Point locations and characteristics of evaporite-related potash deposits

This spatial database of evaporite-related potash deposits and occurrences provides location and descriptive information for 981 deposits and occurrences that are considered useful and (or) significant in assessing potash resources around the world. The database contains location, geologic, and some limited economic data, as well as one or more references for each site.The spatial database was created for use in a geographic information system (GIS) to support a global potash resource assessment by the U.S. Geological Survey. The purpose of this world-wide inventory is to document the geologic occurrence of (1) rocks enriched in water-soluble potassium minerals and (2) naturally-occurring brines enriched in potassium. Potash, as used in this report, refers to potassium-bearing minerals, ores, and processed products. Databases that summarize the distribution of known occurrences and their geologic setting are an integral part of a geologically-based evaluation of undiscovered mineral resources. The distribution of known occurrences allows us to understand the factors which control their distributions and to forecast areas with potential. These deposits and occurrences also serve as analogs for the types of resources that may be present; the size and composition of undiscovered deposits is likely to be similar to those that have been found.

本空间数据库收录了全球范围内981处与蒸发岩相关的钾盐矿床及矿点，这些对象均被认为在全球钾盐资源评估中具有实用或重要价值，并为其提供了位置与描述性信息。数据库包含各点位的位置、地质及部分有限的经济数据，同时为每个点位提供一条或多条参考文献。本空间数据库专为地理信息系统(GIS)开发，用于支撑美国地质调查局(U.S. Geological Survey)开展的全球钾盐资源评估工作。本全球汇编的核心目的，是记录两类地质产出物：一是富集可溶性钾矿物的岩石，二是天然产出的富钾卤水。本报告中所使用的钾盐(Potash)一词，特指含钾矿物、钾盐矿石及经加工的钾盐产品。汇总已知矿点分布及其地质背景的数据库，是基于地质科学开展未发现矿产资源评估的不可或缺的组成部分。已知矿点的分布特征可帮助我们厘清控制其分布的关键因素，并预测具有成矿潜力的区域。这些钾盐矿床与矿点同时可作为潜在资源类型的类比参照，未发现矿床的规模与组成，大概率与已发现矿床相近。