(a) Original research
papers that make a significant contribution to advancing scientific
knowledge in any of the following fields:
(i) Developments
in analytical techniques including methods suitable for the bulk,
isotopic and microprobe analysis of geological and environmental
samples.
(ii) The results
of studies of geological and environmental reference materials
and analytical methods.
(iii) Developments
in the statistical analysis of reference material, and other
geoanalytical or environmental data, including aspects supporting
the concept of 'fitness for purpose'.
(b) Data compilations
that represent the results of:
(i) New collaborative
studies on analytical methods.
(ii) New certification
studies on reference samples
(iii) New
results from proficiency testing trials of laboratories.
(iv) Revisions
of previously published reference material data that demonstrate
a significant improvement in the quality of specified reference
values or present values for additional constituents.
(v) Revisions
of previously published reference material data that extends
the use of the reference material to new areas of application
(e.g. to microanalysis or speciation studies).
Compilations
must be accompanied by a careful evaluation of data to demonstrate
an improvement compared with previously published data. In particular,
compilations of previously published data must demonstrate that
there is a statistically significant difference between new and
previous compiled values with evidence that the new compiled
value is a better estimate of the true value. If these criteria
cannot be demonstrated, reference should be made to the earlier
compilation and source data omitted from the new compilation.
(c) Contributions to
the characterisation of reference materials. Papers that offer
new results for the analysis of reference materials must include:
(i) A demonstration
that a detailed investigation has been undertaken of technique
optimisation, interference effects, matrix corrections and precision
by including details in the paper or by reference to a previous
publication.
(ii) An evaluation
of bias, an estimation of the uncertainty in individual values
presented and a demonstration of the extent to which the results
comply with the concept of traceability,.
(iii) An overall
impression that the data presented is 'state of the art' in relation
to the capabilities of contemporary laboratories.
(d) Reviews and topical
commentaries that discuss progress or topical developments in
any area that is of general interest to the geoanalytical community.
Authors considering offering such contributions should first
contact the Editors-in-Chief.