Abstract: Up the Decay Chain--Perspective on Multielement Uranium Exploration Rationale

C. Warren Hunt

Topologic expression of radioactive decay products, ²¹⁴Bi ²²²Rn, and ²²⁶Ra, was determined for an area containing three radioactive anomalies. Elemental composition of the anomalies was expressed as equivalent U₃O₈. The eastern anomaly was found to be in equilibrium as to radium and radon. The central anomaly was found to be in equilibrium as to radium but has five or six times excess radon, a clear case of ambient radon entering. The western anomaly was found to contain five or six times its quota of both radon and radium--ambient radon entering and bringing with it an effusion of radium.

Although little is known of the effusion of radium, observations in the study area suggest that it (1) prefers the surface environment, (2) commonly occurs with uranium and bismuth deficiencies, and (3) is found in wet or dry environments. A radium corona seems to be maintaining itself by effusion around several orebodies that have been examined. This is thought to be caused by entrainment of radium with emanating radon. Such radium is deposited wherever the radon decays, and then generates more radon, which entrains radium, and so forth ad infinitum.

The suggestion is made that, whereas radium coronas must always exist and must be closer to their uranium sources than the corresponding radon halos, a rational multielement analysis can give direction to exploration. If progression can be established from a simple bismuth anomaly through a combination bismuth-radon anomaly to a combination bismuth-radon-radium anomaly, an elegant succession leading to undiscovered uranium will have been demonstrated. Enigmatic terranes and abandoned prospects may come to life with this technique.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90961©1978 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma