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Environmental Biogeochemistry Research Group | Research Themes

Pioneering, innovate work on the application of multivariate statistics or chemometrics to waters and rocks has enabled correlation of fluids and lithologies and the recognition of controls on fluid chemistry. This approach was first developed by Dr Nicholson in the early 1980s and has successfully applied it to Precambian lithologies, ore minerals, geothermal waters and freshwater systems.

Integrated hydrodynamic-geochemical modelling of effluent plumes
A new programme that is examining the development of an integrated modelling package that with be capable of modelling the fluid and chemical flux in an aquatic environment together with the chemical speciation and phase fractionation.

Application of multi-variate statistics to water chemistry
The use of correlation coefficients and principal components analysis can be used to characterise waters of different origins. In this way, it is possible to distinguish between riverine, reservoir and near-surface well waters, and to correlate waters of a common source.

SALVANIA, N.V. and NICHOLSON, K. (1990). Chemometrics applied to the fluid chemistry of geothermal fields in the Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand. In: Harvey C.C., Browne, P.R.L., Freestone, D.H. and Scott, G.L. (eds), Proc. 12th NZ Geothermal Workshop, Auckland University Press, Auckland, ISBN 0-86869-012-0, 157-163.

TSE TIG CHEONG, M. and NICHOLSON, K. (1993). Identification of element associations and controls on freshwater chemistry in Grampian Region, Scotland. Abs. Proc. 11th European Symposium on Environmental Geochemistry and Health, Aberystwyth, April, 1993 and Environmental Geochemistry & Health, 1994, 16, 88-89.

NICHOLSON, K. (1994). Fluid chemistry and hydrological regimes in geothermal systems: a possible link between gold-depositing and hydrocarbon-bearing aqueous systems. In: Parnell, J., (ed), Geofluids: Origin, Migration and Evolution of Fluids in Sedimentary Basins. Geological Society Special Publication No. 78, Geological Society Publishing House, 221-232.

Stratigraphic correlation of lithologies using multi-variate statistical methods applied to geochemical data
The correlation of monotonous, pelitic horizons in Precambrian terrain was achieved through the development and application of novel mulivariate statistical methods based on correlation coefficients and factor analysis applied to geochemical data.

NICHOLSON, K. and BOWES, G.E. (1987). Q-mode factor analysis applied to geochemical data as a tool in stratigraphic correlation: A preliminary assessment. Newsl. U.K. Chemometrics Gp., 6, 14-15.

NICHOLSON, K. and ANDERTON, R. (1989). Stratigraphy, structure, faulting, geochemistry and mineralisation of the Dalradian rocks around the Lecht, Banffshire, Scotland. Trans. Roy. Soc. Edin. Earth Sci., 80, 143-157.

Geochemical statistical associations as a guide to metallogenesis
Through the application of correlation coefficients to mineral chemistry and geochemical data it is possible to identify the genetic category of manganese oxide deposits. This technique supports mineralogical and geochemical signatures and can be equally diagnostic of origin and identify any associated base-precious metal deposits.

NICHOLSON, K. (1992). Contrasting mineralogical-geochemical signatures of manganese oxides: guides to metallogenesis. Econ. Geol., 87, 1253-1264.