Applied geochemistry. In particular, regional geochemistry, mineral exploration, metals in the environment research. Application of statistics in applied geochemistry, both sampling design and data analysis

Bob joined the Survey in 1967 to develop geochemical exploration techniques and apply computing to the management, analysis and display of the resulting data. From 1974 to 1978 he helped design the National Geochemical Reconnaissance (NGR) procedures. He then returned to research on the interpretation of applied geochemical data. In 1991 and 1992 he undertook a study, driven by diamond exploration, of Prairie tills and soils. This led to his involvement with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada on cadmium in grains. Since the early 1990s he has applied geochemical data and knowledge to environmental issues. With senior management he designed the GSC’s Metals in the Environment Initiative, being its Scientific Coordinator (1997-2002). During that time he represented the Department in the development of the NSERC Metals in the Environment Research Network (1998-2003) and the Toxic Substances Research Initiative (1999 -2001), participating in the science management of both, and helped write the federal Toxic Substances Management Plan.

In 2002 he returned to research to work with the U.S. Geological Survey to design a continental-scale soil geochemical landscapes project to provide data for environmental risk assessments and management. He works with the NGR team in displaying their data on the National Atlas web-site and providing information to support risk assessment activities. He regularly answers external queries concerning natural background levels of trace elements in the Canadian environment and related matters. He is a member of the team that developed the NSERC Metals in the Human Environment Research Network (2004-2009), and participates in its management. He is now an Emeritus Scientist.

Due to his experience in tropical environments prior to joining the Survey, Bob has worked on overseas geochemical projects in Swaziland, Brasil, Thailand, Malaysia and Jamaica since the mid 1970s. His involvement with Jamaican geochemistry continues in projects at the University of the West Indies, the Jamaica Bauxite Institute and the Department of Agriculture.

List of publications for Bob Garrett (from GEOSCAN)