.R. Simpson and T. Rosswall (Editors). Australian Academy of Sciences, Canberra, A.C.T., 1981, vii + 216 pp., 108 tabs., 52 figs., Aust. $25.00 (hard cover). In November, 1979 at Chiang Mai, Thailand, a Workshop was convened by the SCOPE]UNEP International Nitrogen Unit of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and b y Chiang Mai University to evaluate current
perhaps just a little disappointed to see biochemical influences almost neglected. W.S. F Y F E (London, Ont.)
Rock Geochemistry in Mineral Exploration. G.J.S. Govett. Handbook of Exploration Geochemistry, Vol. 3 (Ed. G.J.S. Govett). Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company, Amsterdam--Oxford--New York, N.Y., 1983, vii + 461 pp., US $100.00 (U.S.A. and Canada)/Dfl. 235.00 (rest of world) (hard cover). The editor G.J.S. Govett himself wrote the volume "Rock Geochemistry" of the "Handbook of Exploration Geochemistry" which is probably the most important and very likely will receive the most interest. In the introduction he argues on the selection of the used terms: he avoids the use of "lithogeochemistry" in favour of "rock geochemistry", "because I believe that it is ethymologically unsound, also it conflicts with Soviet usage. I believe that simple descriptive terms should be used wherever possible."
In this way he succeeds always to give clear definitions and descriptions, thus helping also those whose English understanding is poor. The book starts with "general principles" on geochemistry in the exploration sequence, geochemical behaviour of the elements, sampling problems, and recognition of anomalies. This is followed by "regional scale exploration" in different geochemical environments, as plutonic associations, veins and replacement deposits, volcanic and sedimentary association. These chapters have a broad interest to practical purposes, i.e. identification of geochemical provinces, for instance tin granites. The regional-scale exploration is followed by local- and mine-scale exploration: porphyry copper, kuroko, stratiform deposits, etc. Case histories of the exploration of well-known, representative and economically very important deposits are given. The book is the best modern compilation of the tools needed in the field of rock geochemistry where geochemical exploration had and has its most convincing successes. Congratulations to the author! H. GUNDLACH (Hannover)
Statistics and Data Analysis in Geochemical Prospecting. R.J. Howarth (Editor). Handbook of Exploration Geochemistry, Vol. 2. G.J.S. Govett (Editor). Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company, Amsterdam--Oxford-New York, N.Y., 1983, xvii + 437 pp., US $100.00 (U.S.A. and Canada); Dfl. 235.00 (rest of world) (hard cover). This fine handbook supports the philosophy that the proper use of increasing numbers of elements or other variables increases the likelihood of determining the important element associations for geochemical exploration.
360 Increasing the number of variables measured, in turn, increases the gross amount of data to be stored, analyzed and interpreted. The book is divided into 14 chapters. The chapters are arranged to divide the book into 2 parts. Part 1 is devoted to methodology; Part 2 contains chiefly examples of geochemical studies that have been carried on in different major geologic regions of the world. The h a n d b o o k starts with a review of current data management and analysis practices and gradually advances the reader to the more sophisticated methods of geochemical data analysis and interpretation which constitute the outer limits of the current state of the art. Chapters in Part 1 are arranged in a logical order that reflects much thought on the part of the Editor. For example, by placing the chapter on organization and storage of data at the beginning, the Editor makes the point that this should be the first consideration in a geochemical study. With similar intent, the Editor then presents the chapters on quality control of analytical data, basic statistical analytical methods to be used, sampling plans, data mapping, and multivariate analysis techniques. This sequence is in sharp contrast to the relatively common sequence of events in which the collection of samples and the accumulation of data are well under way before anxious attempts are made to solve problems of quality control, data management, statistical analysis and adequacy of sampling. The result of the latter sequence of events is apt to be spotty data and desperate interpretations. Authors of the well-referenced and well-written individual chapters are internationally recognized experts in the fields of geochemical exploration, geochemical data management, and data analysis and interpretation. They represent a cross-section of world-wide research and experience. The language used and ideas expressed suggest that this h a n d b o o k is intended as a comprehensive reference for professional geologists, field geochemists and upper-level geology students with experience in computer applications to geochemical research and exploration data. If this indeed is the intention of the editor and authors, in m y opinion they are right on target. R.A. CADIGAN (Lakewood, Colo.)
Nitrogen Cycling in South-east Asian Wet Monsoonal Ecosystems. R. Wetselaar, J.R. Simpson and T. Rosswall (Editors). Australian Academy of Sciences, Canberra, A.C.T., 1981, vii + 216 pp., 108 tabs., 52 figs., Aust. $25.00 (hard cover). In November, 1979 at Chiang Mai, Thailand, a Workshop was convened by the SCOPE]UNEP International Nitrogen Unit of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and b y Chiang Mai University to evaluate current