Geologic interpretation of the gamma-ray aeroradiometric maps of central and northern Florida
Total count and spectral gamma-ray contoured aeroradiometric maps of northern peninsular and panhandle Florida were field tested and found to be useful in locating potentially economic mineral deposits in some circumstances. An exposed deposit that contains radioactive minerals will exhibit radiometric contrast to the surrounding or adjacent sediment or rock. In principle, such contrast is detectable by airborne scintillation counters. Radiometric anomalies associated with deposits of placer heavy minerals, whether fluvial or marine, have radioelement spectra dominated by thorium radiation. Although no economic placer deposits were discovered, six geographic areas are indicated as favorable for more detailed exploration. Anomalies associated with phosphate, whether river-pebble, land-pebble, marine phosphorite, or hardrock deposits, have radioelement spectra dominated by uranium radiation. Abandoned phosphate pits, operating mines, and weathered outliers of phosphatic rock are outlined clearly by the aeroradiometric maps. Because prospecting for phosphate in Florida has been very extensive, no new deposits were discovered. Potash and phosphate in agricultural fertilizers have significant and highly variable effects on ground-radiometry. Radioactive calcium silicate slag (produced in making elemental phosphorus by thermal processing) is widely used as road metal. Anomalies associated with culture and cultural activity are characterized by the radioelement spectra of potassium or uranium radiation or both.
- OSTI ID:
- 6346031
- Journal Information:
- United States Geological Survey, Professional Paper; (USA), Vol. 1461
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Aerial gamma ray and magnetic survey, Fort Pierce quadrangle, Florida. Final report
Aerial gamma ray and magnetic survey: Tarpon Springs and Orlando quadrangles, Florida. Final report
Related Subjects
FLORIDA
RADIOMETRIC SURVEYS
AERIAL SURVEYING
DETECTION
EXPLORATION
GAMMA RADIATION
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
MAPPING
PHOSPHATE MINERALS
PHOSPHATE ROCKS
REGIONAL ANALYSIS
ROADS
SLAGS
THORIUM DEPOSITS
URANIUM DEPOSITS
WASTE PRODUCT UTILIZATION
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FEDERAL REGION IV
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MINERAL RESOURCES
MINERALS
NORTH AMERICA
RADIATIONS
RESOURCES
ROCKS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
SURVEYS
USA
050100* - Nuclear Fuels- Reserves
Exploration
& Mining