International geochemical mapping in Europe : the FOREGS Geochemistry Task Group

The Forum of European Geological Surveys (FOREGS) includes geological surveys from 33 European countries and is responsible for co-ordinating geological survey activities in Europe. As part of this programme, the FOREGS Geochemistry Task Group was established in 1994 to supervise European geochemical mapping policy in accordance with the recommendations of IGCP Project 259 ‘International Geochemical Mapping’. The task group comprises representatives from five countries whose initial remit was to compile an inventory of geochemical data within FOREGS countries. An inventory questionnaire was devised and sent to geological survey and related organisations in FOREGS countries. The questionnaire was designed to establish the extent and types of surveys employed.