Uranium migration and geochemistry of uranium deposits in sandstone above, at, and below the water table; Part 1, Calculation of apparent dates of uranium migration in deposits above and at the water table
The distribution of the daughter products is determined by radiochemical analyses of samples from ore deposits in sandstone, and the apparent minimum and maximum dates of uranium introduction or redistribution may be calculated from the Pa231/Th230 ratio. The primary assumption required is that the protactinium and thorium do not migrate in measurable quantities from the place where they were produced by the decay of the parent uranium isotopes. The upper limit of age determination is about 250000 years, based on the half lives of Pa231 and Th230. The difference in the half lives of these isotopes is reflected in their differential rates of growth and decay corresponding to migrations of the parent uranium during the time range considered. The growth and decay patterns, analyzed mathematically, are used to determine the apparent date of uranium migration. Calculations based on analyses of samples from the Hulett Creek area, Wyoming, illustrate the results for typical sandstone ore deposits that are above and at the water table.
- Research Organization:
- Geological Survey, Denver
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- NSA Number:
- NSA-16-007755
- OSTI ID:
- 4818546
- Journal Information:
- Economic Geology, Vol. 56, Issue 8; Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-62; ISSN 0361-0128
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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