Aerial radiometric and magnetic reconnaissance survey of Baltimore, Washington, and Richmond quadrangles. Final Report. Volume 1. Instrumentation and methods

Technical Report · Fri Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1978

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6566973· OSTI ID:6566973

Instrumentation and methods used for a DOE-sponsored high-sensitivity, aerial gamma-ray spectrometer and magnetometer survey of the Baltimore, Washington, and Richmond NTMS, 1:250,000 scale quadrangles are described. The objective of the work was to define areas showing surface indications of a generally higher uranium content where detailed exploration of uranium would most likely be successful. A DC-3 aircraft equipped with a gamma-ray spectrometer using nine large-volume NaI detectors, two 400-channel analyzers, and ancillary geophysical and electronic equipment was used. The system was calibrated using DOE calibration facilities at Grand Junction, Colorado, and Lake Mead, Arizona. Gamma-ray spectrometric data were processed to correct for variations in atmospheric, flight, and instrumental conditions and were statistically evaluated to remove the effects of surface geologic variations. The resulting first-priority uranium anomalies (showing simultaneously valid eU, eU/eTh, and eU/K anomalies) were interpreted to evaluate their possible origin and significance. Results of the interpretation, along with significance factor profile maps, stacked profiles, histograms, and statistical summary tables, are presented in separate individual quadrangle reports issued as Volumes 2-A through 2-C of this final report. It is concluded that, although the probability of finding large economic uranium deposits (as judged by today's standards) is not considered great based on present known occurrences, the strongest first-priority uranium anomalies deserve follow-up investigation to determine their cause and to evaluate further the uranium potential of the area.

• Research Organization: Texas Instruments, Inc., Dallas, TX (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: EY-76-C-13-1664
• OSTI ID: 6566973
• Report Number(s): GJBX-133(78)(Vol.1); TRN: 79-003915
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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