This paper is one of a series which has three main aims: to serve as a reminder of the extent to which geochemical reconnaissance data are available for various parts of the country; to make general comments upon the relationship between the observed surficial geochemistry and the general and economic geology of various regions; and to provide specific examples showing how these geochemical data may be interpreted. Although the prime purpose of the geochemical surveys is as a guide to mineral exploration, the same data are of value to environmentalists, and in populated areas to agriculturists and health authorities.

The considerable exploration success achieved by geochemistry over the last several decades - and still continuing - has provided both the basis and rationale for the Handbook of Exploration Geochemistry series, including Volume 6, Drainage Geochemistry in Mineral Exploration. With contributions from 25 experts of truly global professional experience in drainage geochemistry, this book is a thorough appraisal of the state of the art in the use of surface and sub-surface waters, stream and lake sediments, heavy minerals for mineral exploration in tropical rain forests, temperate glaciated terrains, mountain chains, arid deserts and regions of agricultural and industrial pollution. Additional attention is given to gold and uranium exploration, and to the growing role of drainage geochemistry as a multi-purpose environmental mapping technique with applications in human health studies, ore deposit modelling and pollution monitoring. It comprises 16 chapters, more than 250 figures and a bibliography of some 1600 references. This book is the most extensive and detailed single work on the principles and applications of drainage geochemistry in mineral exploration blending both theoretical considerations and practical implementations.