Geologic investigations of radioactive deposits : Semiannual progress report, December 1, 1953 to May 31, 1954
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Trace Elements Investigations↗
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Geologic investigations of radioactive deposits: Semiannual progress report for December 1, 1955 to May 31, 1956
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Trace Elements Investigations↗
Geologic investigations of radioactive deposits, semiannual progress report, December 1, 1956 to May 31, 1957
No abstract available.
Trace Elements Investigations↗
Uranium in the Mayoworth area, Johnson County, Wyoming - a preliminary report
The uranium mineral, metatyuyamunite, occurs in the basal limestone of the Sundance formation of late Jurassic age along the east flank of the Bighorn Mountains, about 2 miles southwest of the abandoned Mayoworth post office. This occurrence is of particular interest because it is the first uranium mineralization reported from a marine limestone in Wyoming. The discovery uranium claims were filed in July 1953, by J.S. Masek, Dan Oglesby, and Jack Emery of Casper, Wyo. Subsequent reconnaissance investigations have been made by private individuals and geologists of the U.S. Geological Survey and Atomic Energy Commission. The metatyuyamunite is concentrated in a hard gray oolitic limestone that forms the basal bed of the Sundance formation. A selected sample of limestone from a fresh face in the northernmost deposit known at the time of the field examination contained 0.70 percent equivalent uranium and 0.71 percent uranium. Eight samples of the limestone taken at the sample place by the Atomic Energy Commission contained from 0.007 to 0.22 percent uranium. A chip sample from the weathered outcrop at the top of this limestone half a mile to the southeast contained 0.17 percent equivalent uranium and 0.030 percent uranium. A dinosaur bone from the middle part of the Morrison formation contained 0.044 percent equivalent uranium and 0.004 percent uranium. metatyuyamunite forms a conspicuous yellow coating along fracture planes cutting the oolitic limestone and has also replaced many of the oolites within the solid limestone and has also replaced many of the oolites within the solid limestone even where fractures are not present. Many radioactive spots in the basal limestone of the Sundance formation were examined in a reconnaissance fashion along the outcrop for a distance of half a mile south of the initial discovery. Samples were taken for analysis only at the northern and southern margins of this interval. Outcrops farther north and south were not studied. There are not sufficient data to make even rough estimates of tonnage and grade of the occurrences. The extent of the limestone, the approximate boundaries of the area of above-normal radioactivity, and the possibilities of other radioactive zones have not been thoroughly investigated. Although dinosaur bones in the Morrison formation were radioactive wherever they were tested, no significant amount of radioactivity was observed in rocks adjacent to the bones.
Wyoming↗
Proposed program for and present status of the Geological Survey's investigation of domestic resources of radioactive raw materials
This interim report is designed to show the present status of the Geological Survey's information and the parts of a comprehensive program necessary to improve our information about the raw material resources of uranium and thorium. Rarely in geologic work has it been necessary. to determine so completely a nation's resources of useful minerals in so brief a span of time. Ordinarily, information on mineral resources Is accumulated during a long period of years. However, uranium and thorium were suddenly thrust from a position of subsidiary economic interest into one of great strategic importance. Information concerning their occurrence must, therefore, be obtained as rapidly as reliable methods of investigation will permit. Accordingly the program must be at once comprehensive and carried out over an area more extensive than is usual in the search for and appraisal of most other mineral resources.
Trace Elements Investigations↗
Geochemistry of environmentally sensitive trace elements in Permian coals from the Huainan coalfield, Anhui, China
To study the geochemical characteristics of 11 environmentally sensitive trace elements in the coals of the Permian Period from the Huainan coalfield, Anhui province, China, borehole samples of 336 coals, two partings, and four roof and floor mudstones were collected from mineable coal seams. Major elements and selected trace elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HAAS). The depositional environment, abundances, distribution, and modes of occurrence of trace elements were investigated. Results show that clay and carbonate minerals are the principal inorganic constituents in the coals. A lower deltaic plain, where fluvial channel systems developed successively, was the likely depositional environment of the Permian coals in the Huainan coalfield. All major elements have wider variation ranges than those of Chinese coals except for Mg and Fe. The contents of Cr, Co, Ni, and Se are higher than their averages for Chinese coals and world coals. Vertical variations of trace elements in different formations are not significant except for B and Ba. Certain roof and partings are distinctly higher in trace elements than underlying coal bench samples. The modes of occurrence of trace elements vary in different coal seams as a result of different coal-forming environments. Vanadium, Cr, and Th are associated with aluminosilicate minerals, Ba with carbonate minerals, and Cu, Zn, As, Se, and Pb mainly with sulfide minerals.
Huainan coalfield↗
Preliminary report on uranium deposits in the Miller Hill area, Carbon County, Wyoming
A sequence of radioactive rocks of Miocene (?) age, the Browns Park formation, in the Miller Hill area of southern Wyoming is more than 1,000 feet thick. The formation crops out in an area of approximately 600 square miles, and consists of a basal conglomerate, tuffs, tuffaceous limy sandstones, and thin persistent radioactive algal limestones. Uranium is concentrated in both algal limestones and in tuffaceous limy sandstones. The uranium is believed to have been deposited. at least in part with the sediments, rather than to have come in at a later date. The highest uranium values were found in a widespread algal limestone bed, which contains as much as 0. 15 percent uranium. Values of 0.01 percent uranium or more were obtained from 8 samples taken from approximately 220 feet of stratigraphic section in the Browns Park formation. This is the first reported occurrence of limestone source rock from Wyoming that has been found to contain a commercial grade of uranium. The economic possibilities of the area have not been determined adequately and no estimates of tonnage are warranted at the present time. An airborne radiometric survey was made by the Geophysics Branch of the Geological Survey, of the west half of the area, recommended by the writer for investigation. Ground check of all anomalies reported at that time showed that they were in localities where the background radiation was much higher than average. Additional localities with high background radiation were found on the ground in the area east of that which was flown.
Wyoming↗
Stratigraphic sections of the Phosphoria formation in Wyoming, 1952
The U.S. Geological Survey has measured and sampled the Phosphoria formation of Permian age at many localities in Wyoming and adjacent states. These data will not be fully synthesized for many years, but segments of the data, accompanied by little or no interpretation, are published as preliminary reports as they are assembled. This report, which contains abstracts of the sections measured in western Wyoming (fig. 1), during 1952, is the fourth Wyoming report of this series. The field and laboratory procedures adopted in these investigations are described rather fully in a previous report (McKelvey and others, 1953a). Many people have taken part in this investigation. T. M. Cheney participated in the description of strata and the collection of samples referred to in this report and T. K. Rigby assisted in the collection of samples. The laboratory preparation of samples for chemical analysis was done in Denver, Colo., under the direction of W. P. Huleatt.
Wyoming↗
Stratigraphic sections of the Phosphoria formation in Wyoming, 1951
The U.S. Geological Survey has recently measured and sampled the Phosphoria formation at many localities in Wyoming and adjacent states. These data will not be fully synthesized for many years, but segments of the data, accompanied by little or no interpretation, are published as preliminary reports as they are assembled. This report, which contains abstracts of the sections measured in western Wyoming (fig. 1) during 1951, is the third Wyoming report of this series. The field and laboratory procedures adopted in these investigations are described rather fully in a previous report (McKelvey and others, 1953b). Many people have taken part in this investigation. J. W. Hill, H. W. Peirce, J. A. Peterson, and R. A. Smart participated in the description of strata and the collection of samples referred to in this report. The laboratory preparation of samples for chemical analysis was done in Denver, Colo., under the direction of W. P. Huleatt.
Wyoming↗
Radioactivity at the Copper Creek copper lode prospect, Eagle district, east-central Alaska
Investigation of radioactivity anomalies at the Copper Creek copper lode prospect, Eagle district, east-central Alaska, during 1949 disclosed that the radioactivity is associated with copper mineralization in highly metamorphosed sedimentary rocks. These rocks are a roof pendant in the Mesozoic "Charley River" batholith. The radioactivity is probably all due to uranium associated with bornite and malachite.
Alaska↗
Reconnaissance for radioactive deposits in the Hyder district, southeastern Alaska, 1949
Radioactivity reconnaissance during 1949 in the Hyder district, southeastern Alaska, revealed that radioactive material is widely distributed on the Mountain View property. However, no uranium deposits of commercial value were found in the restricted parts of the district covered by this investigation. Anomalous radioactivity was detected at a number of localities on the Mountain View property, but the source could not be determined at all sites. The most highly radioactive unconcentrated vein sample collected Sn 1949 contained 0.049 percent equivalent uranium, and the most Intensely radioactive vein-material concentrate (specific gravity greater than 2.89) contained 0.398 percent equivalent uranium. Both samples are from the Skookum tunnel on the Mountain View property. The radioactive material on the properties Investigated in the Hyder district appears to be chiefly uranium which occurs In an unidentified, highly radioactive, opaque mineral and, also, in trace amounts in the sulfides of the vein deposits. Some of the radioactive material, however, occurs as disseminated deposits In the Igneous rocks of the district and, also, to a minor extent as thin secondary coatings on fracture surfaces in veins and rocks.
Alaska↗
Stratigraphic sections of the Phosphoria formation in Idaho, 1947-48, Part I
The Permian Phosphoria formation of the western states contains one of the world's largest reserves of phosphate. Although previous investigations (see especially Mansfield, 1927), including reconnaissance geologic mapping and sampling, established the location of most of the important deposits and their quality of scattered localities, they were not sufficiently detailed to permit a comparison of the merits of individual deposits or an appraisal of the reserves of phosphate rock that might be available under present economic conditions. Because the growing importance of the western phosphate deposits requires a better, more detailed understanding of their distribution and quality, the Geological Survey began in 1947 a comprehensive investigation, including (1) reconnaissance geologic mapping, mostly in Montana, of areas in which the Phosphoria formation could occur but where it had not previously been looked for or found; (2) geologic mapping, mostly in Montana, at a scale no smaller than 1:62,500, of several areas known to contain the Phosphoria formation but not previously mapped except in reconnaissance fashion; (3) geologic and topographic mapping, at a scale of 1:12,000, of some of the richest, thickest, and most accessible deposits; (4) measuring, describing, and sampling all beds of the phosphatic and shaly parts, and in some places the full thickness, of the Phosphoria formation and its stratigraphic equivalents at one or two localities per township over the entire field; (5) chemical and spectrographic analysis of the samples for phosphate, fluorine, minor metals, oil, and rock-forming constituents; and (6) petrologic and geochemical studies of the rocks and minerals of the formation. These studies are designed to define the regional and local geologic structures in which the phosphate bed lie, to provide a basis for the estimation of reserves of the inferred class over the entire region, and to determine the origin of the rocks and the elements contained in them. The data collected are not of the detail required to plan actual mining operations, but it is hoped they will guide industry in the selection of individual deposits worthy of further exploration. Most of the field work contemplated as a part of this investigation is now completed. Although the data will not be compiled or published in final form for some years to come, segments of the data, accompanied by little or no interpretation, will be published as preliminary maps or reports as they are assembled. The present report is the first of a series presenting in abbreviated form the description and analyses of the beds measured and sampled at various localities in southeastern Idaho (pl. 1). Companion reports presenting segments of the data from Montana, Wyoming, and Utah (Swanson and others, 1952, and McKelvey and others, 1952a and 1952b) are being released at the same time as this report, and others are in preparation.
Idaho↗
Airborne radioactivity surveys for phosphate in Florida
Airborne radioactivity surveys totalling 5,600 traverse miles were made in ten areas in Florida, which were thought to be geologically favorable for the occurrence of uraniferous phosphate deposits. Abnormal radioactivity was recorded in eight of the ten areas surveyed. The anomalies are located in Bradford, Clay, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Lake, Marion, Orange, Sumter, Taylor, and Union Counties. Two of the anomalies were investigated briefly on the ground. One resulted from a deposit of river-pebble phosphate in the Peace River valley; samples of the river pebble contain an average of 0.013 percent equivalent uranium. The other anomaly resulted from outcrops of leached phosphate rock containing as much as 0.016 percent equivalent uranium. Several anomalies in other areas were recorded at or near localities where phosphate deposits have been reported to occur.
Florida↗
Stratigraphic sections of the Phosphoria formation in Montana, 1951
The U.S. Geological Survey has recently measured and sampled the Phosphoria formation at many localities in Montana and other western states. These data will not be fully synthesized and analyzed for several years, but segments of the data, accompanied by little or no interpretation, are published as preliminary reports as they are assembled. This report, which contains abstracts of the sections measured in southwestern Montana (fig. 1), during 1951, is the fifth Montana report of this series. The field and laboratory procedures adopted in these investigations are described in a previous report (McKelvey and others, 1953). Many people have taken part in this investigation. Crushing and splitting of the samples in the field were done by T. K. Rigby. The laboratory preparation of samples for chemical analysis was done in Denver, Colo., under the direction of W. P. Huleatt. The P 2 0 5 and acid insoluble analyses were made for the Survey by the U.S. Bureau of Mines at the Northwest Electrodevelopment Laboratory, Albany, Oreg., under the direction of S. M. Sheldon and M. L. Wright.
Montana↗
Stratigraphic sections of the phosphoria formation in Idaho, 1950-51
The U.S. Geological Survey has recently measured and sampled the Phosphoria formation at many localities in Idaho and other western states. These data will not be fully synthesized and analyzed for several years, but segments of the data, accompanied by little or no interpretation, are published as preliminary reports as they are assembled. This report, which contains abstracts of the sections measured in southeastern Idaho (fig. 1), is one of this series and is the sixth report of data gathered in Idaho; it includes the data gathered in Idaho during 1950 and 1951. The field and laboratory procedures adopted in these investigations are described in a previous report (McKelvey and others, 1953a). Many people have taken part in this investigation. E. R. Cressman, F. D. Frieske, R. A. Gulbrandsen, H. W. Peirce, J. A. Peterson, B. K. Replogle, and M. A. Warner participated in the description of the strata and the collection of samples referred to in this report. Crushing and splitting of samples in the field were done by T. K. Rigby. The laboratory preparation of samples for chemical analysis was done in Denver, Colo., under the direction of W. P. Huleatt.
Idaho↗
Stratigraphic sections of the Phosphoria in Montana, 1947-48
The U. S. Geological Survey has recently measured and sampled the Phosphoria formation at many localities in Montana and other western states. These data will not be fully synthesized and analyzed for several years, but segments of the data, accompanied by little or no interpretation, will be published as preliminary reports as they are assembled. This report, which contains abstracts of many of the sections measured in southwestern Montana (pl. 1), is one of this series. The field and laboratory procedures adopted in these investigations are described rather fully in a companion report (McKelvey and others, 1952). Many people have taken part in this investigation. The program of which this work is a part was organized by V. E. McKelvey. J. G. Evans, J. E. Joyce, J. A. Kelleher, R. L. Konizeski, J. A. Mann, R. L. Parker, J. E Smedley, L. A. Thomas, and W. H. Wilson participated in the description of strata and collection of samples referred to in this report. The laboratory preparation of samples for chemical analysis was done in Denver, Colo., under the direction of W. P. Huleatt. All the P 2 O 5 , F, V 2 O 5 , and acid-insoluble analyses were made for the Survey by the U. S. Bureau of Mines at the Northwest Electrodevelopment Laboratory, Albany, Oreg., under the direction of S. M. Shelton and M. L. Wright. The Al 2 O 3 , Fe 2 O 3 , and loss-on-ignition analyses were about equally distributed between the Bureau of Mines and the Trace Elements Section laboratory of the Survey in Washington, D. C., under the direction of J. C. Rabbit by chemists I. Barlow, A. Caemmerer, J. Greene, N. Guttag, and E. H. Humphrey. The spectrographic analyses were made by D. M. Mortimer, of the Bureau Mines in Albany, and the oil-shale analyses were made by the Bureau of Mines Petroleum and Oil-Shale Experiment Station at Laramie, Wyo. Compilation of the data has been largely by R. P. Sheldon and F. D. Frieske. Organization of the tabular data has been largely by Anita Cozzetto.
Montana↗
Stratigraphic sections of the Phosphoria Formation in Idaho, 1949: part I
The U.S. Geological Survey has recently measured and sampled the Phosphoria formation at many localities in Idaho and other western states. These data will not be fully synthesized for many years, but segments of the data, accompanied by little or no interpretation, are published as preliminary reports as they are assembled. This report, which contains abstracts of the sections measured in southeastern Idaho (fig. 1), is one of this series and is the fourth report of data gathered in Idaho; it includes about half of the data gathered in Idaho in 1949. The field and laboratory procedures adopted in these investigations are described rather fully in a previous report (McKelvey and others, 1953a). Many people have taken part in this investigation, which was organized and supervised by V. E. McKelvey. F. J. Anderson, D. F. Davidson, R. S. Jones, R. A. Smart, R. G. Waring, and J. D. Weiser participated in the description of strata and the collection of samples referred to in this report. T. K. Rigby assisted in the preparation of trenches and the collection, crushing, and splitting of samples in the field. The laboratory preparation of samples for chemical analysis was done in Denver, Colo., under the direction of W. P. Huleatt.
Idaho↗
Stratigraphic sections of the Phosphoria Formation in Montana, 1949-50: part II
The U.S. Geological Survey has recently measured and sampled the Phosphoria formation at many localities in Montana and other western states. These data will not be fully synthesized and analyzed for several years, but segments of the data, accompanied by little or no interpretation, are published as preliminary reports as they are assembled. This report, which contains abstracts of many of the sections in southwestern Montana (fig. 1), is one of this series and is the fourth Montana report; it includes the second half of the data gathered in Montana during 1949 and 1950. The field and laboratory procedures adopted in these investigations are described rather fully in a previous report (McKelvey and others, 1953). Many people have taken part in this investigation. The program of which this work is a part was organized by V. E. McKelvey. J. L. Elliott, W. J. Garmoe, R. F. Gosman, C. W. Tandy, and W. H. Wilson participated in the description of strata and the collection of samples referred to in this report. Crushing and splitting of the samples in the field was done by T. K. Rigby. The laboratory preparation of samples for chemical analysis was done in Denver, Colo., under the direction of W. P. Huleatt.
Montana↗