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U.S. Department of Energy
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Hydrogeochemical and stream sediment reconnaissance basic data for Laredo NTMS Quadrangle, Texas

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5719900

Results of a reconnaissance geochemical survey of the Laredo Quadrangle, Texas are reported. Field and laboratory data are presented for 655 groundwater and 246 stream sediment samples. Statistical and areal distributions of uranium and possible uranium-related variables are displayed. Results of groundwater analysis indicate a north-south trending area in the center of the quadrangle (Duval, Webb, and Zapata Counties) as being most promising for uranium mineralization; these waters are derived mainly from the Catahoula Formation. This groundwater has high concentrations of the uranium pathfinder elements and low concentrations of specific conductance in the high uranium area. Another area showing promise of uranium mineralization is in the northeastern portion of the quadrangle (Jim Wells County) with wells producing from the Evangeline Aquifer. Three areas are indicated by stream sediment data as having potential for uranium mineralization: northwestern Duval and northeastern Webb Counties, northwestern Webb County, and southwestern Webb County. The north central area shows the most promising uranium values from streams draining the Catahoula-Frio Formations and the Jackson Group. Uranium in this area is apparently associated with heavy and/or resistate minerals. The Catahoula also has a large concentration of volcanic ash and is believed to be a major host of uranium in the survey area. Samples from streams draining the El Pico Clay in the northwest have high values of uranium, arsenic, calcium, iron, magnesium, and vanadium. High U-FL values in streams draining the Yegua Formation, in the west central portion of the quadrangle, appear to be associated with high values of aluminum and sodium and to some extent arsenic, calcium, and vanadium.

Research Organization:
Union Carbide Corp., Oak Ridge, TN (USA). Nuclear Div.
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
OSTI ID:
5719900
Report Number(s):
K/UR-131
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English