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W. R. Miller

Publications and source records attributed to W. R. Miller.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Results of a geochemical survey, Wadi Ash Shu'Bah quadrangle, sheet 26E, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The interpretation of geochemical data of a regional survey of the Wadi ash Shu'bah quadrangle resulted in the selection of areas for follow-up studies. The results of the detailed geochemical studies of these areas, combined with field observation, resulted in the identification of areas of moderate and high mineral resource potential. The most important areas are (1) the Jibal Ba'gham area for tin and tungsten resources associated with the post-Hadn Jufayfah syenogranite; (2) the Murran gossan belt, Aqab gossan area, and Rawdah gossan area for massive-sulfide mineralization associated with Hulayfah-group greenstones; (3) the Rawdat al Ba'ayith area and Jibal Abid area for precious- and base-metal mineralization associated with pre-Hadn intermediate-composition plutons; and (4) the Wadi al Qahad area for skarn and precious- and base-metal mineralization associated with pre-Hadn granodiorite. The Wadi ash Shu'bah quadrangle (sheet 26E) lies in the north-central part of the late Proterozoic Arabian Shield. Plots showing distributions of single elements and factor scores of the regional geochemical data of wadi concentrates were used to identify areas for follow-up work. Detailed follow-up studies consisted of collection of rocks, wadi concentrates, and wadi sediments. The most useful pathfinder elements for precious- and base-metal mineralization are Pb and Cu for tin and Sn, La, Y, Nb, and Be for tungsten mineralization. R-mode factor analyses of the regional wadi-concentrate data resulted in one factor interpreted as reflecting post-Hadn evolved alkalic-granite lithology and, therefore, tin and tungsten mineralization. A major problem in the interpretation of the regional data resulted from the incomplete removal of magnetite before analyses. The magnetite can cause anomalous values for Ni, Fe, V, Cu, and Co because of it's ability to incorporate these elements into it's structure during magmatic crystallization. It is essential that samples be prepared and analyzed in a consistent manner so that the resulting data may be as reliable as possible.

Open-File Report↗

Application of mineral-solution equilibria to geochemical exploration for sandstone-hosted uranium deposits in two basins in west central Utah

A geochemical survey utilizing mainly ground waters was conducted in the Milford and Beaver basins. Waters were collected mainly from wells and springs at 100 sites and analyzed for major and minor elements. A computer model (WATEQ3) was used to calculate the redox potential and the state of saturation of the waters with respect to uraninite, coffinite, and other mineral phases. Several areas in the basins were shown to have ground-water environments of reducing redox potentials which are favorable for precipitation of reduced uranium minerals. In addition, the ground waters in some of these areas were shown to be saturated or near saturation with respect to uraninite and coffinite. These areas do not necessarily coincide with areas containing the highest concentrations of uranium in ground water. The methods described in this study for hydrogeochemical exploration for sandstone-hosted uranium deposits may have wide application, particularly throughout those filled basins in the western United States where nearby sources for uranium exist.

Economic Geology↗

Maps showing distribution of pH, copper, zinc, fluoride, uranium, molybdenum, arsenic, and sulfate in water, Richfield 1° x 2° quadrangle, Utah

These maps show the regional distribution of copper, zinc, arsenic, molybdenum, uranium, fluoride, sulfate, and pH in surface and ground water from the Richfield 1° x 2° quadrangle. This study supplements (Miller and others, 1984a-j) the regional drainage geochemical study done for the Richfield quadrangle under the U.S. Geological Survey’s Conterminuous United States Mineral Assessment Program (CUSMAP). Regional sampling was designed to define broad geochemical patterns and trends which can be used, along with geologic and geophysical data, to assess the mineral resource potential of the Richfield quadrangle. Analytical data used in compiling this report were published previously (McHugh and others, 1981). The Richfield quadrangle in west-central Utah covers the eastern part of the Pioche-Marysvale igneous and mineral belt that extends from the vicinity of Pioche in southeastern Nevada, east-northeastward for 250 km into central Utah. The western two-thirds of the Richfield quadrangle is in the Basin and Range Province, and the eastern third in the High Plateaus of Utah subprovince of the Colorado Plateau. Bedrock in the northern part of the Richfield quadrangle consists predominantly of latest Precambrian and Paleozoic sedimentary strata that were thrust eastward during the Sevier orogeny in Cretaceous time onto an autochthon of Mesozoic sedimentary rocks in the eastern part of the quadrangle. The southern part of the quadrangle is largely underlain by Oligocene and younger volcanic rocks and related intrusions. Extensional tectonism in late Cenozoic time broke the bedrock terrane into a series of north-trending fault blocks; the uplifted mountain areas were deeply eroded and the resulting debris deposited in the adjacent basins. Most of the mineral deposits in the Pioche-Marysvale mineral belt were formed during igneous activity in the middle and late Cenozoic time.

Utah↗

Analytical results for 249 water samples from the Mount Belknap caldera and Deer Trail Mountain-Alunite Ridge areas and vicinity, southwestern Utah

Two hundred and forty-nine water samples were collected from small first-order streams, springs, and mine drainages from the Mount Belknap caldera and Deer Trail Mountain-Alunite Ridge areas and vicinity in southwestern Utah. The samples were collected during three hydrogeochemical surveys in 1978, 1979, and 1981. The water samples were analyzed for Ca, Mg, Na, K, Li, SiO 2 , alkalinity (HCO 3 ), SO 4 , Cl, F, Zn, Cu, Mo, As, U, and pH. Temperature and specific conductance were also measured. Analytical results are presented in this report.

Utah↗