Analytical results from surficial sediment samples, Vestfold Hills, East Antarctica, 2018-2020

This dataset includes analytical results from about 600 surficial sediment samples taken from across the Vestfold Hills in 2018/19 and 2019/20 for project 4393. INORGANIC GEOCHEMISTRYSamples from 2018/19 were analysed for major, minor, and trace elements in two batches at Geoscience Australia via XRF, ICP-MS, and semi-quantitative XRD. Information on Certified Reference Materials and duplicate analyses is included in the results spreadsheets. XRF analysis was undertaken on a 12.22 flux fused glass bead. ICP-MS was undertaken also on a fused glass bead with a hydrofluoric/nitric acid digestion. XRD analysis was performed on a Bruker D4 x-ray diffractometer using a Cu anode x-ray tube, from 5° to 70°, in 0.020° steps at 1 second per step. Mineral identification was performed using the Bruker Diffracplus Eva 5.1 program and minerals were quantified using Bruker Topas V4.1. Samples collected in 2019/20 (Batch 3) underwent XRF and ICP-MS analysis at Bureau Veritas laboratories. XRF and ICP-MS was undertaken on 66.34 flux fused glass beads. Some of these samples also underwent XRD analysis. The details of these analytical methods are included in the results reports.GRAIN SIZESediment samples were dried, riffle split, and a 30 g subsample taken for grain size analysis at Geoscience Australia (Correa 2017, Byass 2019). Samples were disaggregated with deionised water and 5% Calgon solution. Samples wet sieved with deionised water to separate the fine (less than 63 μm) and coarse fractions. The coarse fraction was dry sieved into half phi subdivisions (Wentworth 1922). The mud fraction (less than 63 μm) analysed with a Malvern Mastersizer 3000 and wet dispersion unit. Glass bead standards were run for every batch and duplicates were run for every 1 in 10 samples. EC and pHConductivity and pH were measured for all samples at Geoscience Australia using the methods from de Caritat P., et al. 2010 National Geochemical Survey of Australia: Analytical Methods Manual. Geoscience Australia Record. pp. 27. Canberra: Geoscience Australia.