October 2024 news:
Geological mapping and sampling program
Progress of work • Published on October 6, 2024
A second regional-scale geological mapping and rock sampling program in the Lower Limousin began at the end of September and will last around three months. Two geologists are in the field.
The program announced for 2024
| Updated October 2024 | Realized | In progress | Coming soon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digitization and interpretation of historical archives | |||
| Geological and structural mapping of PER | |||
| Hammer sampling and rock analysis | |||
| Ground geophysical measurements | |||
| Geological reconnaissance drilling campaign | |||
| Environmental studies over three years (from 2023 to 2025) |
Geological mapping and sampling program
A second regional-scale geological mapping and rock sampling program in Lower Limousin began at the end of September 2024 and will last around three months. Two geologists are in the field. A first geological mapping and sampling program had already taken place in October 2023.
Geological mapping consists of an inventory of the outcropping rocks present in the area under study.
Sampling allows to determine the characteristics of rocks by observing them and their geochemical composition by carrying out laboratory analyses. The study of variations in geochemical compositions between the different sampled areas allows to identify the factors of heterogeneity of the geology of the studied area.
Geologist on an outcrop at the Laurieras site
Hammer sampling on an outcrop
Observation of a sample with a field magnifier
Example of sample taken
Example of sample taken
This is an important scientific project that will provide a better understanding of the deposit at fault level, on the regional scale of Lower Limousin. The large number of samples taken will also enable us to validate the geological map of the area.
The data collected constitute the basic data for the understanding and geological analysis of the territory studied. They allow a better understanding of the geological structure and will be added to the 3D model to enrich it.
Rock sampling also makes it possible to constitute a lithotheque which is a collection of the different types of rocks found in the Saint-Yrieix district.
Rock samples in a lithotheque. (P.C. Guiollard Collection)
Geological mapping and sampling are carried out by Gexplore geologists.
Information on mapping and sampling techniques has been presented in the page October 2023 news.