Geochemical prospecting for soluble salts in Kuchakki hamun, Chagai District, Pakistan

The surface soil consisting of clay, silt, sand, and salt crust in Kuchakki hamun (dry lake) contains nitrates, sulfates, salts of boron, magnesium, and widely dispersed traces of potassium. No bromine or iodine salts were detected. Several hundred samples of soil were analyzed by spot-test methods, and the results were given comparative weighted-qualitative values. Isohaline-type geochemical maps, based on weighted-qualitative values, were prepared to show the dispersion patterns of boron, magnesium, potassium, nitrates, and sulfates in Kuchakki hamun. Boron and magnesium salts are concentrated in the southern and southeastern part of the hamun. Nitrates and sulfates are more widely distributed and have higher concentrations in the central area of Kuchakki hamun. More detailed qualitative work and quantitative studies on material collected in Kuchakki hamun are required to appraise the reliability of applied field methods and preliminary analytical data, and to determine the presence, abundance, and grade of economically important salts.