Avoiding sub-optimal sampling with Mark Arundell

More from GeOCHemISTea All episodes →

1. 

   S4 · E5 · 11 Jun 2025 · 1 hr 2 min

   Into the Plume: Hydrothermal Geochemistry and Alvin Adventures with Andy Campbell

   In this episode of GeOCHemISTea, we're diving deep, literally, with Andy Campbell, oceanographer, geochemist, and former senior leader at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Andy takes us back to his PhD days at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where he conducted some of the earliest geochemical research on seafloor hydrothermal systems in the Guaymas Basin. His work on manganese cycling, water column anomalies, and hydrothermal plume modeling not only helped lay the foundation for modern vent geochemistry, it also offered early insight into how ore deposits might form in…

2. 

   S4 · E4 · 15 May 2025 · 1 hr 30 min

   Geothermal Geochemistry and the Roads Less Taken with Stuart Simmons

   In this episode of GeOCHemISTea , Sam sits down with geochemist and geothermal expert Stuart Simmons to discuss the unpredictable paths that shape a career in geoscience. From early work in epithermal gold systems to pioneering research in geothermal energy, Stuart shares how professional pivots, academic curiosity, and a chance encounter at a pub in New Zealand all influenced his decades-long contribution to both industry and research. The conversation also dives into the geochemistry of geothermal systems, the evolution of isotope studies, and the promise of enhanced geothermal systems…

3. 

   S4 · E4 · 9 Apr 2025 · 1 hr 4 min

   Probing paleorecords to understand future climates with Brittany Hupp

   Join us this month on GeOCHemISTea as we sit down with Brittany Hupp, Assistant Professor at George Mason University in the Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Earth Sciences. Brittany specializes in micropaleontology, sedimentology, and low-temperature geochemistry, exploring ancient climates and ocean conditions to better understand modern environmental challenges. In this episode, Brittany shares her unconventional path into geosciences—from a dairy farm in rural Ohio to oceanic research cruises—and offers practical advice for aspiring geochemists seeking interdisciplinary careers.…

4. 

   S4 · E3 · 12 Mar 2025 · 1 hr 7 min

   Dynamic mapping of tailings oxidation with Oscar Benavente

   This month GeOCHemISTea talks with Oscar Benavente, an environmental geochemist at SRK Consulting, about using satellite imagery to monitor mine drainage and environmental change. They dive into how Google Earth Engine, Python, and machine learning are transforming geochemical monitoring—mapping water bodies, tracking sulfide oxidation, and improving mine site remediation. Oscar shares insights from his career spanning geothermal exploration, environmental geochemistry, and consulting. They also discuss the importance of fieldwork, communicating complex science effectively, and the…

5. 

   S4 · E2 · 12 Feb 2025 · 59 min

   The trials and tribulations of historic geochemistry datasets with Putra Sadikin

   Historical geochemical datasets can be challenging with variable methods, missing metadata, and shifting detection limits, but they’re also an invaluable resource for mineral exploration and mining. In this episode, we break down what qualifies as historical data, common pitfalls to watch for, and best practices for integrating legacy datasets into interpretation workflows. We also explore the newest geochemical data from field-portable and scanning technologies, examining how they complement and contrast with traditional datasets. For this episode we read: Advances in ICP-MS technology and…

6. 

   S3 · E12 · 11 Dec 2024 · 1 hr 21 min

   The Sci-Fi and Facts of Orogenic Gold with Rich Goldfarb

   In this episode of GeOCHemISTea we dive into the origins of orogenic gold deposits with Rich Goldfarb, exploring the science behind fluids, isotopes, and formation processes. From debunking magmatic theories to highlighting the facts of metamorphic origins, Rich shares the real tea (and quite a number of shenanigans) on how to make an orogenic gold deposit . Join us for a conversation that’s equal parts science and intrigue. For this episode we read: Orogenic gold: is a genetic association with magmatism realistic? (Goldfarb and Pitcairn, 2022)

7. 

   S3 · E11 · 13 Nov 2024 · 35 min

   Exploring with pXRF and LIBS with Steve Tambanis

   In this episode of GeOCHemISTea , host Sam Scher sits down with Steve Tambanis, Managing Director at STX Consulting and Director at RealTime Priority Limited, to explore the challenges and innovations in field-based geochemical analysis using portable XRF (pXRF) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Steve shares his journey from traditional exploration geology to pioneering real-time assays, recounting how he and his team set out to develop a portable field laboratory for immediate sample analysis in remote settings. Together, they dive into the highs and lows of calibrating and…

8. 

   S3 · E10 · 9 Oct 2024 · 37 min

   Upscaling pyrite chemistry with 4-acid data with Aidan Kitchener

   Let's learn about upscaling LA-ICP-MS pyrite results to whole rock geochemistry data using PCA. On the way we'll hear about the life and times of an early career geochemist and some of the ins and outs of being a geochemical consultant. For this episode we read: Using whole rock and in situ pyrite chemistry to evaluate authigenic and hydrothermal controls on trace element variability in a Zn mineralized Proterozoic subbasin (Magnall et al., 2022)

9. 

   S3 · E5 · 11 Sep 2024 · 45 min

   Geochemical exploration for greenstone gold deposits with Simon Griffiths

   For this episode we read: Archean Lode Gold Deposits in Ontario (Colvine et al., 1984) aka the Greenstone Bible. We talk about Simon's transition from working from large mining companies to opening his own consultancy for all those considering this as part of their future. Our tea... have you ever been late to your flight, anxious on the shores of Lake Victoria, Tanzania? As for the heart of the show? We talk about the applications of geochemistry to greenstone gold exploration. This one is dedicated to the fans of the show in Dubreuilville (Canada) who wanted some extra insight on…

10. 

    S3 · E4 · 14 Aug 2024 · 26 min

    Seeing porphyries in a new light with Cristal Palafox

    This is our second episode on GeOCHemISTea where we have branched out from geochemistry into a sister geoscience - spectral geology. For this episode take a look at another of the spectral ecosystem's end-members: hyperspectral core imaging. Join us as we talk about hyperspectral imaging, the data load, and some interesting applications to porphyry geoscience. For this episode we read: Hyperspectral Core Imaging Applications in Porphyry Deposits (Corescan)