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TRACING URANIUM RICH ENVIRONMENTS BY CHLORIDE-36 CONCENTRATIONS OF GROUNDWATER
Abstract
Using 36Cl dissolved in groundwater as a monitor of sub-surface neutron fluxes makes it possible to reconstruct information on the U and Th contents of the rocks interacting with the groundwater flow. In particular, the concentrations of radioelements such as uranium and thorium can be evaluated, which are the dominant source of the subsurface neutron flux. This can provide important information in connection with exploration of uranium ore deposits. Based on the results of several case studies from aquifers in crystalline and sedimentary rocks with moderate to high uranium contents it is demonstrated that groundwater especially from uranium ore deposits shows characteristic 36Cl concentrations which are high above today’s levels of atmospheric precipitation even for young groundwater of short residence times.
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References11
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