New methods in provenance studies based on heavy minerals: an example from Miocene sands in Jylland, Denmark

Abstract

New techniques using Computer Controlled Scanning Electron Microscopy (CCSEM) and Laser Ablation – Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectroscopy (LA-ICP-MS) have recently been developed at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS) to determine source, compositional variation and sedimentary pathways of sandstones. These new time- and cost-efficient methods are highly applicable in petroleum and mineral exploration. This paper illustrates how the provenance and variability of Miocene titanium-rich sands in western and central Jylland have been investigated, but the methods are presently also used offshore the Faroe Islands and in East and West Greenland. CCSEM and LA-ICP-MS utilise simple sample preparation methods, are relatively rapid and less expensive than conventional methods and yield more information.