Regional geochemical mapping of Western Europe towards the year 2000

The Directors of the Western European Geological Surveys (WEGS, presently the Forum of European Geological Surveys, FOREGS) created in 1985 a Working Group on ''Regional Geochemical Mapping'' for the study of different aspects of regional geochemical surveys, The Working Group proposed to the Directors a systematic low sampling density regional geochemical mapping project to obtain baseline data. Following this proposal for a systematic low sampling density regional geochemical mapping programme of Western Europe a three-year (1988-1990) Pilot Project was carried out. Its objectives were (1) to prepare an inventory of regional geochemical mapping already completed in Western Europe, and (2) to assess the scope and limitations in the use of overbank and stream sediment as sample media in wide spaced regional geochemical mapping. Based on the results obtained in the Pilot Project, the Directors decided that more research was required before taking a final decision. The Working Group was asked to carry out further research and to submit its final report in 1993. The WEGS Working Group collected and evaluated a substantial amount of information during the pilot and research projects, This paper summarises the main results of the research work carried out from 1986 to 1992.