Wide-spaced uranium geochemical survey in the Plainview, Lubbock, and Big Spring Quadrangles, Texas

Technical Report · Thu Dec 29 23:00:00 EST 1977

OSTI ID:6723978

Nichols, C E; Butz, T R; Cagle, G W; Kane, V E

Results of a reconnaissance geochemical survey at a nominal sample spacing of 16 km are reported for the Plainview, Lubbock, and Big Spring Quadrangles in northwest Texas. Stream sediment, stream water, and groundwater were analyzed for about 25 parameters. Deltaic and fluviatile facies dominate the Permian and Triassic rocks which crop out in the survey area. Ratio of total U to acid-leachable U is used to interpret anomalous values of U in stream sediments. High values of U, Cr, Mn, Ti, V, and Zr in stream sediments may be attributed to heavy minerals. Based on this concept and considering other elements indicative of sandstone uranium mineralization, the most interesting area indicated by stream sediments is in the Big Spring Quadrangle. In stream waters, U, Se, As, V, Mo, and B suggest that the most favorable area is in the western part of the Lubbock and Big Spring Quadrangles. The eastern half of the Lubbock and Plainview Quadrangles contain areas of marginal favorability. In groundwater, U, As, Mo, Se, bicarbonate, and V also indicate a favorable area in the western part of the Lubbock and Big Spring Quadrangles. North of this is an area of secondary favorability in the Plainview Quadrangle. (DLC)

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant, TN (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-26
• OSTI ID: 6723978
• Report Number(s): K/UR-10; GJBX-73(78)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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