Bedrock and soil geochemistry from Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

Bedrock, forest floor, and mineral soil sampling in Voyageurs National Park (VNP), Minnesota in 2000 and 2001 is part of a multidisciplinary project that includes the U. S. Geological Survey, National Park Service, University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The joint project is examining the distribution of mercury in age-1 perch, lake water, bedrock and soils for eighteen watersheds in the interior of VNP. The purpose of the project was to establish the background and baseline geochemistry for bedrock and soil in the region, and to determine terrestrial mercury sources and sinks in VNP.